The 7th generation (Mk7) of the Volkswagen Golf, one of the most successful nameplates in automotive history, was unveiled in Berlin today. This story began more than 38 years ago in May of 1974, when Volkswagen was looking to produce a follow-up to the Beetle. How do you follow up on a small, reliable, practical, and wildly popular car for the people? In Volkswagen’s case the answer was – make the Golf, or Rabbit as it was also called. And so, the fun little hatch was born. To date, the Golf has sold nearly 30 million units around the world, so I guess you can say that they accomplished the goal of making a successful successor to the Beetle.
Today, Volkswagen is once again looking to the future. They are looking to utilize the new MQB modular architecture to increase the size, cut the weight, cut the costs, and improve the 7th generation car in every possible way. This latest version is 2.2 inches longer than the outgoing 6th generation car, and most of this additional size once again goes to the second row occupants. The car also lost 220 lbs in its latest incarnation, which is great news for all efficiency and performance enthusiasts.
2014 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 – rear view
The design is the work of Walter da Silva and the looks are more evolutionary, restrained, and classy. Why mess with success? However, no detail was left untouched. From the distance, there is no mistaking that this is a new generation, yet the silhouette is undoubtedly Golf and harkens back to the angular lines of the 3rd and 4th generations.
The updates continue to the interior as well. The look is very familiar but further refined and more upscale. Most obvious updates include the reshaped steering wheel, center air vents, and the center stack. The model pictured here is the European version. The North American car is likely to have fewer luxurious options and will be unveiled closer to its launch.
2014 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 – interior view
The new 7th generation Golf is expected to hit United States in early 2014 and the pricing will be announced closer to launch. The GTI, Golf R and other variants will follow. Volkswagen hopes that this car is what helps it become the worlds biggest automaker by 2018.
The 2013 Ford Taurus and the Chrysler 300 S both have V-6 engines, both seat 5 passengers and both have all-wheel-drive.
They also both and recently redesigned big American family sedans.
In fact to call this video Mashup Review is a stretch as both cars compete directly with each other.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two cars is that the Chrysler has 4 more horsepower at 292 versus the Ford’s 288 HP. So the obvious question is which of these two cars is better. Check out this video “Mashup” to find out.
Considering that many SUVs are now targeting soccer moms instead of off-roaders, it’s hard to imagine that these vehicles trace their origins back to World War 2. Originally designed to be both technically and visually rugged, military jeeps such as the Willys MB and the Ford GPW truly embodied machismo. Unfortunately, amid today’s focus on mass appeal and practicality, that bold utilitarian design has become a rarity. Manufacturers have traded masculine lines for more feminine curves, and current styling trends suggest that curvature is here to stay.
Bulgarian Army Mercedes G-Class
Despite this apparent shift in preferences, Mercedes Benz has successfully kept military styling intact for the last 33 years with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. Hand assembled in Austria, this feat of German engineering is probably the sole modern military vehicle available for civilian use in the U.S. today (other than the Jeep Wrangler). The G-Class has changed very little since its introduction in 1979, and this most likely stems from the fact that as a premium military jeep it has virtually no competitors. For buyers of the G-Class it’s not about mpg or futuristic design, it’s about owning something that is truly “bad-ass”.
Mercedes refers to the G-Class as having an “ageless” design with “uncomplicated elegance” and it’s obvious from the moment you look at the car. What you see is a machine dedicated to continuing the legacy of military reconnaissance vehicles. It’s a simple design but one that is more daring and aggressive than perhaps anything else available on the market today. From the distinct box-like shape to the front brush-guard and the encased spare tire mounted on the rear door, the G-Class sticks to the iconic image of army vehicles.
The G-Class includes the G550 and the G63 AMG (which starts at $134,300). The G550 has a 5.5 liter V8 engine which produces 382 hp, 391 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 7500 lbs. The AMG adds an additional 154 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque with a bi-turbo AMG engine. The G550 achieves 0-60mph in just 6 seconds and the AMG trims that time by .7 seconds (according to Mercedes). With all-time AWD as well as three lockable differentials, the G-Class is built to go places. Unfortunately this comes at the cost of a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg.
Although the G-Class is all about functionality, with a starting price at $113,000, what you get is something that is truly luxury. Standard features include bi-xenon headlights, back up camera, heated rear seats, leather interior, and weather sensing wipers. Navigation with real-time traffic information, Bluetooth, HD radio, a digital music drive, and much else is available as add-ons.
