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[PHOTOS] VW Previews 2015 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen today put out new information about the upcoming 2015 Volkswagen Golf, which will hit dealerships this August. The 2015 Golf will be available with either two or four doors and has dropped in weight by up to 79 pounds. Despite the significant weight reduction, the Golf has actually grown in size and carries with it a slew of new and exciting features. Let’s take a closer look at the model that marks the seventh generation of the Golf:

Video of European Preview:



2015 Volkswagen Golf: Engines and Transmissions

Drivers will have a host of options when it comes to what goes under the hood of the all-new 2015 Volkswagen Golf. Compact turbocharged and direct-injection engines are available throughout the entire Golf model range. The standard Golf gets a 1.8-liter four-cylinder EA888 TSI gas engine that sees a 6 mpg increase over the outgoing 2.5-liter five-cylinder (a 20 percent increase in fuel economy). Meanwhile the TDI trim will benefit from the all-new 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that has been named EA288. Torque, efficiency, and longevity are all expected to benefit from the diesel treatment.

The EA888 TSI manages 170 hp, which is the same maximum output as the outgoing engine, despite its increase in fuel efficiency. Reaching the torque peak of 200 lb-ft at a much lower rmp (just 1,600, down from 4,250), the Golf gets much better acceleration and produces fewer emissions. Variable cam phasing on the intake side enhances the EA888’s 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft layout. The new engine is also lighter than previous generations and is mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic (optional on the S and S with Sunroof; standard on the SE and SEL).

The EA288 TDI Clean Diesel is good for 150 hp (up 10 hp from the previous generation) and boasts 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg combined. The all-new engine features variable cam phasing on the intake and the exhaust valves. Power is sent to the wheels via either a six-speed manual of a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission; both transmissions are available regardless of trim.

2015 Volkswagen Golf: Exterior

While elements such as the sheetmetal and distinctive C-pillar and roofline remind us that this is the same Golf we have known for decades, the new front end and sloped hood hint that the seventh-gen Golf is something bold and different. Sharper headlight clusters, split by a horizontal graphic, along with a narrower grille, also set the 2015 Volkswagen Golf apart from predecessors.

Length has increased by 2.1 inches and width by 0.5 inches. Height, however, has shot down 1.1 inches. The front wheels now sit 1.7 inches farther forward for the “cab backward” look. The Golf Launch Edition will sit on 15-inch steel wheels, but the Golf S replaces steel with aluminum-alloy. The Golf S TDI Clean Diesel rides on 16-inchers (aluminum-alloy). The SE trim sees wheels bumped to 17 inches, and the SEL to 18. A sunroof is standard on all models except the Launch Edition, S, and TDI S.

SE and SEL models get foglights while a Lighting Package is available ($995) for the Golf S with Sunroof, SE, and SEL, as well as Golf TDI SE and SEL models. This package includes Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and VW’s Adaptive Front-Lighting System. Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers are available on SE models and above, as well as automatic headlights.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI Exterior Photos

2015 Volkswagen TDI Exterior Photos

2015 Volkswagen Golf: Interior

Volkswagen describes the cabin of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf as “larger” and “more mature.” The interior boasts 93.5 cubic feet of space, compared to the 92.9 of the previous model. Cargo capacity has been increased by eight percent, up to 16.5 cubic feet to the parcel shelf and then 22.8 to the roof. With the rear seats folded, the Golf boasts 52.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, up 15 percent over the outgoing model.

Many driver controls have been repositioned for improved ergonomics. The controls even feature white backlighting for a more upscale appearance. Premium materials are used throughout, including soft-touch plastics and trim pieces that are available in aluminum, chrome, and piano-black finishes.

Standard for the two-door Golf are air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity door locks, exterior mirrors, a Media Device Interface with iPod integration, and power windows. Cruise control, a leather-wrapped handbrake, a multifunction steering wheel, partial power seats, a shifter knob, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, and VW Car-Net® connected services are included on the TSI S and TDI S four-door models.

The 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all models. SE models get heatable front seats, the Fender Premium Auto System, and a rearview camera. SEL variants get Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control, keyless access with push-button start, ambient lighting with LED interior reading lights, front comfort sport seats with a 12-way power driver’s seat, and piano-black interior trim.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TSI Interior Photos

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Interior Photos

2015 Volkswagen Golf: Safety

All models boast at least six standard airbags, three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution, and Electronic Stability Control. SE and SEL models are also offered with the Driver Assistance Package.