Volkswagen Golf : The Volkswagen Golf is one of the true automotive greats, marking the benchmark in the small hatchback class for almost fifty years.
Over the course of eight generations of evolution, the Golf has struck a careful balance of practicality, driving fun and luxury for the masses that still rings true with an incredibly diverse world-wide following.
Design Philosophy
It’s never been the Golf’s way to reinvent the wheel; this has always been a product of restrained evolution.
Run a fine, precise line What we have here is the latest iteration of the now familiar model, emphasising clean, sharp lines that take the timeless silhouette of the car and adding modern touches such as LED lighting signatures and discreet aero improvements.
It makes for a car that is modern, but not with fashionable design cues that will date quickly.
The distinctive C-pillar treatment and general stance ensure a strong visual link with the two generations that preceded it, which should keep existing fans happy, yet the new Pug is clearly also hoping to snare Septuagenarians and those a good few hands younger too.
Cabin Experience
Slide into the Golf and the interior is perfectly engineered, with function taking precedence without compromising form.
The pared-down instrument binnacle, dominated by a digital display and a touchscreen infotainment system, gives the dashboard a crisp, contemporary feel.
Build quality is better than that of most rivals, with soft materials in strategic areas and tight panel gaps. The seat and steering wheel have plenty of adjustability and good visibility.
Rear occupants get decent space by class standards, and the nicely shaped 380-litre cargo space provides useful playability for daily chores.
Driving Dynamics
For years, the Golf has been applauded for its refined road manners, and this rendition stays the course. The base turbocharged engines provide a good balance of power and fuel economy, and the 1.5-liter TSI is smartly calibrated for real-world use.
The suspension tuning manages to provide a confident-handling yet cush ride, soaking up road disturbances while keeping the body in check while cornering.
Progressive steering supplies organic weight increase and decent feedback that together create a driving experience that feels involved without feeling burdensome.
Technology Integration
Nowadays, Golfs are filled with up-to-date technology with smartphone connectivity, voice control and customisable interior ambient lighting.
The digital cockpit lends itself to personalization of what drivers see, while driver assistance like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist afford some level of semi-autonomy in the compact category.
The move to touch-sensitive controls for climate and audio functions is a development that is proving more divisive since it eliminated the physical tactility present with the old button-orientated systems.
Powertrain Options
There’s a lot of variety in the Golf line, with a swing that goes from relatively peppier base Golf models to the sporty GTI and R hot hatches.
Many markets also get turboed petrol choices as well as diesels and mild hybrid tech is available in some markets also. The standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission serves up quick, seamless gear changes, but that purest’s darling, the optional 6-speed manual gearbox, is still the way to go.
Pros:
Driving dynamics are very polished and quality of ride is excellent, with a great balance between comfort and handling.
Average segment interior quality better than most at twice the price
Tight turning circle and small enough to park with a weekend away’s worth of gear stored inside
Turbocharged performance in a quiet and stylish package
Good safety scores plus an extensive list of driver-assistance features
Wide model range catering for varying tastes and pockets
The Isuzuz value is maintained by the company’s reputable image.
Cons:
More expensive to start than many smaller rivals
Touch-sensitive buttons can be distracting on the road
Relatively conservative styling may not stand out next to more flamboyant competitors
Higher-level trims limited to advanced features
Rear-seat space just sufficient for taller backseat passengers
Some eglitches reported in those last few generations
Brand positioning leads to expectation that entry models don’t meet
Volkswagen Golf: Verdict
Which is why the Volkswagen Golf is still such a winner — it has a level of sophistication in a small package that transcends its class.
Driving enjoyment, multiple-use practicality, restrained quality and a thorough feel come together to make for a compelling consideration for the discerning buyer that hankers for subtlety rather than flash.
Not the cheapest car in its class, the Golf earns that premium status with the solidity of its engineering and the cohesiveness of its refinement.
And for this looking for an everyman car that feels like more than the sum, well, the Golf is still the gold standard, against which others are measured – that’s how good the design and engineering staff at Volkswagen has become at refining a tried-and-true formula that still rings true to car nut grandpas and 16-year-old kids alike.