TheGayUK were fortunate enough to have been invited to the launch of the Mk7 Golf. It wasn’t exactly a new launch but more an update of an existing model. Ever since the Beetle, VW have had a tendency to bring in updates as and when to make a product better. Let’s put it this way, there were more than enough updates to cause a relaunch.
Changes visually were down to lights and bumpers. It’s the technology that lives under the skin that was the main focus. Good news for the Golf driver was prices were down around £650 on average per car.
We met with Mike Orford, VW’s head of press and public relations. He gave us an over view of what Volkswagen were doing at the time. VW are going full steam to gain buyer confidence in the face of Dieselgate. So far 560,000 cars have gone through the recall, that’s just about 50%. To be honest, with the continuing sales of VW products, you would think Dieselgate was accent history. The reason being for continued European sales is that Volkswagen do make a good product.
Mike talked about new cars coming our way. Some made specifically for overseas markets. A shame really because a couple looked fine and dandy. What l did find puzzling was Volkswagens focus on being less German. If l got that right then l am perplexed. I own 2 Volkswagens myself because of the Germanic quality. This also runs true for Audi.
Being the biggest car company in the world you can guess one thing. The Golf is the biggest seller. It’s the car every manufacture has tried to emulate. Some have bettered it in places but none have ever made a car as good overall. One of the key facts is its build quality and longevity. This was born true with my old Mk2 still in its prime parked in and amongst the shiny new examples.
Did you know that there are now 113 different variants of Golf to be had? Basically that means there is now a Golf to suit everybody with prices starting from £17,625 for the 3 door 1 litre TSI to £33,935 for the 5 door, 7 speed R. These are prices without extras. It’s the extras that soon add up as the following reviews to be posted will show. For example the R model l tested was £455 cheaper than the GTE hybrid at £38,175. That GTE really is a car. I was more excited about that one than any other on the day.
In total l managed to test 4 models. The 2 already mentioned plus the Alltrack estate and a 1 litre SE Nav. It gave me a good example of what Golf now offered. Put it this way, when my Golf was new there were about 12 models available. The market has changed.
So while l take it all in, try and put it into words, here are some pictures of the event with reviews to follow…
Motoring nurse or medical motorist? It's a difficult one. By day l nurse and by night l drive.
Fingers have always been grease deep in attending the motoring of an ageing fleet. And now l write about new and old.
If you have a car or motoring product you would like reviewed here for TGUK please e mail me:
stuart.bird@thegayuk.com
Member of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers. (SGMW)
Twitter: @t2stu
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