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In Brief: The new Golf 4MOTION – The launch of one of the world’s most fuel-efficient 4WD cars

The Golf 4MOTION impresses with low consumption of less than five litres

Permanent 4-wheel drive with fifth generation Haldex coupling

Wolfsburg / Kitzbühel, 28 January 2013 – Volkswagen is expanding the new Golf range: following the models with front-wheel drive launched at the end of 2012, the versions with 4MOTION all-wheel drive are now being unveiled. Volkswagen is thus continuing the long tradition of four-wheel drive Golf models – the first Golf with four driven wheels made its debut back in 1986. The new Golf’s permanent four-wheel drive system is one of the most modern and efficient of its kind in the world. In this latest version of the Golf 4MOTION Volkswagen is using a four-wheel drive system with an enhanced, fifth-generation Haldex coupling. The intelligently controlled 4MOTION drive weighs 1.4 kilograms less than the previous system, requires no pressure accumulator and reacts extremely quickly to every conceivable influence exerted on it. The result is greater active safety and improved handling.

15 per cent lower fuel consumption. Volkswagen is offering the new Golf 4MOTION in Europe in three levels of specification (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline) and with two turbo diesel engines that provide both high torque and great fuel efficiency. The common rail four-cylinder engines deliver 77 kW / 105 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS and consume just 4.5 / 4.7 litres of fuel respectively per 100 kilometres. Just how efficiently the four-wheel drive Golf works is shown by a fuel consumption comparison between the 103 kW / 140 PS version of the old Golf 4MOTION and the new 150 PS model: despite being 10 PS more powerful, the 2013 Golf 4MOTION consumes 0.8 litres (15 per cent) less diesel.

High tech as standard. Like the front-wheel drive versions the new 4MOTION models are equipped as standard with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. Also included as standard even on the base version (Trendline) are features such as the four-wheel EDS (electronic differential locks on both axles), the XDS front and rear axle transverse lock, the electronic stabilisation programme, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, seven airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, electric windows front and back, a multi-function display (on-board computer) and a TFT display with touchscreen operation. The premium payable for the permanent four-wheel drive system on the Golf 4MOTION – sold fundamentally as a four-door vehicle – is €1,800 in Germany.

The new Golf 4MOTION – 4-wheel drive and chassis

Any loss of traction is prevented before it happens. The Golf’s 4MOTION system, further perfected by enhancements including Haldex 5 coupling, becomes active even before any wheel starts to slip. Any loss of traction can thus be almost completely eliminated. To do this the system uses an advanced control function based on the respective driving conditions. When under a relatively low load or when coasting, forward drive comes primarily from the front axle, with the rear axle decoupled. This basic setting saves fuel. If needed, however, the rear axle is seamlessly engaged. This is done by the Haldex coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

Situation-based power distribution. A control unit permanently calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and regulates via activation of the oil pump the extent to which the multi-plate clutch should be closed. The contact pressure at the clutch plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The amount of torque that is transferred can be varied continuously using the level of pressure applied to the clutch plates. Even when driving off and accelerating quickly, the wheels of the Golf are prevented from spinning, as the control unit regulates the torque distribution in line with the dynamic axle loading. Activation of the Haldex 5 coupling is based primarily on the engine torque demanded by the driver. In parallel with this a so-called driving status identification system within the four-wheel drive control unit assesses parameters such as the wheels’ speed of rotation and the angle of turn. Almost 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle, as required.

Rear axle always available. When manoeuvring or going around tight corners any build up of pressure on the drive train is avoided by reducing the torque exerted on the Haldex coupling. The opposite happens in the event of heavy and rapid acceleration. In this case the coupling torque is increased with corresponding speed. Meanwhile, at high speeds the pre-control of the coupling, which is based on engine torque, is disabled in order to minimise fuel consumption. In this case front-wheel drive dominates. However, even in this situation 4MOTION remains a permanent all-wheel drive system, as the rear axle is instantly re-engaged as soon as any slippage registers on the front axle or the Golf is driven with increased lateral acceleration.