The fit and finish of the G-Class tops the standards of Mercedes Benz. What sets the Mercedes G-Class apart from any other luxury SUV available in the U.S. is its sense of rawness. It doesn’t appear to be overly styled and yet it has a depth of character that few others have achieved. The G-Class is part of a group that includes the Land Rover Range Rover and the Toyota Land Cruiser, which were also military inspired and still have a cult following around the world especially in the Middle East. These three were originally marketed as “go-anywhere, do-anything’ vehicles” and they are still upholding that heritage today.
The Mercedes G-Class is not a practical vehicle and it’s not meant to be one. It was built to take anything that the earth could put in its path and in that respect it does what Mercedes says it can. The G-Class doesn’t need to change with the times like every other vehicle you’ve seen. It knows where it’s been and it’s damn sure of where it’s going. So if you’ve recently acquired some wealth or, are looking to splurge on your next toy take a look at the G-Class, its proof that Mercedes Benz knows what it takes to survive.
Jibbin Abraham is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business and Marketing at Binghamton University. He enjoys following the latest automotive trends and developments in the U.S. as well as abroad and spends his free time reading various auto websites and blogs. His ultimate goal is to pursue a career where he can mesh his passion for business and for cars. Jibbin brings an unique perspective to TFLcar with a passionate eye toward the latest trends and comprehensive, expert and in depth automotive industry analysis.
What’s the best new sporty car that you can buy today?
Is it the new Scion FR-S or perhaps the new Subaru BRZ or perhaps a completely different new and affordable sports car.
We at The fast Lane Car are lucky to drive a different car every week so we’ve had the chance to drive many (if not most) of the best new sporty cars on the market.
We’ve also been able to test some the cars at sea level and some a mile above sea level from 0-60 MPH in real world driving.
So without further delay below are the top 5 new sporty cars that we’ve driven in 2012 for under $25,000 USD.
Jenson Button avoids first corner pileup and snaps a 10 race loosing streak with a perfect weekend at the Spa circuit for the 2012 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix this weekend. The image above shows Button sneaking past the first corner of the race as the airborne Lotus of Romain Grosjean takes out Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and several other drivers.
The teams returned to racing after a month long summer break rested and full of new ideas on how to make the cars even faster. Teams were eager to test new parts and designs, but the weather did not cooperate. Thursday and Friday practice sessions were halted by heavy rains, and when the cars did run – the wet track prevented any meaningful data to be gathered.
The Spa-Francorchamps racetrack is a legendary circuit with rich history and among driver’s most favorite. It’s 4 plus mile length, fast sweeping turns, huge elevation changes, and often wet weather make it a great challenge for the race teams and a pleasure for the fans. The track has many challenging corners, but Eau Rouge / Raidillon left-right-left uphill complex is the most memorable and even has its own #dontlift Twitter hashtag. Formula 1 cars have enough downforce to allow the drivers to remain full throttle through the entire nail biting experience.
Michael Schumacher was celebrating his 300th Grand Prix this weekend at what he calls his home race. This is the track where he had his first race and his first win a couple of decades ago. Michael’s Mercedes lost 6th gear in the latter part of the race and his podium finish began to slip away. However, the fans got a great show when Kimi Raikkonen stayed true to his “Iceman” nickname and passed Michael going into Eau Rouge. Nico Hulkenberg did the same on the following lap. Kimi and Nico finished third and forth respectively. Felipe Massa and Mark Webber were not far behind finishing fifth and sixth.
The Spa circuit was never kind to Button as he has never previously won there. However, he looked untouchable throughout the Saturday qualifying and in the race. He took the pole position, flanked by outstanding qualifying efforts from Kamui Kobayashi and Pastor Maldonado who were second and third respectively. Jenson had a good start, made it through the first turn, and immediately pulled away from the field. He did the same after the safety car restart.
The race was more complicated for Sebastian Vettel. He was fortunate to get through the carnage of the crash in turn one and then began his steady advance through the field. In the end, he finished second and about 14 seconds behind Button.
The season moves on to another legendary track next week – the fast Monza circuit of the Italian Grand Prix. Can Ferrari use their home field advantage once again, or will McLaren and Red Bull challenge for the win once again?
Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, reporter, and writer. On the weekends – you may find him at a car show, an auction, watching a race, or tinkering with a car in the garage. When not working or spending time with the family – he often scours the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
The 2013 The Nissan Rogue SV with all-wheel-drive is a popular grocery-getting Crossover that features a gas-saving CVT transmission.
Unlike a traditional transmission the Rogue’s continuously varying transmission is designed to be ultra efficient.
It’s a belt that slides up and down on a cone.
What it means in real life is that when you step on the pedal the engine winds up but the there are no gears for the Rogue to shift. Instead the belt slides up the cone into the Rogue engine’s most efficient rev range so you get better fuel economy but some of engine drone.
Check out this tech demo as Dave explains more about the 2013 2013 Nissan Rogue SV AWD or click HERE to read a review of the new Nissan Rogue.
