
The seventh-generation Golf was introduced in 2013. Here are some details about the Golf 7: 1. The Golf 7 is equipped with EA211 series 1.6L and 1.4T engines. While maintaining the same displacement as the Golf 6, the power parameters of these two engines have been adjusted. The 1.6L engine delivers a maximum power of 81 kW and a maximum torque of 155 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. 2. The Golf 7 is built on Volkswagen's most advanced MQB platform, featuring a short front overhang design that positions the engine's center of gravity further rearward. This not only enhances visual appeal but also provides essential weight distribution for improved vehicle handling.

I was still in university when I bought the seventh-generation Golf. I remember it made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2013. It wasn't until March 2014 that the domestically produced version rolled off the assembly line at FAW-Volkswagen's Foshan plant and hit Chinese roads. This generation accompanied me throughout my postgraduate years, with the 2015 model adding a 1.2T engine option. The most memorable was the mid-cycle facelift in 2017, when the daytime running lights became sleek and stylish, and the digital instrument cluster looked just like Audi's. The final batches of seventh-gen models were sold during inventory clearance in early 2020. Nowadays, there are plenty of used 2015-2017 models in the secondhand market, with low-mileage examples typically going for around 80,000 yuan.

When conducting used car evaluations, the Golf VII is frequently encountered. This model had a production cycle spanning from 2013 to 2020, with initial deliveries in Germany in early 2013, while the domestic version debuted in 2014—I even visited a 4S dealership to capture promotional materials at that time. The most recommended purchase would be post-2016 models, as they were upgraded to the MQB platform that year, reverting the rear suspension from a torsion beam back to a multi-link setup. I recall inspecting a white luxury edition in 2018 equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control, a feature that remains highly practical today. Special attention should be paid to vehicles manufactured before 2015, as they are prone to a common sunroof leakage issue—always check for water stains along the inner A-pillar during inspection.

Friends who are into car modifications are all familiar with the code name MK7. When it was launched overseas in 2013, our car enthusiast group was buzzing with excitement—some even went to Tianjin Port to pick up the US-spec models. After its domestic release in 2014, the EA211 engine could easily be tuned to 160 horsepower. The 2016 facelift was a turning point, with the steering wheel changed to a flat-bottom design that looked particularly aggressive. Last year, I modified a 2017 Millionth Edition, directly upgrading it with BBS wheels. In terms of modification potential, the 2018 GTI is the most thrilling—its third-gen EA888 engine comes with 220 horsepower stock, and with just an intake and exhaust upgrade, it can reach 260 horsepower. Nowadays, some even specifically seek out the 2019 R-line version for stance modifications.


