Volkswagen Golf 2021 overview

Since its inception, the Volkswagen Golf has been the "people's car" at the heart of the VW brand.

Getting the keys to the next generation version for review at launch is very important. Historical even. But I can't help but feel that this is happening at the beginning of the twilight phase of the legendary nameplate.

Eight generations later, with a rich history stretching from the populous economy hatchback to the wild track-focused options, it's clear that the only car written on the wall has been the symbol of the German brand for the past 45 years.

It's not just that buyers' attention has shifted from hatchbacks to SUVs (like the Tiguan), but the looming era of electrification should see models like the all-electric (and presumably affordable) ID.3. will eventually replace internal combustion vehicles such as the Golf. A thought that a year or two ago seemed almost unthinkable.

So, what could be the last or penultimate cheer for the car that replaced the Beetle at a turning point in history towards electrification and SUVs that the Golf 8 has to offer?

I took what has to be its most popular option, the mid-range 110 TSI Life at its launch in Australia, to find out.

Volkswagen Golf 2021: the life of the 110 TSI
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.4 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	5.8l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$27,300

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

On the face of it, the new-generation Golf has seen significant price increases, especially for the entry-level class.

However, take a look at the list of equipment, and it becomes clear that a statement is being made here. Even the base car, now simply called the Golf, can't be fully loaded when it comes to equipment. VW says it could make the car cheaper, but that's not the point of the buyer.

In fact, the brand says that by the time this car's 7.5-powered predecessor was headed to the grave, the average consumer had brought the price of even the 110 TSI Comfortline to over $35, indicating a healthy appetite for options.

A 10.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto is standard (110 TSI Life option pictured).

For this new one, VW has simplified it by simply including almost everything that was once a standard option.

It starts with the base Golf, which can still be selected with a six-speed manual ($29,350) or the new Aisin eight-speed automatic ($31,950).

This entry-level version features an impressive all-digital interior including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with wired USB-C, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and voice commands, LED exterior lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button ignition, shift-interior controls, a tire pressure indicator, and cloth seat trim with manual seat adjustment.

It's a lot of things, but where the base Golf really excels is in surprising inclusions like three-zone climate control, full LED lighting and a digital cockpit.

It has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. (pictured is variant 110 TSI Life)

Followed by Life (cars only - $34,250) which upgrades the digital instrument cluster kit to a "professional" version including more customization options and built-in navigation, upgrades the multimedia kit to a 10.0-inch device with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto . , and charger, alloy wheels, trim upgrades, premium cloth seats with lumber adjustment, an LED ambient lighting package, and auto-folding exterior mirrors.

Rounds out the Golf R-Line's "regular" range (car-only - $37,450). As the name suggests, this variant adds a sportier body kit with 18-inch alloy wheels, sporty interior trim touches and unique seats, tinted rear window, upgraded LED headlights with automatic high beams, and a sportier steering wheel with touch control panel.

Finally, the lineup culminates in the GTI model ($53,100), which has a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a front differential lock and a sporty dual exhaust system, 18-inch alloy wheels with a unique bumper and spoiler. design, as well as various performance and trim improvements.

The Life comes with 17-inch alloy wheels (pictured is the 110 TSI Life option).

Options packages in the Golf 8 lineup include the Sound & Vision package for the Life, R-Line, and GTI ($1500), which includes a premium Harmon Kardon audio system and a holographic head-up display. The Comfort and Style Package ($2000) for the Life only includes 30-color interior lighting, sports seats, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Finally, the "luxury package" for the GTI ($3800) includes heated and cooled front seats, power driver's seat, partial leather trim and a panoramic sunroof. A panoramic sunroof can be installed separately on the R-Line for $1800.

Some buyers, who appear to be in the minority, are alarmed by the fact that the Golf is now around $30,000 and not in the mid-twenties like the base Hyundai i30 ($25,420 car), Toyota Corolla (Ascent manual). Sport - $23,895), and the Mazda 3 (G20 Evolve with manual transmission - $26,940), though VW notes that the base Golf has plenty of other perks beyond standard equipment, such as a 6-liter turbo engine that meets Euro-1.4 requirements, low fuel consumption and a driver-oriented independent rear end. suspense.

