This is the first look at the new generation Volkswagen Golf…and Polo and Beetle for that matter.
It’s called Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matix (MQB is the German equivalent) and in fact it will be the underpinnings of the next generation models across the entire Volkswagen Group brands – Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat.
The MQB enables Volkswagen to standardize chassis technology across brands and classes for variety and production simplicity. For example the compact Polo and large Sharan people mover can be built on the same assembly line.
The first vehicles to feature this new technology will be the next generation Golf and Audi A3. But, just looking at the Volkswagen brand, it will be rolled out to include Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and CC as well as Touran and Sharan (the last two not sold in Australia).
With MQB all engines and transmissions are mounted identically – and those engines and transmissions will be Volkswagen’s all-new EA211 petrol engines (including the world’s first four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation) and EA288 diesels. Volkswagen says the new powerplant lineup will reduce engine and gearbox combinations by 90 per cent, even taking into account upcoming hybrid and electric motors (the electric Golf Blue-e-Motion is due in 2013).
As well as simplifying the production process, the MQB system will reduce weight and enable Volkswagen to cost-effectively introduce 20 new safety and infotainment technologies it has under development. Among these is ‘multicollision brake’ – a system which automatically applies maximum braking force after an initial impact to reduce the severity of a second impact (particularly applicable if the driver is disabled or disoriented after the first impact) – due to be standard fitment in the all-new Golf and Audi A3.
Technical input for the MQB came from other Volkswagen Group brands – Audi with its Modular Longitudinal System (MLB), the Modular Standard System (MSB) from Porsche and new systems designed for the Group’s ground-breaking compact cars Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii.
