There's no doubt that the
Volkswagen Golf has earned its place near the top of the family
hatchback tree. Over 43 years and seven generations it's been a stalwart
in the sector, and the latest model is more complete than it's ever
been.
It's been on sale in Mk7 form for a few years now, but a facelift in 2017 helped freshen it up. VW has been clever with the update, as it targets areas where the Golf needed subtle improvements As a result, class-leading quality is now backed by cutting-edge tech.
The Golf's strong points include its air of solidity, classy and understated looks, peerless refinement and a wide variety of engines with varying levels of performance and economy. It's slightly more expensive than its closest rivals, but it does hold on to its value like no other mainstream family hatchback, so VW is often able to offer it with competitive monthly finance payments.
As the latest Golf uses VW’s MQB platform, it offers safe yet engaging handling and excellent ride comfort, while a variety of driving aids mean the Golf can be extremely safe yet reasonably enjoyable to drive.
It's been on sale in Mk7 form for a few years now, but a facelift in 2017 helped freshen it up. VW has been clever with the update, as it targets areas where the Golf needed subtle improvements As a result, class-leading quality is now backed by cutting-edge tech.
The Golf's strong points include its air of solidity, classy and understated looks, peerless refinement and a wide variety of engines with varying levels of performance and economy. It's slightly more expensive than its closest rivals, but it does hold on to its value like no other mainstream family hatchback, so VW is often able to offer it with competitive monthly finance payments.
As the latest Golf uses VW’s MQB platform, it offers safe yet engaging handling and excellent ride comfort, while a variety of driving aids mean the Golf can be extremely safe yet reasonably enjoyable to drive.
Our Choice
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150 Match 5dr
Name a hatchback off the top of your head, and you're likely to come up with the Volkswagen
Golf. Since it was introduced in 1974, it has established itself as one
of the leading lights of the class, thanks to its practical shape,
decent engines and accessible performance in the shape of the GTI version.
The Golf on sale now is the Mk7, which was introduced in 2012 and given a minor update at the start of 2017 to keep it competitive against a number of new arrivals in the class. The Golf is currently available as a three or five-door hatchback and as an estate, which has also spawned a high-riding 4x4 model called the Golf Alltrack. Elsewhere, the Golf SV (or Sportvan) is a variant that has slightly larger dimensions to create a bit more boot and interior space, but isn't quite as big as the Touran MPV.
• Volkswagen Golf 1.0 S review
If you want a four-door saloon, the VW Jetta is available, although this is based on the older Mk6 Golf, so isn't as good to drive or as well equipped as the latest Golf. And if you want a sportier looking Golf, it's the same story with the Scirocco, because while it has coupe looks, it's also based on the older Golf platform.
Volkswagen's
most recent update focused on improving the on-board technology, as the
basic structure, engine and performance of the Golf Mk7 was largely
fine as it was. It also tweaked the looks slightly, although you'd need
to be a hardcore fan of the Golf to be able to spot the differences, and
the car's relatively simple appearance means it's not the kind of car
to draw attention to itself.
Under the skin, the Golf Mk7 uses VW's latest MQB platform, which combines weight saving and safety with sharp handling. As a result, the Golf is one of the best handling cars in its class, especially if you go for a car with a 2.0-litre engine. These versions get a multilink rear suspension setup that offers an improved driving experience. The standard cars are fine, but the multilink system takes the car to another level, and this is the main reason why the performance models - the GTI, GTD and Golf R - are near the front of the hot hatch pack.
Engine
options are broad, and all the petrol and diesel units meet current
Euro 6 emissions regulations - the diesel versions are in no way
affected by the Dieselgate scandal. The petrol range is all
turbocharged, and comprises a 1.0 TSI in 85PS and 110PS guises, a 1.4
TSI 125PS, the 1.5 TSI EVO with either 130PS or 150PS - this engine
features cylinder deactivation to save fuel - while the 2.0 TSI comes in
230PS, 245PS and 310PS versions in the GTI, GTI Performance and Golf R
respectively.
