AT the Mondial de l'Automobile which started Thursday in Paris, everything at the Volkswagen show area revolves around the new Golf. In showing a prototype of the sporty Golf GTI, which is almost ready to go into full production, Volkswagen is providing a first look at the models of the future. Available across the Middle East from January 2013, the Golf is being presented to a broad audience for the first time in Paris. With its larger interior (extra legroom in the back and 30 liters more luggage space), new pioneering safety systems such as multi-collision braking fitted as standard and a proactive passenger protection system (PreCrash), plus completely redesigned information and entertainment systems, Volkswagen is aiming to continue the bestseller's success story. New, fuel-efficient engines bring consumption down to 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers (121 g/km CO2) and use up to 23 per cent less fuel than their predecessors. Optimization at this level on the new Golf is, however, not the exception, but the rule: the base models consume as petrol versions (TSI) 4.9 l/100 km (equating to 115 g CO2 /km). “The Golf is an iconic Volkswagen model that resonates with our customers around the world and in the Middle East,” said Stefan Mecha, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East. “Especially the GTI and R-line models are very well received by our customers throughout the region. We look forward to bringing the new Golf to the Middle East with the 1.2 and 1.4 liter engine models being launched in January 2013. The GTI will be introduced by mid of next year.” Proof that even sporty vehicles can be fuel-efficient is provided by the new Golf GTI concept car. At just 6.0 l/100 km the seventh generation of the sporty classic again sets a new record. The average fuel consumption of the 162 kW / 220 PS Golf GTI has been reduced in comparison to its predecessor by 1.3 liters or 18 percent. – SG