Four-wheel EDS as transverse locks. In parallel to the Haldex coupling, which acts as an inter-axle lock, the electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated into the electronic stabilisation programme take on the function of transverse locks. They ensure that if a wheel starts to spin the drive power is directed to the wheel on the opposite side within fractions of a second. While due to the design of the system the front-wheel drive Golf is fitted with EDS on the front axle alone, on the all-wheel drive Golf 4MOTION the electronic differential locks are used as so-called four-wheel EDS on the rear axle as well.

XDS improves road holding on corners. The new Golf 4MOTION is also equipped on the front and rear axles with the additional XDS function, which during fast cornering slows down the wheels on the inside of the bend, thus optimising steering. In technical terms the XDS is an extension of the function of the electronic differential locks. When the car is being driven fast, as soon as the electronics detect any excessive easing off of the load on either of the wheels on the inside of a corner, the hydraulics of the electronic stabilisation programme systematically apply brake pressure to this wheel to restore optimal traction. The XDS thus operates as a transverse lock differential that compensates against any understeer during fast cornering.

Up to 1,700kg towing capacity. With its combination of EDS and XDS systems and a rear axle seamlessly engaged via the Haldex 5 coupling the Golf 4MOTION provides significant enhancements in terms of safety and handling. It also makes a very good towing vehicle (up to 1,700kg braked towing capacity up a 12 per cent incline) and an ideal companion through snowy regions.

A new central joint for the drive shaft. Vehicles with four-wheel drive place very unique demands on occupant safety when it comes to head-on collisions. This is because the drive shaft’s effect as a strut between engine and rear axle generally has to be reduced in order to achieve optimum levels of deceleration. In the past this was achieved via very elaborate constructions inside the front tube of the drive shaft. With the introduction of the Modular Transverse Matrix the Golf now boasts a new feature: an innovative central joint in the drive shaft that both increases safety in the event of a crash and reduces weight. In a head-on impact the drive train’s front tube pushes itself into its rear tube, driving in the process through a central bearing and the central joint and thus optimising the levels of deceleration.

McPherson type front axle and high-performance rear axle. At the front on the new Golf 4MOTION a McPherson type strut axle with a wishbone below it and a roll radius that stabilises tracking ensure optimum handling and steering and balanced vibration characteristics. At the back the multi-link axle of the Golf 4MOTION has been enhanced in numerous areas. Volkswagen has also been able to improve this modular high-performance axle’s lateral strength, which is needed for steering, by adjusting the steering links’ bearings.

The new Golf 4MOTION – Engine and transmission options

Two powerful and fuel-efficient TDI engines. At launch the new Golf 4MOTION will be sold with a choice of two high-torque, fuel-efficient TDI engines. The common rail turbo-diesel direct injection engines deliver 77 kW / 105 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS respectively. Like the front-wheel drive versions the new 4MOTION models are equipped as standard with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. Power transmission between engine and four-wheel drive system is handled in each case by a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Golf 1.6 TDI 4MOTION BlueMotion Technology delivering 105 PS consumes just 4.5 litres per 100km. The Golf 2.0 TDI 4MOTION BlueMotion Technology is only slightly less frugal: it needs no more than 4.7 litres per 100km. How efficient the new Golf 4MOTION (Comfortline) – now up to 44 kilograms lighter – actually is can be seen from a fuel consumption comparison between the previous 103 kW / 140 PS model and the current Golf 4MOTION delivering 150 PS: the new model consumes 0.8 litres or 15 per cent less fuel.

Performance figures for the 1.6 TDI delivering 77 kW / 105 PS. The entry-level engine in the world of the new Golf 4MOTION is content, as outlined above, with 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km (equating to 119g/km CO2). Maximum power is produced between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, while the maximum torque of 250 Nm is available from a low 1,500 up to 2,750 rpm. With this TDI engine the Golf 4MOTION accelerates in 11.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and achieves a top speed of 187 km/h.