As for diesels, there are fewer choices, with the 1.6 TDI 115PS and 2.0 TDI 150PS available, while the GTD gets the latter engine in 184PS form. As well as these conventional engines, there's also the GTE plug-in hybrid with 1.4 TSI petrol engine and electric motor for 204PS, while the all-electric e-Golf is also available.
In terms of gearboxes, the 1.6 TDI gets a five-speed manual, while the rest of the range gets a six-speed manual as standard. VW's seven-speed DSG auto box is now offered across the range, but on every model, while the GTE gets it as standard. All models are front-wheel drive - if you want 4MOTION four-wheel drive, the only choices are the Golf Alltrack estate or Golf R hot hatch.
Prices for the Golf start from just under £18,000, and the five-door body carries a premium of about £650 over the three-door. The most expensive model in the range is the Golf R Estate, which is about £36,000.
There are plenty of alternative choices in the hatchback class. The Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, Renault Megane, Honda Civic and Peugeot 308 all offer quality cabins, low running costs and enjoyable drives to varying degrees. The SEAT Leon and Mazda 3 are sporty alternatives, while the Skoda Octavia majors on practicality and space. Top-end versions of the Golf challenge premium hatchbacks like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Volvo V40 and Lexus CT.
Elsewhere, the Toyota Auris, Nissan Pulsar, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cee'd all offer reliable everyday usability, although none are very exciting to drive.
The Golf on sale now is the Mk7, which was introduced in 2012 and given a minor update at the start of 2017 to keep it competitive against a number of new arrivals in the class. The Golf is currently available as a three or five-door hatchback and as an estate, which has also spawned a high-riding 4x4 model called the Golf Alltrack. Elsewhere, the Golf SV (or Sportvan) is a variant that has slightly larger dimensions to create a bit more boot and interior space, but isn't quite as big as the Touran MPV.
• Volkswagen Golf 1.0 S review
If you want a four-door saloon, the VW Jetta is available, although this is based on the older Mk6 Golf, so isn't as good to drive or as well equipped as the latest Golf. And if you want a sportier looking Golf, it's the same story with the Scirocco, because while it has coupe looks, it's also based on the older Golf platform.
Under the skin, the Golf Mk7 uses VW's latest MQB platform, which combines weight saving and safety with sharp handling. As a result, the Golf is one of the best handling cars in its class, especially if you go for a car with a 2.0-litre engine. These versions get a multilink rear suspension setup that offers an improved driving experience. The standard cars are fine, but the multilink system takes the car to another level, and this is the main reason why the performance models - the GTI, GTD and Golf R - are near the front of the hot hatch pack.
As for diesels, there are fewer choices, with the 1.6 TDI 115PS and 2.0 TDI 150PS available, while the GTD gets the latter engine in 184PS form. As well as these conventional engines, there's also the GTE plug-in hybrid with 1.4 TSI petrol engine and electric motor for 204PS, while the all-electric e-Golf is also available.
In terms of gearboxes, the 1.6 TDI gets a five-speed manual, while the rest of the range gets a six-speed manual as standard. VW's seven-speed DSG auto box is now offered across the range, but on every model, while the GTE gets it as standard. All models are front-wheel drive - if you want 4MOTION four-wheel drive, the only choices are the Golf Alltrack estate or Golf R hot hatch.
Prices for the Golf start from just under £18,000, and the five-door body carries a premium of about £650 over the three-door. The most expensive model in the range is the Golf R Estate, which is about £36,000.
There are plenty of alternative choices in the hatchback class. The Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, Renault Megane, Honda Civic and Peugeot 308 all offer quality cabins, low running costs and enjoyable drives to varying degrees. The SEAT Leon and Mazda 3 are sporty alternatives, while the Skoda Octavia majors on practicality and space. Top-end versions of the Golf challenge premium hatchbacks like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Volvo V40 and Lexus CT.
