No doubt, the Volkswagen Golf remains one of the class standards in the family hatchback sector. Seven grand generations on, and along with a facelift launched in February 2017, the newest model delivers an all-round performance that is hard to beat. VW has been smart with the update, as it targets those areas where the Golf required improvement. As a result, class-leading quality is returned by cutting-edge tech.
The improved Golf features a few new engines, but majority of the line-up remains intact. In addition, it is still the single mainstream car on sale that provides the variety of petrols, diesels, a plug-in hybrid and also a full-EV.
The strong petrol engines are badged TSI and they initiate as small as a 1.0-Litre three-cylinder engine generating just 84bhp. This unit is accessible in S trim only, although; for a proper choice from the whole Golf range, you’ll require to step up to its more potent 1.0 sibling which proposes 109bhp.
This agile three-cylinder 1.0-Litre petrol was formerly only accessible on the ultra-efficient BlueMotion. In spite of its diminutive ability, the turbocharged engine puts on a muscular display. Test takers recorded a 0-60mph time of about 9.6 seconds in one, which was almost half a second quicker than a more powerful 1.0-Litre turbo Honda Civic, whereas it had a bigger-capacity Renault Megane 1.2 TCe crushed during our in-gear assessments. For example, it completed the fourth gear 30-50mph increment in just 5.6 seconds, which was 1.1 seconds in front of the Megane.
On the road, the Golf feels livelier as its more powerful opponents, pulling effortlessly and eagerly from as little as 1,500rpm, still in the higher gears. Along with 200Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, there’s slight need to work the smooth engine hard – however the unit will spin pleasantly to the 6,000rpm red line.
The muscular mid-range petrol engine is a 1.4 mainly with 123bhp, although in the medium term this will be substituted by a 1.5 that closes cylinders down to preserve fuel when they’re not wanted. The new unit generates a heavy 148bhp in its early form, but an eco-focused version will present 129bhp and be a straighter swap with the old 1.4.
The 2.0-Litre petrol engine power is all kept for the GTI and R models, along with outputs from 237bhp to 306bhp.
On the diesel side, there is a 1.6 with 114bhp that’s obtainable right across the Golf range. It’s competent enough for most uses, but if you desire something with a bit more guts, VW smartly offers a 2.0 diesel producing 148bhp and hardly any more CO2. There’s also a powerful 181bhp 2.0, but it’s held in reserve for the GTD.
The GTE plug-in hybrid blends a 1.4-Litre petrol and an electric motor for a mutual output of 201bhp, whereas the e-Golf has been provided a more efficient battery as part of the 2017 facelift, so it now assures 186 miles on a single charge. It’s as effortless and easy to drive as it’s always been, but along with improved fast charging – you can now simply top it up to almost 80 per cent in 45 minutes along with a fast charger, while a 21bhp power upgrade clearly means it feels more energetic than before.”
