New 2013 VW Golf Mk7 specs and details

The all-new 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be lighter, more efficient and more practical than the current Golf. First pictures of the all-new Golf Mk7 will be revealed on Whatcar.com on Tuesday, September 4 at 8.30pm.

Volkswagen released details of the new Golf - which goes on sale later this year - at an exclusive preview last month.

Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel in its construction, and a range of weight-saving measures throughout the car, the new Golf is up to 100kg lighter than the current car.

Just published: Read the full new VW Golf review >>

In combination with a new range of engines, improved aerodynamics and other efficiency-boosting measures, CO2 emissions have been reduced by an average of 13.9% across the range. The most efficient Golf Bluemotion TDI model emits just 85g/km of CO2 and averages 88mpg.

The new Golf is based on the VW Group MQB platform, which is also used for the latest Audi A3 and the 2013 Seat Leon. It'll be used for a range of other models, too, including the new VW Tiguan and Touran.

At 426cm, the 2013 Golf is 5.6cm longer than the current model. It's 1.3cm wider, but 2.8cm lower. The wheelbase is 5.9cm longer and VW claims that interior packaging is improved, with a longer, wider cabin space. Headroom has been slightly reduced, but we've sat in the front seats and six-footers still have plenty of space to spare.

VW hasn't released full technical details yet, but it has confirmed that the entry-level engine will be a 1.2 TSI petrol. There'll also be a 1.4 TSI petrol with cylinder-deactivation technology, which shuts down two of the cylinders under light engine loads to save fuel.

Full details of the new VW Golf will be revealed on September 4, ahead of a public debut at the 2012 Paris motor show on September 27. It'll go on sale in late 2012; deliveries are expected from January 2013.

Read the current VW Golf review >>

2013 VW Golf: prices and interior

By Leo Wilkinson