Elsewhere, the Toyota Auris, Nissan Pulsar, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cee'd all offer reliable everyday usability, although none are very exciting to drive.
Engines, performance and drive
Golfs span every taste, from a mild-mannered shopping car to a fire-breathing hot hatch
The Volkswagen
Golf has always delivered high levels of comfort, refinement and
handling poise, and the facelifted Mk7 is no exception. Enter a series
of corners, where the Golf responds swiftly to the direct and well
weighted steering. There’s also bags of grip and rock-solid body
control, which make the VW a confidence-inspiring
machine. Better still, this agility is matched to impressive refinement
and comfort. The ride isn’t as soft as a Renault Megane’s, but it’s
better controlled over big bumps, while engine, wind and road noise are
isolated from the cabin.
This is particularly true of the 1.5 EcoTSI petrol that comes as part of the Mk7’s revisions. It’s a 148bhp unit, and it is astonishingly refined; indeed, at motorway speeds, even the Golf’s low levels of wind and road noise do become audible, just because the engine has faded so far into the background.
Regardless of engine, the Golf is almost ghost-like over bumps; it just glides over them. Progress can be made even more fluid by choosing the adaptive damping system as an option.
In addition to the effortless ride, drivers benefit from well weighted steering, a precise gearshift and strong brakes, while an electronic differential helps deliver sharp turn-in to corners and extra traction when exiting. Overall the MQB platform offers safe, balanced handling – not perhaps the last word in driving excitement, but it’s a superb all-round effort.
Volkswagen fits all Golf models with over 118bhp with a more sophisticated multilink rear axle to help improve handling – although in most situations the standard torsion beam set-up feels nearly as composed. The small wheels and thick tyre sidewalls on entry level versions make it a superbly cossetting car for the money.
With the exception of the five-speed manual in the entry-level 1.0 edition, the standard gearbox across the Golf range is a six-speed manual. But one key switch in the 2017 facelift is the phasing out of the old six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic in favour of a smoother-shifting seven-speed unit across all models.
Volkswagen reset the Golf’s range at facelift, so at present there are no eco-focused BlueMotion models.
If fun is top of your priority list, then opt for a GTD, GTE, GTI or R version. The GTD offers plenty of torque for effortless overtaking. Don't be fooled by the GTE though: despite the name, it's no hot hatch. It's faster in a straight line than the GTD, but the added weight means it's not much fun in the corners.
True performance fans will be drawn to the flagship R model. Available as a hatchback or an estate, the Golf R gets 306bhp and four-wheel drive, so it should feel very sharp to drive and pack a tremendous amount of grip.
However, for most keen drivers, the legendary Volkswagen Golf GTI delivers an ideal mix of performance, value and fun. Standard cars now get 227bhp as part of the 2017 facelift, although you can get an extra 15bhp on top of that, and a limited-slip front differential, by choosing the Performance Pack.
We'd recommend going for the (hardly costly) Performance Pack, offering a trademark GTI blend of fun performance, agility and everyday usability, but with a more focused driving experience on the limit.
The GTE hybrid is less of a hot hatch to drive, mainly thanks to the additional weight of the powertrain harming responses in the bends. It's not as quick or as characterful as the GTI, either, but it does impress when you take it easy with its efficiency and smooth, silent town driving.
The petrol engines are badged TSI and they start as small as a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit producing just 84bhp (this motor replaces the old 1.2 with the same output). It's not as slow as you might expect thanks to a turbocharger, and it's exceptionally smooth.
The 84bhp unit is available in S trim only, though; to best combine power, efficiency, kit and price, you’ll need to step up to its more powerful 1.0 sibling which offers 109bhp. It retains the refinement of the base car, but adds useful extra punch for overtaking or carrying heavier loads.
This three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol was previously only available on the ultra-efficient BlueMotion. Despite its diminutive capacity, the turbocharged engine puts on a strong display. We recorded a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds in one, which was half a second faster than a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo Honda Civic, while it had a larger-capacity Renault Megane 1.2 TCe beaten during our in-gear assessments. For instance, it covered the fourth gear 30-50mph increment in 5.6 seconds, which was 1.1 seconds ahead of the Megane.
