With the recent release of their MQB platform, it is expected that Volkswagen will release the next generation Golf some time in the fourth quarter of this year and Volkswagen will introduce changes to the model that is normally found in higher end models.

It is rumoured that Volkswagen will debut the Mk 7 Golf at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this year (29 September to 14 October) and the car will be packed with technology that is usually associated with luxury models. The car will come in several engine variants, from the ordinary petrol engine up to a plug-in hybrid that generates around 243bhp.

The normal models are powered by a new series of downsized petrol engines (code EA211) and diesel engines (code EA288). The top of the range diesel model (non GTD) will generate around 181bhp and 380Nm of torque. There is also a 220bhp twin turbocharged diesel engine that the company is still putting under some tests and this one will likely end up in the GTD sub-model.

As for the petrol engines, the smallest displacement engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that generates around 138bhp and it features cylinder deactivation for increased economy. The larger engine (code EA888) sizes are at 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre. The Mk 7 Volkswagen Golf GTI gets the most radical change of all. The 2.0-litre engine will deliver around 260bhp, a 50bhp increase from the current generation.

The next Golf GTI will feature the new VAQ electronically controlled front differential and Volkswagen mentioned that it will offer a more agile steering behaviour and a much greater sense of steering precision. All wheel drive and the company