Hot off a possibly American manufacturing line, the next-generation Golf sets its sights on a landing strip in the 2013 model year. Volkswagen may decide to keep manufacturing of the all-new 2013 Golf in Germany for now, given all the issues with the American-built 2012 Passat, but if those issues can be cleared away soon enough, the new Tennessee plant could get production of more than the one mainstay built on Volkswagen's innovative new platform. Whether the same changes to the 2012 Passat carry over to the 2013 Golf depend largely on where it will be manufactured, since it would be silly to make so many changes for what is likely to be short-lived production in Germany, and Tennessee is already equipped to build the American custom model.
Where there's a will, there's a way, and V-dub is on a mission to get more 'Wagens in American hands than ever before by taking over the otherwise Honda- and Toyota-dominated markets. That means bringing down the cost to you by making certain models States-side with a few changes that may be hard to swallow—or very happy news, depending on your perspective. As for this reviewer, I would be very sad to see the front suspended on struts, depriving the Golf of all that refinement in its driving dynamics—but we Americans apparently like the ride cushy with a gradual steering response, so that's what we can look forward to at some point in the so-called Mark 7 Golf, even if not immediately for this 7th generation's debut. If the entry fee drops by a few grand, it's pretty much a sure sign the deed is done.
On the upside, wherever the Mark 7 Golf is built and however it is priced, it will be roomier, more upscale, greener and offered in more variety. Roomier because the new platform is more space-efficient than previous models, while also adding 2 inches to the wheelbase and width. Upscale because Volkswagen is including a dizzying list of premium-class features thanks to its new platform coming with a 20% cost cut. Greener because a plug-in electric is expected to join the lineup from its debut (though unlikely), while Volkswagen's innovative MQB platform also allows coupe and convertible body styles to join the lineup in addition to the traditional 2-door and 4-door hatch offering. These things you can rest assured are a "when" and very far from any doubt, but precisely when is still a bit up in the air.
Likely engines include the familiarly peppy pair, a 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder regular-grade gas burner and a 140-hp, 236 lb-ft of torque 2-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel, dubbed the TDI. These will very likely be paired with the usual 6-speed manual or 6-speed automated-manual transmissions sending power to the front wheels, though reportedly the torque-converting tranny was ditched for better fuel economy, so even though this Golf is 250 pounds lighter, it may still be slower with the auto-manual than previous iterations.
The plug-in EV may not hit our streets until about 2015, which is also right about the time the soft-top and coupe are due, simply because there's no concept in testing yet. However, based on the Up minicar with the Blue-E Motion prototype, the Golf EV should do 115 hp for about 93 miles before needing a charge. It would be the slowest to reach 60 mph, at a paltry 11.8 seconds, but spending no money on gas just might make the EV sit right in that happy middle ground—versus 24 mpg city/31 highway at best with the 2.5 on a stick, or 30/42 at best with the expensive TDI and automated-manual instead.
4.3 Overall rating
(4 reviews)The 2013 Golf was an excellent choice for my 16 year old daughter. It is fun, sporty but not too sporty and very cute! This is the 10th Volkswagen we have bought and will never buy another make of car....VW for the win!
I also had a 2006 Beetle with the same drivetrain. Loved it. You can have your electric cars. This thing has 600 miles of range and feels and drives like a German designed and built car.
I owned a 2011 golf for 7 yrs and no probs except for faulty sensor and under warranty. Wish to purchase another Golf TDI.
Bad a bunch of scratches all over the car. Rims were destroyed and the headliner was completely destroyed. Engine ran well and the stereo ran well but everything else was pretty much damaged or destroyed.
2013 Volkswagen Golf FAQs
How much does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf cost in Florida?
The average 2013 Volkswagen Golf costs about $7,727.63. The average price has decreased by -8.7% since last year. The 5 for sale near Florida on CarGurus, range from $8,492 to $17,858 in price.
How many 2013 Volkswagen Golf vehicles in Florida have no reported accidents or damage?
3 out of 5 for sale near Florida have no reported accidents or damage.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf?
Depending on the engine and options, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf gets between 26 and 35 MPG (or MPGe).
What fuel types are available?
Diesel, Gasoline engines are available.
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