The complete Volkswagen IQ Drive active safety package is standard on the entire Golf 110 range. (XNUMX TSI Life variant pictured)

Like other recently updated Volkswagen products, the new Golf also includes the full IQ Drive safety package as standard. Read more about this in the security section of this review. The Golf range also includes a GTI hot hatch that isn't part of the Mazda3 or Corolla lineup, but unfortunately (for buyers and VW Australia) there's no hybrid option. 

This is because the hybrid-ready 1.5-litre evo engine remains incompatible with Australian high-sulphur fuels. More on that in the engine and transmission section of this review, and if you're interested, be sure to check out our news on the subject.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Outside Golf is unmistakable. This is partly because this car's conservative and sensible looks have become synonymous with the brand, and also because the Golf 8's exterior upgrades can easily be mistaken for a simple facelift compared to the 7.5-liter engine it replaces.

This is certainly a story of evolution, not revolution, as the profile of the new Golf is almost identical to its predecessor.

The face is the most heavily modified detail on the outside, with a neat new bumper and a notable absence of a prominent grille or air intake, alluding to this car's altered efficiency.

This is certainly a story of evolution, not revolution, as the profile of the new Golf is almost identical to its predecessor. (pictured is variant 110 TSI Life)

The paint color now also flows into the lighting strips at the bottom of the bumper, while the LED headlights and neat two-tone alloy wheels add to the slightly more upmarket look combined with the increased price tags.

It's neat as ever, exactly what many Golf buyers are looking for, but you'll have a hard time impressing your neighbor if you're swapping out a new one for an old one.

That is, until you get them inside. This is where the "new generation" part of the car comes into play. The conservative interior of the 7.5 has been replaced with something more modern and technologically advanced.

The kind of attention to detail that can really make or break an interior, and it's nice to see that it's not forgotten in such a popular model. (pictured is variant 110 TSI Life)

Large screens with slick software mounted on a glossy backlight strip on the dashboard are the highlights in such a compact car, and nifty wire-assisted gear shifters combined with subtle vent fittings and typical VW Teutonic switchgear create a cabin that is familiar yet futuristic. 

The brightness and color of the panels make them bright without being overbearing, while the matte silver stripe running across the dash and into the doors adds just enough of a punch that the interior doesn't turn into one big slate gray - usually one of my main complaints. to the VW interior.

It's all beautifully fitted and finished, with lots of little textural work in the storage areas, and I couldn't help but smile when I realized that the seat trim in our mid-range Life test car is actually a "VW" pattern. The kind of attention to detail that can really make or break an interior, and it's nice to see that it's not forgotten in such a popular model.

On that topic, the GTI will of course retain its perforated flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and checkered cloth seat trim. It's a little sad that the lack of a manual option for the hardy hot hatch means the absence of the golf ball changer that was once famously cited as proof that the Germans do have a sense of humour.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

The Golf has always had a smart cockpit and great ergonomics, and that continues into the eighth generation.

Like the overall look of the interior, the driving position is both familiar and improved. The steering wheel is an evolution of the Golf 7.5, a three-spoke design that has been given a slightly new shape, with a new logo and nicely clicky function buttons.

That's good for those who don't like touch interfaces, as unfortunately the new Golf lacks any rotating dials. A rotating light selector? Replaced with touch panels. Volume knobs? Replaced with touch sliders. Even the climate control has been merged with the multimedia package, a big loss for a driver-friendly setup.

Thankfully, the Golf 8's all-new software package is stellar, and even in the base car you can tweak these features via voice control, but it's never a good day for drivers to have the right tactile dials moving from the dash to the trash can.

At 182cm (6ft 0in), I fit behind my own driver's seat with plenty of room for my knees. (pictured is variant 110 TSI Life)

In terms of software, Volkswagen Group's digital instrument cluster is by far the best on the market, with a strikingly crisp and clear panel that is seemingly unaffected by glare or other inconvenience. The hardware grunt behind both screens is also evident, as they have lightning-fast response times and smooth frame rates, making both panels a pleasure to use.

