Volkswagen is introducing a new Golf to the worldwide market: The “Variant” that is as spacious as it is variable. On June 1, dealers will be presenting the model in Germany; all other countries and continents will follow successively. The new Variant – like the classic Golf and the Golf Plus (including CrossGolf) – is already in its third single remake of the successful “Golf” album.

2007 Volkswagen Golf Variant

Specifications
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  • Model: 2007 Volkswagen Golf Variant
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Golf produced more than 1.2 million Variant since 1993


Over two generations were sold since 1993 in more than 1.2 millions Golf’s Variant.  Now there is a new one:  For the first time presented the third generation of the Golf Variant in a world premiere comes to the International Geneva Motor Show (8. until 18 March). 


Like always Variant model makes the Golf an ideal ratio between more inside room and exterior size. Exact what was always an elementary part of its success formula: sovereign interior dimensions in manageable outside dimensions. 


Nothing other applies therefore to the new Gplf Variant:  Thanks to standard baggage comportment from Comfortline, the Golf Variant itself with five persons receives on board up to 690 liters of baggage.  As soon as the back bench is folded down, maximally 1,550 liters of volume in the 4.56 meter can be stored. 


A synthesis of new and classic style elements marks the exterior design.  The back end of the Variant shows a totally new part the Golf. While the tail-lights of the other body versions of this series are half on the back door,  in the Golf Variant they were integrated completely into the fenders. Optically they underline the large trunk.


To the launch, Volkswagen will offer the Golf Variant with two gasoline and two diesel engines.  The petrol engine performs 75 kW / 102 HP and 103 kW / 140 HP. New is the 140-PS-Version:


Almost identical performances for the diesels:  77 kW / 105 HP and 103 kW / 140 HP.  The smaller of these two TDI gives itself on 100 kilometers, 5.2 liter fuels content, what corresponds to a CO2-Emission of 137g/km.  In addition the large TDI is just as thrifty as non-polluting:  The Gulf Variant touch 205 km/h from the 2.0 TDI and consumes only 5.6 liters (CO2:  148 g/km)


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Design


A synthesis of new and classic style elements mark the design of the third Golf Variant. In its side profile the lines of the new Volkswagen strike a definite bridge to the Passat Variant. Nonetheless, the Golf Variant also exhibits a high level of independence in its side profile. An unmistakable feature here: The taillights that extend far into the car’s flanks.


The rear end of the new Variant reveals an entirely new side of the Golf. While other body versions of this model series have taillights that extend about halfway into the tailgate, on the Golf Variant they are fully integrated in the fender. Visually, they emphasize the large cargo loading width of the rear opening. And it is in fact over one meter (1,014 mm) wide. Simultaneously, the rear design of the Golf Variant assumes a very independent character with its newly designed taillights.


On the other hand, there are well-known Volkswagen design features reminiscent of the Passat Variant: The rear window that wraps around to the D pillars (another indicator of its wide cargo loading ability) and roof edge spoiler, which as a trailing edge optimizes aero­dynamics and thereby attains lower fuel consumption). Air drag coefficient: cW = 0.31. At the same time, the spoiler accentuates the distinctively sporty image of the new Golf Variant.


Since its debut three decades ago, the Golf has been as unmistakable as a fingerprint. One of the secrets of its worldwide success is that Volkswagen was able to create an absolutely “counterfeit-proof” original in the Golf, which was to be the direct successor to the Beetle. This design was maintained, perfected and extended to be the stylistic reflection of the brand. The Golf Variant now joins this one-of-a-kind product line.


Front end with insignia radiator grille


The newly designed and aerodynamically optimized front end of the Golf Variant sports a chrome insignia radiator grille. In keeping with this visual cue, the bumper was also designed with chrome guard strips. Also unmistakable: The dual round headlamps – with their laterally arranged turn signal lights – that “taper” sharply toward the car centerline.


Unmistakable design in side profile


The side profile of the new Golf Variant exhibits five main elements: The wedge-like line rising toward the rear beneath the side windows, the visual continuity of the side window surfaces, the substantially modulated flanks in the area of the rear doors, the taillights that wrap around and extend far into the fenders, and the D pillar that is characteristically formed at an angle.

The latter deserves special attention, since it is markedly different from the predecessor model and imparts an extraordinarily sporty aspect to the new Volkswagen. Geometrically, it forms the chord of a tight arc that lends power to the Variant body. Very narrow gap dimensions perfect the high level of aesthetics in the design.

