Join the new Golf club
ANYONE for Golf? Amazing to think it’s now more than 45 years since the first boxy Volkswagen Golf hit the road in 1974, to replace the evergreen Beetle. Since then, 35 million have been built. I have just been driving the new eighth generation version around Porto in Portugal, before UK order books open in February, with the first deliveries due in the spring.
VW’s best-selling model succeeds, as ever, where it plays to its traditional strengths: a smart, strong, solid, stylish without being flashy, comfortable, flexible hatchback, with superb engineering. A range of new engines offers up to 17 per cent improvements in fuel economy.
The styling cues will appeal to singletons, couples and small families. It’s grown a bit, too — being 29mm longer, 10mm wider and 4mm higher than the previous model, but on the same platform and wheelbase.
However, despite all the noise VW has made about its brave new high-tech digital dashboard, this is, in fact, its weakest link.
But driving the new Golf is a delight. At launch there are four trim levels — Golf, Life, Style and R-Line — and five initial UK engine options with auto or manual options.
Gone is the three- door, so there’s only the five-door hatch available now. LED lighting is standard. Prices are expected to start from about £20,500.
The 1.5 litre 130 hp TSI petrol in six-speed manual will be the biggest seller in Britain. It is fine for running around town and city. From rest to 62 mph takes 9.2 seconds and there’s a top speed of 132 mph.
For added oomph, the 150 hp manual version feels more athletic — going from rest to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and with a 138 mph top speed.
The 1.5 litre eTSI 48v mild hybrid proved a very civilised combination of economy and power. Also at launch will be a 2 litre TDI diesel in either 115 or 150 hp. Two frugal 1 litre threecylinder engines of 90 hp and 110 hp will follow. Sportier versions will be launched, too.
However, there will be no new fully electric Golf, as VW’s ID range will be the home for purebattery cars.
Where this new Golf needs to put in more hours on the practice course and work on its swing, is the confusing digital control screen and systems.