The driver's seat can be nice and low, offering a sporty feel, but also great adjustment for front passengers (even if it's manual in most variants). There are huge bottle holders and storage compartments in the doors, as well as a large tray in place of the climate unit and a large compartment with a folding cup holder divider in the center console. There is also a large armrest with adjustable height.

You'll want to bring a converter with you to the base car, as all USB ports are new variant C, though they don't appear to be needed for solo travelers in the Life, R-Line, and GTI classes that come as standard. compartment for wireless charging and the ability to connect your phone.

The luggage compartment of the Golf has always been decent, and this continues in the eighth generation car with a proposed volume of 374 liters (VDA).

The rear seat is a new benchmark for the midsize hatchback segment. The entry-level versions not only have their own climate zone with controls and adjustable vents, but also feature dual USB-C sockets, a choice of three pockets on the back of the front seats on the Life trim, large bottle holders in the door, and a drop-down armrest with two bottle holders. 

In every class, great seating and a low seating position continue in the back, and I fit behind my own driver's seat with plenty of room for my knees at 182 cm (6'0").

The Golf's luggage space has always been decent, and that continues in the eighth generation car with a suggested volume of 374 liters (VDA), enough for our three-piece luggage demo kit. This space can increase to 1230 liters with the rear seats folded down. The spare wheel is located under the floor in all standard Golf variants to save space.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

There is good and less good news here. We'll get rid of the worst first: despite being a "new generation" car, it still has portable engines throughout its range, as well as a distinct lack of hybrid options. 

It's not exactly uncommon in Australia, the new Hyundai Tucson SUV is another recent example, but it's still disappointing.

In Europe, the Golf is powered by the new 1.5-litre evo engine, which is essentially the next step up from the 110TSI engine used throughout the Australian range, although the European market version opens the door for further electrification and efficiency.

The standard Golf range, from the base model to the R-Line, is powered by the familiar 110kW/110Nm 250-litre four-cylinder turbocharged 1.4 TSI petrol engine. (pictured is variant 110 TSI Life)

Thankfully, this means the Golf, which is coming to Australia, is ditching the seven-speed dual-clutch car the brand is known for in favor of an Aisin-made eight-speed automatic torque converter. Make no mistake, this is very good for drivers. We'll explore why in the driving section of this review.

The standard Golf range, from the base car to the R-Line, is powered by the familiar 110 TSI 110-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 250kW/1.4Nm, while the GTI retains its well-established (EA888) 2.0-liter engine. 180kW/370Nm four-cylinder turbo engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

All low-power turbo-powered Golf variants require a mid-range 95RON but have impressive fuel consumption figures that hopefully make up for it when it comes to back pocket.

The 110 TSI Life tested for this range review shares a claimed/combined fuel consumption figure with the rest of the eight-speed auto range of 5.8L/100km, which is startlingly low for a non-hybrid. Our actual test yielded a more realistic figure of 8.3 l/100 km, which may indicate that the eight-speed automatic transmission is less efficient than the dual clutch, although there is no doubt that lower ones can be obtained over time. numbers.

The base manual will apparently be even lower than the automatic at 5.3L/100km, although we haven't tested this car yet.

Meanwhile, the GTI's claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.0 l/100 km. Stay tuned for our review of options soon, for our verified number. All variants of the Golf hatchback have a 50 liter fuel tank.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

A big selling point of the new Golf is the carefully redesigned safety package that comes as standard across the range.

This includes automatic emergency speed braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function and new emergency function. 

Like most VW Group products, the Golf also features a "Proactive Occupant Protection System" that pretensiones seat belts, opens the windows slightly for optimal airbag deployment, and applies the brakes when it detects a potential collision.

This time around, the Golf has been upgraded with eight airbags, as well as a standard suite of traction and stability controls, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the outboard rear seats and top tether anchorages on the rear row.