Performance figures for the 2.0 TDI delivering 110 kW / 150 PS. The combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per 100km (122g/km CO2) is an excellent figure – and not just for a 150 PS four-wheel drive car. The Golf 4MOTION’s 2.0-litre TDI engine has two silencer shafts and thus runs very quietly. It is between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm that it produces its highest output, with its maximum torque of 320 Nm being available from just 1,750 (up to 3,000) rpm. The Golf 2.0 TDI 4MOTION with BlueMotion Technology has a top speed of 211 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The TDI engines in technical detail. The Golf 4MOTION’s four-cylinder diesel engines (EA288) are new designs. They made their debut in 2012 with the Mk 7 Golf. Many of the components are used by virtue of the new modular diesel engine system (MDB). These include components of relevance to exhaust emissions, such as the injection system, the turbocharger and the intercooling within the air intake module. Elaborate exhaust gas recycling with cooled low-pressure EGR is also used. Another new feature on the Golf’s TDI engines is the proximity of the components for the after-treatment of exhaust gases to the engine. Also on board: oxidation catalytic converter, diesel particle filter and NOx adsorber catalyst.

The new Golf 4MOTION – Standard specification, wheels and colours

Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The Golf 4MOTION is being offered in three levels of specification: Trendline (base), Comfortline and Highline (top).

Trendline specification (extract). Even in the base Trendline version standard features include the electronic stabilisation programme, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, seven airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, electric windows all round, a multi-function display (on-board computer) and a TFT display with touchscreen operation. Also on board: asymmetrically split, fold-down rear seatback, outside temperature indicator, chrome rings around the interior vents, diffuser at the back, eco-HMI (consumption-related graphics and information on the multi-function display / instruments), electrically adjustable wing mirrors, electromechanical power steering, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, luggage compartment cover, green-tinted insulating glass, rear window wiper with interval switch, height adjustment and belt-tightening function for the seat belts in the front, 195 tyres (15 inch), height-adjustable driver’s seat, steering column with height and length adjustment, central console with storage bin, ‘Plus’ tyre pressure indicator, dust and pollen filter, variable cargo floor and central locking with wireless remote control.

Comfortline specification (in addition to Trendline; extract). The mid-range Comfortline is additionally equipped with further features that include Driver Alert system, the Composition Touch radio system with SD card interface, a parking assistance system (Park Pilot at the front and back), a more exclusive combined instrument panel and drawers underneath the front seats. Also fitted as standard: storage bin with cover in the roof, storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, illuminated vanity mirror, rear seat central armrest and load-through provision for long items of luggage, comfort seats, lumbar supports in the front, leather steering wheel and gear lever knob, chrome-look rotary light switches and mirror adjusters, 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloy wheels, fabric floor mats and an additional 12V socket in the boot.

Highline specification (in addition to Comfortline; extract). In addition to the standard features of the Comfortline, Highline adds a number of standard items of equipment including: ambient lighting, heated front seats and windscreen washer jets, chrome trim for the buttons of the electric windows, a chrome border around the VW logo on the radiator grille, automatic air conditioning, LED reading lights front and rear, a multi-function steering wheel, fog lights with integrated cornering light, 17-inch ‘Dijon’ alloy wheels, sports seats in the front (seat centre strips in alcantara, seat inner sides in fabric) and xenon headlights.

Six alloy wheels. The personalisation programme for the Golf 4MOTION includes 16-inch ‘Toronto’ and ‘Perth’ alloy wheels (with 205/55 R16 tyres), 17-inch ‘Geneva’ and ‘Madrid’ alloys (with 225/45 R 17 tyres), the ‘Dijon’ alloys fitted as standard on the Golf 4MOTION Highline and the 18-inch ‘Durban’ alloys complete with sports suspension (with 225/40 R 18 tyres).

Twelve colours: The spectrum of colours available for the Golf 4MOTION includes the standard ‘Uranium Grey’, the special colours ‘Pure White’, ‘Tornado Red’ and ‘Black’, the metallic options of ‘Night Blue’, ‘Pacific Blue’, Limestone Grey’, ‘Reflex Silver’, ‘Sunset Red’ and ‘Tungsten Silver’ and the pearl effect ‘Deep Black’ and mother of pearl effect ‘Oryx White’.

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