Many mid-size sedan buyers act like lemmings, continually buying the same make of vehicle year after year. Otherwise, a lot more Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans would be bought.
Rivals to the Legacy—essentially an overlooked gem—include the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Most receive far more advertising and have a considerably larger owner body.
Not that Subaru hasn’t been around for decades. It began to get its feet as a small, cramped front-wheel drive model that nevertheless was rugged. It became a favorite for rough New England winters, and for years was known as a “New England” or “Northeast” car. Few Americans knew it scored well in tough European rallies.
Subaru began switching from inexpensive economy cars to more upscale models later than rivals. It built a terrific sports car—the SVX—in the early 1990s, but few could identify Subaru with a sports car, so the SVX eventually was dropped. However, hot-car lovers have readily accepted the more modern, very fast Subaru Impreza WRX four-seater, which had done well in tough overseas rallies.
(Times change, so Subaru recently introduced a nifty sports car called the BRZ, which is Subaru’s only rear-drive model. It was developed with Toyota’s Scion division, and has gotten good reviews.)
While, not as big as many major competitors, Subaru has moved up in the world since its switch to standard all-wheel-drive for its models. More recently, models such as the Impreza, Outback and Legacy have helped improve sales.
The Legacy got a major redesign in 2010, when it received a roomier, nicer interior.
The handsome, tightly built 2013 Legacy is much the same as the 2012 model, but has minor trim changes and revised styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper.
Legacy base prices range from $20,295 for the base 2.5i to $28,895 for the top-line 3.6R Limited. All trim levels are well-equipped, especially the higher-line ones, and have Subaru’s exceptional all-wheel-drive system.
The 2013 Subaru also has an optional new “Eyesight” option that provides such things as pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. It will stop the car at lower speeds without driver control to avoid hitting an object.
The sporty turbocharged 2.5 GT has been dropped. That leaves the Legacy with models that have either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower (up from 170) or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with 256 horsepower—unchanged from 2012.
Both compact engines have horizontally opposed pistons, as do Porsche sports car engines, to allow a lower center of gravity for better handling.
The four-cylinder comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission. The “six” comes only with a five-speed automatic.
Subaru says the four-cylinder makes the Legacy the most economical mid-size all-wheel-drive vehicle, with preliminary estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on highways.
But the “four” is a bit weak and also is noisy during fast acceleration with the CVT transmission. There’s no such problem with the six-cylinder, which was in the Legacy 3.6R Limited I tested.
The six-cylinder provided fast merging and quick 65-80 mph passing on highways. The five-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly and efficiently, and its manual shift feature, via steering wheel paddles, also worked well. Fuel economy is an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on highways.
The steering is firm, but nicely geared and accurate. A thick steering wheel provides a good grip. The ride is comfortable, with the suspension soaking up bumps, and the brakes work strongly and have good pedal feel. I easily swept through freeway on- and off-ramps at above-average speeds, although that showed that the seats could use more side support.
This is an exceptionally roomy car, especially in the rear, and occupants sit high.
The large trunk has a low, wide opening, with a lid that raises smoothly on twin struts. Split rear seatbacks, which have release handles in the trunk, fold flat to enlarge the cargo area.
My test car’s quiet interior looked upscale. There was a fair amount of plastic in the dashboard area, but it looked like high-grade stuff. Brightly lit backlit gauges could be quickly read in sunlight. Controls were easily reached. But sound system controls and the dashboard screen used with them often can’t be easily utilized when driving. Large outside mirrors assist rear vision.
The air conditioning worked well on 90-plus-degree days, but the driver’s power front window raced up and down so quickly that it was difficult to stop midway.
Sun visors with slide-out extensions to block out more of the sun are a nice touch, especially when driving into the sun during late afternoons. Door pockets are too slim to be of much good, and a thick owner’s manual occupies most of the glove compartment. But the console has a large, covered bin. And front cupholders are conveniently positioned.
The hood raises on twin struts, and fluid-filler areas can be easily reached. As with the trunk lid, the hood is lined.
The 2013 Legacy delivers a lot for the money and deserves more consideration from the generally conservative folks who shop for mid-size sedans.
– Buy it
– Lease it
– Rent it or
-Forget it
I recommend that you Buy It!
Prices: $20,295-$28,895
Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times–far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.’s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008. For more of Dan’s thoughtful and insightful reviews please visit his web site HERE.
The 2026 Kia K4 hatchback gives interested buyers another option in a time where hatches have been losing ground to crossovers. Here are all the details!
Jeep says the Jeep Wrangler 392 V8 is about to meet its maker...but with recent developments at Stellantis we're skeptical that's actually going to happen.
