Seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf previewed (pictures)

The seventh-generation Golf is 220 pounds lighter than the sixth. VW has shaved pounds from everywhere, including the air conditioner, the seats, and the bodyshell itself.

VW has also increased the amount of high-tensile steel used in this iteration of the Golf, adding to the weight loss.

The new Golf is 2.2 inches longer, 0.8 inch lower, and 0.5 inch wider than the old car. The wheelbase has also stretched by 2.3 inches.

The new exterior dimensions translate into more passenger space and more cargo room for the new model.

The European-market Golf is available with a 140-horsepower, turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine. Cylinder deactivation tech helps this lighter Golf to achieve a European Cycle fuel economy figure of 49 combined mpg. There is also a 105-horsepower TDI Clean Diesel engine available that is estimated at 62 combined mpg.

The new Golf is built on the MQB platform, which will also underpin the next generation of Audi, Seat, and Skoda compacts.

The five-door hatchback will probably be sold in the U.S. as a 2014 model when it finally reaches dealerships in 2013.

A new infotainment system is built around a 5-inch touch-screen that is standard on all European Golf models. However, the premium navigation system ups the Golf's display size to a massive 8 inches. We'll have more details as they emerge leading up to the 2012 Paris Motor Show.