ORIGINAL ESSENCE, MODERN STYLE
Stalwart hatch showcases the brand’s latest technology and chic internal looks
THE Scorpions put it perfectly in their classic song, Wind of Change. While named after the Gulf Stream, Volkswagen’s Golf (German spelling) had long been the brand’s staple. These days it’s all about the ‘Ts’, with the Tiguan, Touareg, T-Roc and T-Cross now the marque’s bread and butter.
Yet the Golf story continues into its eighth chapter. It may no longer be the golden child, the hatchback remains a VW family favourite.
Launched in June, the Mark 8 Golf has been stalled by stock shortages due to computer chip scarcity and pandemic implications.
Yet those willing to wait will be rewarded. A family test found the Golf Life, priced from $39,000 drive-away, still has what its takes to win buyer hearts.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
GRANT: This new model boasts smoother and more sophisticated external lines, but it retains the quintessential shape. It’s definitely a Golf, but things change dramatically inside.
KEL: This is cool. I love the minimalisation with so few buttons that creates a clean and modern feeling across the dash.
GRANT: Other brands have also headed this direction. Volkswagen has done a stellar job, with quick access buttons to the aircon, a simple infotainment set-up and a stubby little gear shifter.
KEL: I’ve always liked the Golfs. They have traditionally been nice to drive, although there was nothing too flashy that raised excitement levels unless you were in a GTI or the super sporty R variant.
GRANT: For just under $40k you’d certainly be wanting a lot for your coin and I think this model lives up to the price expectations.
KEL: The looks inside and out need to be good for that kind of money. I always thought they were more suited to a middle-aged person, not a young funky type. That appears to have changed.
THE LIVING SPACE
GRANT: Dual screens have some of the best clarity you’ll find. The 10-inch central touchscreen provides haptic feedback when you press and slide buttons (like a smartphone) and it also senses when your hand is near so menus pop up in anticipation of your requirements.
KEL: Some other brands have gone too far with the button removal … sometimes just a knob or a button is faster and more effective. But I really liked this design and functionality.
GRANT: It’s among the best we’ve experienced. The Volkswagen infotainment system is effective, yet wireless charging along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for those who like the full phone integration.
KEL: The digital cockpit is also cool. Various views of speedo and gauges are a nice touch and I love the fact you can change the interior colours.
GRANT: Like an iPhone, just about everything comes intuitively. For this kind of investment you might expect leather trim, but cloth is standard and a $2000 pack offers sport seats with a microfleece finish.
KEL: Cupholders in the console account for one large and one small drink, I prefer the ones that can both cater for both my takeaway coffee and drink bottle.
THE COMMUTE
GRANT: Gone is the dual-clutch automatic in favour of a conventional eight-speed self-shifter.
KEL: I only know the difference if they are too jerky and annoying off the line.
GRANT: Exactly right, but this one does the job well, and if keen drivers don’t agree they can engage sport mode or shift with the steering wheel mounted paddles.
KEL: From the lights it got away nicely and it always felt smooth.
GRANT: This model has the same architecture and engine as the old model, a four-cylinder turbo, which feels linear and consistent.
KEL: All the latest safety gizmos I expect nowadays were there, including the adaptive cruise control, which always maintains a safe distance from other vehicles in traffic.
GRANT: That’s called “travel assist” and works in snarls when you really don’t want to be driving. The Golf still has a five-star safety rating applicable from 2019, and the only things missing are the autonomous emergency braking in reverse and junction assist that can peer around corners and stop the driver from entering a busy intersection.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Boot space remains OK, although it was at capacity with the groceries.
GRANT: There is about 370 litres of space, which is much better than a petrol-powered Toyota Corolla although not as large as a Hyundai i30 (395L). The rear seats also fold 60-40 but the load space is not completely flat.
KEL: Being small it’s easy to park. Having parking sensors front and back are also great peace of mind.
GRANT: There is also rear cross-traffic alert that warns of vehicles approaching quickly when reversing from car parks. The systems also monitor for pedestrians and cyclists.
SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Getting out of town proved to be a pleasure and I really liked how planted the Golf felt on winding roads.
GRANT: Forget the rolling, ducking and diving of the latest SUVs, this hatch has the ability to reinvigorate driving pleasure. It emanates confidence with direct steering and steady acceleration.
KEL: It never shirked the effort getting up the hills near our place.
GRANT: Nor was it flustered at twists and turns at speed, I rate it as one the best small cars I’ve driven in recent memory.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Three zones for the aircon, with reasonable space in the back for the kids. Those who don’t need a big boot for sporting equipment could get away with the Golf as their primary car.
GRANT: Dual USB-C points front and back keep devices juiced.
KEL: One of my worries would be ongoing costs in terms of maintenance.
GRANT: European models can be expensive. Volkswagens come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, the same as the likes of Toyota and Mazda but short of seven years offered by Kia and MG. There is a maintenance plan that covers five years of servicing for $1900, which is an average of $380.
KEL: I saw it does require premium unleaded.
GRANT: That’s typical of most turbos, and we averaged 6.2L/100km – which is only slightly above the official figure from VW.
VERDICT
KEL: Golfs have been sensible in the past, this new model injects verve and modern flair. I’d happily have one in the driveway permanently.
GRANT: Initially, the price was off-putting. After experiencing the Golf Life, the value equation was jilted in favour of performance and contemporary design. It’s one cracking hatchback that deserves to turn people away from its small SUV siblings.