With all that kit, it's no surprise that the Golf 8 range has the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating by 2019 standards.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

The Golf range is backed by a five-year brand warranty and unlimited mileage with roadside assistance. It's competitive with its key competitors, although it doesn't move the envelope forward. A nice addition are VW's "Service Plans" which allow you to pay for service in advance (and optionally bundle it financially).

The three-year plan costs $1200 for 1.4-liter models or $1400 for a 2.0-liter GTI, while the five-year plan costs $2100 for 1.4-liter cars or $2450 for the GTI.

If a five-year plan is chosen, that means an average cost of $420/year over the warranty period for the main range, or $490/year for the GTI. Not the most affordable we've seen, especially compared to older-engined rivals, but not bad considering VW's high-tech powertrain.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

The Golf 7.5 was a real gem to drive, generally surpassing its peers when it came to ride and handling. The big question I asked number eight was how could VW do better?

The answer for the 110 TSI variants is simpler than you might think. Ditching the dual-clutch automatic transmission in favor of the well-received Aisin eight-speed automatic, which also appears (and shines) in many other cars, is a key step that makes the Australian-shipped Golf extremely consumer-friendly.

For example, I had no idea that a 1.4-litre 110 TSI turbocharged engine was that good. I always had the feeling that it was held back by the jerks and hesitations of the dual-clutch automatic transmission it always pairs with, but with a torque converter automatic transmission, the way that combination plays makes it the best Golf in years.

The gearbox shifts instantly into every gear, intelligently shifts between the correct gear ratios in corners and hills, and improves the out-of-sight driving experience overall. Changing gears in a straight line isn't as fast as lightning, and it doesn't seem as economical, but the trade-off for everyday drivers in low-speed traffic is clear.

Suffice to say, if you've already owned a 110 TSI Golf, you'll love this one. Other driving areas are basically the same or even improved over the previous car. The base of this car has been slightly reworked to further tune the suspension, which is, as always, well tuned and effortless.

It truly sits at the top of the segment in terms of ride and road holding, especially given its independent rear suspension, as opposed to the torsion beam of its more basic competitors. It's a difference you can really feel, with the Golf handling bumps, potholes and bumps with confidence despite sustaining low body roll through corners. 

And this is all in a non-working version. I'd say the only non-VW Group vehicle that comes close at this price point is the Toyota Corolla. The Mazda3 and Hyundai i30, while great for their segment, don't quite strike the balance between sporty and comfortable, and a torsion-bar rear end.

The future-oriented interior also impresses the driver. While I complained about the touchpad climate control, the Golf has a new "smart" climate screen where you can use the main functions, set to 20.5 degrees by default, with a single touch. 

The holographic projection display sits almost in the middle of your field of view (even with adjustment), which was strange at first, but its opacity is so low that it does not interfere with your view of the road, and I found myself looking actually less and less the more I rode it. It's more intuitive than you might imagine.

This is usually the part where I introduce you to some of the downsides of driving, but aside from my preference for tactile controls, there's so little to complain about here, especially with this new gearbox. I was expecting the adaptive cruise to be a bit more steering-friendly, like Mercedes-Benz products perhaps, but that's the only thing that comes to mind.

The Golf 8 proves that it's not enough to simply maintain its position as the benchmark for driving in the hatchback segment, but to constantly push it forward. I feel sorry for my European colleagues who will not be able to experience this version of the car with a much more convenient automatic transmission. I fear this bright moment for this car will pass when the 1.5-litre evo engine comes with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, reintroducing its performance, probably for the 8.5-litre facelift.

So this version of the Golf could be the pinnacle for everyday drivers, at least as a car with an internal combustion engine. Really historical.

Verdict

At this historic moment when consumers are shifting to SUVs and electrification, the combustion-powered Golf 8 range proves that Volkswagen is determined to make the most of its legendary nameplates before their time comes.

It's true, there are some relatively minor changes here when it comes to engine, platform, and even styling, but the Golf's high-tech cockpit, long range, and ultra-refined driving performance keep it well and truly uphold its position. hatch segment standard.

The base car is attractive, but the Life gives the full experience and it's our pick from the range.