On the road, the Golf feels more lively as its more powerful rivals, pulling smoothly and eagerly from as little as 1,500rpm, even in the higher gears. With 200Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, there’s little need to work the smooth engine hard – but the unit will spin sweetly to the 6,000rpm red line.
The
mid-range petrol engine is a 1.4 with 123bhp, although in the medium
term this will be replaced by a 1.5 that closes cylinders down to save
fuel when they’re not needed. The new unit produces a hefty 148bhp in
its initial form, but an eco-focused version (which closes down
completely when you’re cruising along, almost like a hybrid) will offer
129bhp and be a more direct swap with the old 1.4.
The 2.0-litre petrol power is all reserved for the GTI and R models, with outputs from 237bhp to 306bhp.
On the diesel side, there’s a 1.6 with 114bhp that’s available right across the Golf range. It’s capable enough for most uses, but if you want something with a little more guts (and a little less noise), VW offers a 2.0 diesel producing 148bhp and barely any more CO2. There’s also a potent 181bhp 2.0, but it’s reserved for the GTD.
The GTE plug-in hybrid mixes a 1.4-litre petrol and an electric motor for a combined output of 201bhp, while the e-Golf has been given a more efficient battery as part of the 2017 facelift, so it now promises 186 miles on a single charge. It's as smooth and easy to drive as it's always been, but with improved fast charging - you can now top it up to 80 per cent in 45 minutes with a fast charger, while a 21bhp power upgrade means it feels more sprightly than before.
This is particularly true of the 1.5 EcoTSI petrol that comes as part of the Mk7’s revisions. It’s a 148bhp unit, and it is astonishingly refined; indeed, at motorway speeds, even the Golf’s low levels of wind and road noise do become audible, just because the engine has faded so far into the background.
Regardless of engine, the Golf is almost ghost-like over bumps; it just glides over them. Progress can be made even more fluid by choosing the adaptive damping system as an option.
In addition to the effortless ride, drivers benefit from well weighted steering, a precise gearshift and strong brakes, while an electronic differential helps deliver sharp turn-in to corners and extra traction when exiting. Overall the MQB platform offers safe, balanced handling – not perhaps the last word in driving excitement, but it’s a superb all-round effort.
Volkswagen fits all Golf models with over 118bhp with a more sophisticated multilink rear axle to help improve handling – although in most situations the standard torsion beam set-up feels nearly as composed. The small wheels and thick tyre sidewalls on entry level versions make it a superbly cossetting car for the money.
With the exception of the five-speed manual in the entry-level 1.0 edition, the standard gearbox across the Golf range is a six-speed manual. But one key switch in the 2017 facelift is the phasing out of the old six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic in favour of a smoother-shifting seven-speed unit across all models.
If fun is top of your priority list, then opt for a GTD, GTE, GTI or R version. The GTD offers plenty of torque for effortless overtaking. Don't be fooled by the GTE though: despite the name, it's no hot hatch. It's faster in a straight line than the GTD, but the added weight means it's not much fun in the corners.
True performance fans will be drawn to the flagship R model. Available as a hatchback or an estate, the Golf R gets 306bhp and four-wheel drive, so it should feel very sharp to drive and pack a tremendous amount of grip.
However, for most keen drivers, the legendary Volkswagen Golf GTI delivers an ideal mix of performance, value and fun. Standard cars now get 227bhp as part of the 2017 facelift, although you can get an extra 15bhp on top of that, and a limited-slip front differential, by choosing the Performance Pack.
We'd recommend going for the (hardly costly) Performance Pack, offering a trademark GTI blend of fun performance, agility and everyday usability, but with a more focused driving experience on the limit.
