Improved comfort and dynamics. Volkswagen has enhanced and perfected the Golf Variant’s running gear. In particular, tyre comfort has been further improved. In addition, a new driving dynamics control system was developed for the eighth Golf Variant: the standard Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The balance between maximum comfort and maximum dynamics has been significantly improved – especially in conjunction with the optional adaptive chassis control DCC; the driving dynamics characteristics have also been significantly enhanced. If the Golf Variant is frequently used off-road, it can also be ordered with heavy-duty running gear, engine skid plate and stone deflector.
The Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager controls both the XDS function and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled dampers (optional DCC). The self-steering behaviour of the vehicle can be significantly influenced by slight wheel-specific braking interventions as well as targeted wheel-selective adjustment of the damper hardness. The already neutral and stable vehicle handling in the basic configuration is further enhanced as a result. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager permits selection of the right control system at the right time for any driving manoeuvre. This avoids undesirable superposition or neutralisation of the effects of the XDS and DCC systems; the systems therefore work together perfectly and play a decisive part in shaping the dynamic character of the Golf Variant. The handling and steering behaviour is much more precise thanks to the use of the enhanced DCC and XDS function; the control interventions are even more sensitive than before. The dynamic roll movements of the vehicle are also reduced and damped more effectively; the new Golf Variant therefore responds perceptibly faster to the driver’s steering commands and can be driven even more intuitively right to the limits.
Adaptive chassis control (DCC). The optional adaptive chassis control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres, for example. By means of the set driving profile, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second. This ensures that DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and ideal driving dynamics in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. In the new Golf Variant, the vehicle setup can also be extended in INDIVIDUAL mode beyond the existing range of the fixed COMFORT, ECO and SPORT modes. Using a digital slider, the driver can individually and precisely set and store their personal driving profile. The slider also continuously influences the lateral dynamics of the Golf Variant via DCC and XDS. It is now also possible to apply intermediate settings in between the familiar modes. In addition, the Golf Variant offers enhanced adjustment ranges exceeding the previously known limits: beyond the COMFORT setting, the body is “decoupled” from the road surface as much as possible, thus boosting driving comfort. After SPORT mode there is an additional adjustment range that features maximum damping for minimum body movement and exceptionally direct vehicle reactions.
McPherson front axle. At the front of the Golf Variant, a McPherson front axle (track 1,549 mm) with lower wishbones and track-stabilising scrub radius ensures optimal handling and steering characteristics; vibration behaviour is very well balanced. A subframe is centrally positioned in relation to the front axle. This frame is designed for high rigidity and supports the steering and engine mounting parts along with the front axle components. In combination with the adaptive chassis control (DCC), the subframe is realised with an extremely rigid aluminium structure which is approximately three kilograms lighter and thus further improves driving dynamics. The weight-optimised tubular anti-roll bar effectively reduces the body roll of the Golf Variant. The rubber mounts are directly vulcanised onto the anti-roll bar; this process guarantees optimal acoustic characteristics as well as outstanding driving dynamics responsiveness. The bonded rubber mountings of the transverse links have been optimised for enhanced comfort and higher steering precision.
Torsion beam rear axle. Every Golf Variant below 110 kW output and with front-wheel drive is delivered with a torsion beam rear axle. The modular lightweight axle (track 1,519 mm) consists of a transverse profile open at the bottom, into which an insert plate is welded on each of the outer ends. Different torsion rates can be achieved by differences in the length of the insert plates. This approach provides a significant weight benefit compared with a welded-in tubular anti-roll bar. The arrangement of a transverse profile that is open at the bottom also optimises the roll behaviour and transverse rigidity. The modular lightweight axle is ideally suited to small engines, and also provides outstanding comfort and handling characteristics in combination with the McPherson front axle. An axle with a higher torsion rate is used in combination with the optional sports running gear. The locating mounts of the axle are designed as hydro-bushes to increase driving comfort and the acoustic properties of the axle.
Multi-link rear axle. From an engine output of 110 kW, Volkswagen combines the McPherson front axle with a multi-link rear axle. This axle is also used in all the all-wheel drive (4MOTION/Alltrack) versions of the Golf Variant. The main focus for Volkswagen here was on the areas of kinematics, acoustics, weight and modularity. The basic concept of consistently separating longitudinal and transverse rigidity has been retained. The low longitudinal rigidity of the axle is generated by the soft axle locating mount of the trailing arm to further increase driving comfort. The kinematic and elastokinematic axle characteristics have been revamped compared with the axle on the predecessor: modified transverse link mounts and newly designed hub carriers significantly improve steering precision and driving stability. The track and camber values are set individually as required for each vehicle type via eccentric bolts on the spring link and upper transverse link. The connection of the tubular anti-roll bar and shock absorber at the spring link is a key design feature; this reduces the forces within the axle.
Two steering systems Two different steering systems are available for the new Golf Variant. A steering rack with linear ratio is used in the basic version. In comparison with the predecessor, the ratio of this steering system is now noticeably more direct, reflecting the smaller steering angle requirement and allowing more instantaneous vehicle response. A progressive steering system is again optionally available and as standard in conjunction with the Golf Variant R-Line. This features an even more direct on-centre ratio with only two steering wheel turns from lock to lock. New algorithms have been established in the software of both systems which in particular further enhance the dynamic response of the steering.