SMOOTHER OPERATOR
Owners are divided on whether the slick Mk7 dealt with earlier faults
Anew Golf is always big news but, given the transmission problems that beset the Mk6, the arrival of the Mk7 early in 2013 was even more anticipated. As with preceding Golfs, the Mk7 had a version for everyone, from commuter car to sizzling boy-racer hatch. The main range — excluding the cabriolet, GTI and R — had a five-door hatch and four-door wagon.
A fairly minor cosmetic makeover included a new grille and new headlamps. It was also a little larger than its predecessor and those in the rear seat would have noticed the increase in size through more legroom. Cabin improvements included the latest connectivity technology and larger infotainment display and the boot capacity was increased.
Buyers had the choice of new petrol and turbo diesel engines. The 1.4-litre turbo came in two levels of tune, 90kW and 103kW and the 2.0-litre turbo diesel produced 110kW.
VW promised fuel savings of up to 23 per cent from the new, lighter 1.4, which could shut down two of the four cylinders under light load, its stop-start function saving yet more fuel.
Transmissions for the petrol engine were a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and the diesel turned a six-speed dual-clutch auto.
The Golf kicked off with the 90TSI, with 90kW engine, followed by the better equipped 90TSI Comfortline. Above that was the even better equipped 103TSI Highline.
Then there was the 110 TDI Highline with the 110 kW turbo diesel and the six-speed dualclutch auto transmission.
Those inside the Mk7 found it smooth, comfortable and quiet. As with all Golfs it drove well and handled with precision.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Given the engine and transmission troubles that affected so many Mk6 owners, there was plenty of interest in whether VW had got its act together and fixed them with the Mk7.
The mixed responses we got from owners show there’s no certainty that they have been fixed. One owner sold his car after having two clutches and the gearbox replaced. Another Golf, with a history of electrical issues, caught fire and burnt to the ground.
For all that, there are many owners who haven’t had issues and for them the Golf is a great car. When test-driving a dual-clutch auto, look out for shuddering, jerkiness or vibrations.
OWNERS SAY
BARRY SHIPSIDES: I don’t understand how a car can be so good and so bad at the same time. Mine was a joy to drive; it also had a huge lag from the automatic on take off, it had two clutches and a gearbox replaced and it only had 33,000km on the clock. I couldn’t trust it, so I sold it. I would never buy another VW, unless it goes to at least a five-year warranty.
DAVID GALLAGHER: My 2013 Highline has done 51,000km and is the best car I have ever driven. It is quiet and I love the ability to select the driving mode. The Sport mode, at the flick of the gear stick, turns the car into a boy racer but in economy mode I get 4.9L-5.2L/100km. The front assist emergency braking is fantastic.
ROSS TSOUNIAS: I’ve had dramas since day one. It’s had electrical and aircon problems, the battery has been replaced three or four times and finally it caught fire driving home from work, possibly due to an electrical problem. VW has inspected it but I am still waiting for their report. They have been hard to deal with.
COLIN WHEWELL: We were happy with our Mk6 Golf until we had a Mk7 on loan. It has all the qualities of the Mk6 but the comfort is better, the interior fit and finish seems better, the level of standard equipment is improved, fuel consumption is lower and performance is improved. The DSG also seems better; the occasional hiccup we experienced in the Mk6 seems to have gone. We couldn’t be happier.
SMITHY SAYS
Great driving with European flair is a tempting package but past problems still haunt the Golf.