Permanent 4-wheel drive with fifth generation Haldex coupling
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.
