Car Review: New Volkswagen Golf

Graaff Reneit: Volkswagen’s most iconic Golf, the GTI, has been updated to provide more power, more technology, and more style, and last week I got to experience it for myself at the launch.

Along with the facelifted GTI, other petrol units have also been updated:

Petrol engines include a new turbocharged and direct fuel injection 1.0 TSI entry level unit (for the first time), a 1.4 TSI and the one I couldn’t wait to drive; the 2.0 TSI GTI.

The GTI’s engine now produces 169 kW (7 kW more than the outgoing model), a top speed of 248 km/h,  and sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6,4 seconds.

At first glance

As far as exterior styling goes you might not notice too much change to the new range at first glance. But on closer inspection you’ll notice that VW has done a bit of cleaning up with redesigned bumpers front and back, halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights (no more xenon lights), new front wings and new wheel designs.

It’s worth noting that the Golf’s new LED headlights are included as standard on the GTI model.  The GTI’s full-LED tail lights have ‘flowing’ indicator functions that turn a translucent white LED stripe to orange when indicating…and it looks great!

Overall, the face of the new Golf is sleeker and sportier, but it’s really inside and behind the wheel that you’ll find more significant enhancements to get excited about.

The GTI boasts familiar sporty trimmings such as red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever, door panels and seats and everything is soft to the touch.

New, crystal-clear, technology

The new Golf boasts impressive technology such as Active Info Display, provided by a fully digitalised instrument cluster. Gesture Control is available on top-of-the-range models, such as the GTI, and a 9,2 inch touchscreen infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly (not to mention crystal clear) touch screens I’ve ever had the pleasure of operating.

One of my gripes with some of the new touchscreen infotainment systems I’ve found in other cars is glare and imprecise responsiveness.  With a 1, 440 x 540 pixel resolution it’s no wonder I can rave about this touchscreen’s clarity and precision. It just makes the life of a driver so much easier (and safer) while you don’t have to spend too much time fidgeting while you drive. Gesture Control takes some getting used to and even after two days I still haven’t quite got it right, but I’m sure it’ll benefit new Golf owners when it becomes second nature.

Behind the wheel of the new GTI

Driving the new GTI came with all sorts of emotions and it wasn’t long before I came to appreciate just how enjoyable this driving experience was.

From the Port Elizabeth airport I made my way up to Graaff Reneit, about 250 kms away (according to the navigation system).  VW may only have added 7 kW’s of power to the new engine, but stronger power delivery was certainly noticeable when driving along long open roads.

When driving a performance car you need to feel safe behind the wheel, particularly at high speeds. Thankfully the GTI was able to instil this confidence with Automated driving functions which include ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, Driver Alert System and a reverse camera. These features not only make for a safe drive but also a fun care-free drive.

Trailer Assist is another optional feature on the new Golf, and I stand to be corrected but I believe that the new Golf is the first compact hatchback to offer a trailer maneuvering system.

As far as comfort goes, the GTI has a lot to offer, even as standard. Heated front seats were hugely appreciated on the chilly morning we drove back to PE from Graaf Reniet. And seating is super comfy!

GTI standard features

You get quite a bit of value-for-money when you consider the GTI’s standard features. These include:

• Sport suspension
• Exhaust chrome twin tailpipes (right and left)
• Ambient lighting (light strips in red)
• Progressive steering
• 18-inch ‘Milton Keynes’ alloy wheels
• Automatic  air-conditioner ‘Climatronic’
• Heated front seats
• Auto high-beam
• LED headlights
• Dynamic cornering lights
• 8-inch Composition Media Radio System with Touchscreen, USB, Bluetooth Connectivity and 8 speakers
• App Connect
• Voice Control

What will it cost you?

The new Golf GTI DSG will cost you R545 800 while the entry-level 1.0 TSI Trendline model is currently at R289, 900. Pricing for the full line-up is as follows:

1.0 TSI 81kW Trendline Manual                 R289 900

1.0 TSI 81kW Comfortline Manual             R304 200

1.4 TSI 92kW Comfortline DSG                 R356 400

2.0 TSI 169kW GTI DSG                            R545 800

The new Golf model range comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is 15 000km.

Source: Volkswagen South Africa