As for that adage, you can kind of see why: the design is more subtle evolution rather than balls-out design fantasy. Says design chief Water de Silva: “One of the keys to the Golf’s success lies in its [design] continuity.” Underneath however, the car sits on something very important indeed, the MQB platform; a platform that will underpin a whole new generation of VW-group models.
And that means that this new Golf is now 100kg lighter than before, around the average size of an American’s Golden Retriever. The MQB platform – which standardises many parts across brands and classes – has been adapted to make the new car 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than its predecessor. Rebigulation appears to be the key to progress, here. These extra millimetres have freed up vital space inside too, as the ‘Dub now boasts a bigger boot, more rear legroom, front shoulder room and more space for your freakishly large elbows.