Multi-award-winning Golf 7 continues to define the small car class with state-of-the-art lightweight design and premium equipment as standard.

New Golf is lighter and up to 16 per cent more fuel efficient.

The seventh generation Golf resets the standard for the class with impressive dynamics, safety, fuel efficiency and value.

Simply put, the new Golf improves on a successful formula but does not cost any more.

The new Golf delivers a reassuring design with fundamental improvements to key areas: its weight has been reduced, thereby reversing the often cited upward weight spiral.

Fuel economy has improved by a maximum of 16 per cent, depending on engine selection. In addition, Volkswagen is equipping the Golf with new assistance systems– some as options, and many as standard.

The hunt for every last gram of weight saving did not lead to advances being achieved at the expense of steps backwards in other areas. Volkswagen has demonstrated that the Golf stands more than ever for a democratisation of progress and for perfection in every detail: with added space; new pioneering safety systems such as the multi-collision brake system and advanced fuel efficiency measures such as BlueMotion Technology as standard.

As Volkswagen understands the need Australian drivers have to cover long distances in a single trip, all Golf 7s delivered to Australia also come standard with a potentially life-saving driver fatigue detection system, which analyses driving style in the initial kilometres of a trip, and then monitors the driver's steering and response patterns, recommending regular breaks upon detecting lapses in driver concentration.

Further adding to the comprehensive array of standard equipment are features that were previously reserved for high performance models, in this case the Extended Differential Lock (XDL) - which debuted with the Golf GTI - now fitted across the range.

Inside, occupants will not only appreciate the more spacious and practical interior but will find a premium infotainment system with a 5.8-inch display which responds to touch, as well as 'smartphonestyle' swipe and zoom hand gestures to scroll through media content. The new Golf's infotainment system is USB, SD card and Bluetooth enabled.

In conjunction with the increase in standard features, the range has been simplified both in terms of options and powertrain.

All models offer new levels of comfort and practicality, with an extra 30 litres of boot space and more legroom for passengers in the rear. The handbrake is replaced with an electronic parking brake, a feature already found in Tiguan and Touareg models, which frees more space in the cabin, allowing for greater storage space. The Golf's innovative Eco Tip function, which gives drivers advice on ways to save fuel while driving, further adds value and convenience to customers.

All models in the new Golf range boast the next generation platform and engines. The new entry model, 90TSI Golf 7, replaces the 77TSI Golf 6, with a more powerful and fuel efficient engine delivering exceptional refinement, comfort, value, safety and practicality.

The 90TSI Comfortline offers a comprehensive array of standard features including a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing windscreen wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror and automatic headlights, plus dual-zone climate control air conditioning and alloy wheels.

For the first time in the Golf line-up you now get the Highline specification in conjunction with the 103TSI and 110TDI models.

Both petrol and diesel models come comprehensively equipped respectively with standard 7 or 6-speed DSG, luxurious alcantara and cloth trim, 17-inch alloy wheels and Discover Media Satellite Navigation. The performance and economy of both Highline engines is exceptional, with the 103TSI's combined fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km setting the standard in its class.

The new Golf once again raises the benchmark to the category it created. Recently announced as European Car of the Year, followed by World Car of the Year, the Golf 7 is the embodiment of Volkswagen's 'the people's car' ethos. It is also a fitting vehicle to launch in Volkswagen's 60th year in Australia. A new icon for a new generation.