While the two predecessors VW Golf 5 and Golf 6 basically had a multi-link rear axle, the VW Golf7 and all its platform brothers now have a second rear axle variant.

This is important to know, since different shock absorbers are used in the two different axles of the design.

A multi-link construction is installed at the Golf7 from an engine power of 90kw (122HP).

On vehicles with a weaker engine - as in the case of the Golf 4 - a torsion-beam axle is installed.

This is more compact, lighter and cheaper to manufacture.

At a Skoda or Seat on the Golf 7 platform, the multi-link axle is only installed at 110kw (150HP) upwards.

Multi-link Axles

The multi-link rear axle is a novel rear axle construction. With it, three transverse and one longitudinal steering per wheel (four-link principle) each have different forces. As a result, longitudinal and lateral dynamics can be adjusted in a targeted manner and almost independently of each other, and a maximum defree of stability can be achieved. In the case of small structural modifications, the multi-link rear axle is suitable to be used on Front-wheel-drives as well as four-wheel-drives.

Torsion-beam Axles

The torsion beam rear axle has proved to be the most economical design for non-powered rear-axles. Two leading longitudinal links are connected to each other by means of transverse beam which simultaniously serves as stabilizer. Advantages of this construction are the good side-line cornering and a low-price space requirement, which allows for a favorable distribution on the rear.

Here you can see the two constructions:

Multi link rear axle

Torsion beam rear axle