We managed to catch up with Dr. Frank-Thomas Metzner (FTM), Head of Power Integration, as well as Philip Romers (PR), Exterior Designer of the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf.
SGCM: Hi Dr. Frank, thank you for your time. I know this must be one of the most common questions about the latest MK7 Golf but I just wanted to hear it from you. Why MQB?
FTM: Well, it's simply because of our extension platform strategy. We wanted to use this MQB strategy to allow us to rationalise across different platforms that share engine orientation. This strategy will see to the other models in Volkswagen's lineup - right up to Passat to be exact.
SGCM: What about the Volkswagen Touareg?
FTM: As the Touareg has a much bigger wheelbase and engine, we are using the MLB strategy for it.
SGCM: Philip, I've got a couple of questions for you too. First and foremost, in your very own words, what does it mean to drive a Volkswagen Golf?
PR: The Golf is a classless car. Anyone can drive it. You can be rich or poor, conservative or showy, you can even be a student or a working adult and the Golf will suit you well. It's a car that will make you look well-dressed. You could drive the Golf to catch an opera or you could be sending your kid to school and it'll fit you all the same. The Golf is a car for anyone and everyone.
SGCM: By using the MQB platform, is it more difficult to design the car? If yes, what was done to overcome it? If no, did it allow more creativity that led to the current design?
PR: Thanks to the MQB platform, it is very obvious that the car was going to have the best proportions. The wheelbase has extended and that has allowed the visual volume to move towards the rear of the car. As a result, the Golf has a premium appearance.
SGCM: So does that mean that the MQB platform led to more creativity?
PR: Yes, absolutely. We increased the dimensions of the car and created short front overhangs and lowered the roof to make it look good. But more importantly, we shifted the cabin further back, giving the Golf a premium car impression. Every single line that we created represents Volkswagen.
SGCM: Thank you so much for your time guys and congratulations on the success of the latest Golf.
