We've got the inside line on the new Golf! A test mule of the seventh generation car, due in 2013, has been spotted by our eagle eyed spy photographers. And while the exterior was identical to the current car, a look through the windows gives an indication of what the new interior will look like.

The new instrument panel features a large speedometer and rev counter, which also house the fuel and engine temperature gauges in 360-degree readouts. Fuel and temperature levels will be displayed through a string of LED lights, continuing the circular theme. This design frees space for a large trip computer screen between the two main dials.

This instrument panel should be shared across the entire new seventh generation Golf hatchback lines. A sporty new four door coupe is also in the pipeline, previewed by the Compact Coupe shown at the Detroit show last year.

Ulrich Hackenburg, VW's chief of development, has previously explained that a new chassis for the Golf will allow engineers to design and utilise a new range of drivetrains, hinting at hybrid and alternative fuel models for the future.

These eco-models will likely utilise technology that VW debuted in its Twin Drive Golf Concept. Powered by a 2.0-liter, 122hp turbodiesel coupled with an 82hp electric motor, the concept car has a combined output of 174hp and is able to travel 30 miles on battery power alone.

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