2013 Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) ranges from 1130 kg to 1420 kg (2,491 to 3,131 lbs), depending on the specific engine and trim level chosen. Curb weight refers to the weight of the car without passengers or cargo but with all necessary operating consumables such as fuel, oil, and coolant. The maximum permissible weight, which includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and other load, falls between 1720 kg and 1980 kg (3,792 to 4,367 lbs). This range indicates the vehicle's capacity to accommodate additional load safely and is important for understanding its performance limits, fuel consumption, braking, and handling characteristics.

The Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) offers practical storage space, with a luggage capacity of 343 liters to 380 liters (12.1 to 13.4 cubic feet) when the rear seats are upright. This capacity is quite competitive for a compact hatchback, providing sufficient room for everyday shopping or travel needs. When additional space is required, folding the rear seats down expands the luggage volume substantially to between 1233 liters and 1270 liters (43.5 to 44.8 cubic feet). This flexibility allows owners to carry larger loads or bulky items such as sports equipment or furniture, making the Golf VII ideal for a variety of lifestyle needs including weekend trips and small moves.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) ranges from 128 mm to 142 mm (5.0 to 5.6 inches). This moderate ground clearance strikes a balance between sporty handling and practical usability. It allows the Golf to maintain a low center of gravity for improved cornering and stability, which enhances driving dynamics particularly on paved roads. At the same time, it provides enough clearance to handle common urban obstacles such as speed bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces without scraping the underbody. However, the ground clearance is not designed for off-road use, so it's best suited for city, suburban, and highway driving conditions.

The Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) offers a variety of tire and rim sizes designed to cater to different performance and aesthetic preferences. Rim sizes available range from 15-inch up to 19-inch diameter, including 6J x 15, 6.5J x 16, 7.5J x 17, 7.5J x 18, and 7.5J x 19 inches. Tire sizes compatible with these rims include 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19, and 235/35 R19. These options allow a range of setups, from more economical and comfortable rides on smaller rims to sportier, performance-oriented handling with larger rims and low-profile tires. Choosing the right size impacts handling, ride comfort, and styling.

Yes, the Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) comfortably fits into a standard garage. With a width of up to 1799 mm (70.8 inches) and height up to 1452 mm (57.2 inches), it is well within typical single-car garage dimensions. Even with mirrors opened, the width is 2027 mm (79.8 inches), which is usually manageable in a standard garage with some care. Length ranges between 4255 mm and 4276 mm (167.5 to 168.3 inches), which aligns with standard garage lengths. Owners should still be mindful of garage door width and interior space to ensure comfortable entry and exit, especially when considering mirror clearance.

Compared to the Volkswagen Golf VI (3-door), the Golf VII (produced from 2012-2017) is slightly larger and more modern in its dimensions and design. The Golf VII is longer by approximately 52 to 70 mm (about 2 to 2.8 inches), reaching up to 4276 mm compared to the Golf VI which measured around 4204 mm in length. Width has increased marginally, providing a wider stance for better interior space and road presence. Height is quite similar, though generally the Golf VII benefits from improved aerodynamics and a more refined profile. These dimension updates translate to better passenger comfort and cargo space. Additionally, the Golf VII is based on an updated platform (MQB), which contributes to weight savings and increased rigidity, improving overall driving dynamics and fuel efficiency compared to the Golf VI.

The Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) competes in the compact hatchback segment alongside models such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic hatchback, and Mazda3 hatchback. Dimensionally, its length at approximately 4255-4276 mm (167.5-168.3 inches) is very much in line with competitors; for example, the Ford Focus ranges around 4378 mm (172.3 inches), being slightly longer. The width of around 1790-1799 mm (70.5-70.8 inches) is fairly typical, similar to the Civic's 1799 mm and Mazda3's 1795 mm, offering competitive interior space and road presence. Cargo volume with seats up to 380 liters and down to around 1270 liters is also comparable to this segment, balancing practicality and compact dimensions. The Golf VII's footprint provides a good mix of maneuverability for urban driving and comfort for longer journeys when compared to its peers.

The Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) roof load capacity is rated at 75 kg (165 lbs). This rating means the car can safely support roof racks or carriers to transport items like bikes, luggage boxes, or sports equipment without compromising vehicle integrity or handling. Using roof racks effectively increases the cargo versatility beyond the available interior luggage space with up to 380 liters standard and 1270 liters with folded seats. It’s important to stay within this 75 kg limit to maintain safe driving characteristics and avoid damage to the roof structure. The roof load capacity makes the Golf VII practical for active lifestyles and longer trips requiring extra gear.

The Volkswagen Golf VII (3-door) was produced between 2012 and 2017. It is primarily available as a hatchback, a popular body style known for its blend of compact size and practical utility. This generation brought numerous updates compared to its predecessor, including improved safety features, modern interior technology, and a refreshed exterior design that maintained the Golf’s classic appeal. The 3-door variant is typically favored for its sportier look and sometimes sportier trims, appealing to drivers who want the Golf's renowned reliability and performance in a compact, stylish package. Over its production run, several engine options and trim levels were offered, catering to a broad range of driver preferences.