The GTE hybrid is less of a hot hatch to drive, mainly thanks to the additional weight of the powertrain harming responses in the bends. It's not as quick or as characterful as the GTI, either, but it does impress when you take it easy with its efficiency and smooth, silent town driving.
Engines
The revised Golf features a few new engines, but most of the line-up remains intact. It's also still the only mainstream car on sale that offers the choice of petrols, diesels, a plug-in hybrid and a full-EV.The petrol engines are badged TSI and they start as small as a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit producing just 84bhp (this motor replaces the old 1.2 with the same output). It's not as slow as you might expect thanks to a turbocharger, and it's exceptionally smooth.
The 84bhp unit is available in S trim only, though; to best combine power, efficiency, kit and price, you’ll need to step up to its more powerful 1.0 sibling which offers 109bhp. It retains the refinement of the base car, but adds useful extra punch for overtaking or carrying heavier loads.
This three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol was previously only available on the ultra-efficient BlueMotion. Despite its diminutive capacity, the turbocharged engine puts on a strong display. We recorded a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds in one, which was half a second faster than a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo Honda Civic, while it had a larger-capacity Renault Megane 1.2 TCe beaten during our in-gear assessments. For instance, it covered the fourth gear 30-50mph increment in 5.6 seconds, which was 1.1 seconds ahead of the Megane.
On the road, the Golf feels more lively as its more powerful rivals, pulling smoothly and eagerly from as little as 1,500rpm, even in the higher gears. With 200Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, there’s little need to work the smooth engine hard – but the unit will spin sweetly to the 6,000rpm red line.
The 2.0-litre petrol power is all reserved for the GTI and R models, with outputs from 237bhp to 306bhp.
On the diesel side, there’s a 1.6 with 114bhp that’s available right across the Golf range. It’s capable enough for most uses, but if you want something with a little more guts (and a little less noise), VW offers a 2.0 diesel producing 148bhp and barely any more CO2. There’s also a potent 181bhp 2.0, but it’s reserved for the GTD.
The GTE plug-in hybrid mixes a 1.4-litre petrol and an electric motor for a combined output of 201bhp, while the e-Golf has been given a more efficient battery as part of the 2017 facelift, so it now promises 186 miles on a single charge. It's as smooth and easy to drive as it's always been, but with improved fast charging - you can now top it up to 80 per cent in 45 minutes with a fast charger, while a 21bhp power upgrade means it feels more sprightly than before.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
Advanced engine tech means most versions in the Golf range are very efficient, offsetting the high initial purchase cost
If you’re after properly frugal motoring, though, then it’s good to know you can choose between either the 1.0-litre petrol with 109bhp, or the 114bhp 1.6 diesel, and still have CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km - and that’s regardless of whether your gearbox is a manual or a DSG automatic.
Of course, there should be a Golf with less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions - and we expect a BlueMotion variant later this year that will achieve that feat.
In the meantime, the gutsy new 1.5-litre unit with 148bhp isn’t bad at avoiding the pumps either; its cylinder deactivation technology means it returns a claimed 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 116g/km.
The Golf GTE's economy figures are pretty much identical for 2017, with the promise of up to 157mpg combined. Like all plug-ins, that figure needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, as to stand any hope of getting close to that figure you need to be able to run on electric power only for a large chunk of your commute. When the batteries are drained, you should manage about 50mpg. Its big appeal comes as a company car, thanks to its low Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax rate making it very cheap to run.
• New Volvo V40 to take aim at VW Golf
The e-Golf is, like most EVs, costly to buy from the outset, but that initial expense can be offset by it costing only a few pounds to fully charge up (depending on when and where you charge). Expect around 130-14o miles of range from a charge in the real-world, although that varies hugely depending on your driving style and usage.
Insurance groups
Insurance ranges from Group 11 for the entry-spec Golf 1.0 TSI S - up from Group 7 for the old 1.2 petrol - to a sky-high 39 for the rapid Golf R. We've found insurance quotes are competitive with class rivals, so the percieved prestige of the VW badge doesn't come with any financial penalty.
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