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Body / Interior



The everyday utility realized throughout the Golf Variant begins with effortless access to the cargo area. The cargo door can be unlocked either by central locking or by a separate key on the RF remote fob before it is opened by a pushbutton located beneath the VW logo. The tailgate swings 2.06 meters wide and is easy to close again with little effort by grasping special hand holds molded into the interior trim.

More space for greater flexibility: 15.9 centimeters longer


The body of the new Golf Variant is 178.1 centimeters wide, 150.4 centimeters high and 455.6 centimeters long. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a gain of 4.6 centimeters in width and 15.9 centimeters in length. Compared to the classic Golf hatchback, although the Variant has an identical wheelbase (257.8 centimeters) it has grown by 35.2 centimeters: This is the kind of growth that especially counts in terms of increased cargo capacity.

High level of functionality and quality characterize the interior


In the interior of the new Golf Variant, Volkswagen is also continuing on a path marked by a high level of functionality, tactile and visible quality, and a high level of visual aesthetics. Of course, in a station wagon model it is primarily the functional and practical advantages of the cargo area that stand in the forefront.

Loading of the cargo area is made easier by a low 57 centimeter liftover height. When the cargo partition net is installed, the new model can carry 690 liters of cargo, even with five persons on board. If it is loaded to the roof liner, as much as 745 liters fit in the car; when loaded to window level out to the load sill this still amounts to 560 liters (with spare wheel well). When the rear bench seat is folded, its full interior height (0.83 meters) and spare wheel well can be utilized, and up to 1,550 liters of cargo (VDA measurement: 1,495 liters) can be stowed in the new Volkswagen, 80 liters more than on the predecessor model.

When the rear bench is folded, the continuously flat cargo area of the new Golf Variant up to the driver’s seatback measures 1.70 meters. Bins are also waiting to be filled under the cargo floor and in the side paneling. Even when the standard factory-installed asymmetrical split bench is not lowered, a respectable 1.07 meters of cargo length is still available. Maximum width: 1.29 meters. Its liftover height of just 57 centimeters makes it easier to stow cargo.

Well thought-out: Folding rear bench seat


The cargo area is variable in its potential uses. It is as easy as child’s play to stow the factory-installed asymmetrical split bench rear seat, for example. Release buttons next to the outer head restraints disengage the seatbacks from their anchorages so that they can be folded forward.

Clever: A red indicator, visible from the front seats too, serves as a warning if one of the two rear seatbacks is not fully engaged after lifting the seatback up again. As a special option the front passenger seatback can also be folded forward, resulting in a continuous loading surface.

The rear bench seat – i.e. the seat surface – can also be folded with just a few hand movements. First, the front end of the seat base is elevated slightly by pulling on the handle provided for this, and then the upholstered seat unit is folded forward. The head restraints are removed first, to allow the seatbacks to fit into the space that is freed up.

The variability of the interior is also enhanced by the center armrest in the rear seating area, which is standard equipment starting at the Comfortline level. When folded down, it creates an especially large through-loading opening to the cargo area, making it easy to stow long and bulky sports equipment such as skis.

Cargo safety: Practical solutions


To protect against cargo shifting into the passenger area during a collision or hard braking, the new Golf Variant can be equipped with a cargo partition net. Normally, it is installed behind the rear bench seat. However, when the rear seatback is folded forward, the net can be anchored near the front seatbacks.

Providing for additional cargo safety are four tie-down eyes located on the right and left side panels in the cargo area, and at the front of the cargo area. When they are not in use, they can be folded away without leaving any corners or edges protruding.

Another extremely practical way to secure individual objects in the cargo section is to use the variable cargo floor. It is set in place manually and latches securely in the notches provided for it. Smaller objects, especially flat objects, will also fit in the recess beneath the variable cargo area floor.

Just as practical: The special bag hooks that can be folded out from the side paneling. They are standard equipment and prevent the contents of store bags from spilling in the cargo area during the drive. Auxiliary 12-Volt outlets enable connection of coolers and other electrically operated appliances. The first aid kit and hazard triangle are at an easy-to-reach location behind a cover in the left side panel of the cargo area.

Creates a bright ambiance: The new panorama sunroof


As a special equipment option, and even standard on the Golf Variant Sportline, Volkswagen is offering a newly designed panorama sunroof. With a length of 1.36 meters and width of 0.87 meters, its transparent surface spans a large section of the interior, creating a light-filled, friendly ambiance.