Volkswagen has announced that the next-generation Golf hatchback should be here in late 2012 or early 2013, according to a recent report. This will be the seventh-generation of the famous VW hatchback.
When one says small hatchback, it’s hard not to think of the Volkswagen Golf. After all, the Golf has been around since 1974 and has become the brands best selling vehicle. Every generation has been a runner-up in the European Car of the Year awards, with the Mk3 taking home the title in 1992. In 2007, more than 25 million units were produced since its inception, making it the world’s third best-selling model.
Needless to say, with all that history, Volkswagen’s future plans depend on the Golf. It has been stated numerous times that the VW Group plans to surpass Toyota and become the world’s largest automaker by 2018 and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Golf is vital part of these plans.
A VW spokesperson recently stated that the next Golf would be here by the end of 2012 or early 2013, according to Automotive News. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn previously stated the new Golf would be ready in November 2012 and while that timeframe fits the latest report, no month was given.
The new Golf will be the first to ride on the company’s new MQB architecture. The new modular transverse architecture should give the company massive savings in the financial department, thanks to its ability to be used across all brands.
Due to this cost saving measure, one has to assume that based on VW's current price slashing, the new Golf might be a bit cheaper. One can only hope that the Volkswagen's price hammer doesn't come down too hard, as it did on the Jetta. The current Golf features one of the best interiors on the market with the build quality of a brick building and it would be a shame to change that.
Given the fact that the Golf usually hits the European market first, one can assume a 2012 launch date for Europe and a 2013 date in the United States.
Audi will pave the way with their small hatchback in the middle of 2012. This vehicle will be the first to ride on the MQB.
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