Test drive Volkswagen Golf eighth generation
Content
Despite the popularity of the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf, the manufacturer decided not to stop there. Therefore, in October 2019. The eighth version of the family hatchback was announced. The series went off the assembly line in December last year.
As before, Golf holds the highest position among C-Class cars. What is a “people's car” of the latest generation?
Auto design
Volkswagen Golf has retained its familiar shape. Therefore, it is easy to recognize among contemporaries. The company decided not to change anything in the style of the body. This is still a hatchback. However, in this series there will no longer be a three-door version.
The size of the car compared to its predecessor has not changed much. Dimension table (in millimeters):
| Length | 4284 |
| Width | 1789 |
| Height | 1456 |
| Wheelbase | 2636 |
The optics installed on this car were previously used in models of a class higher. This time, the base version contains IQ.Light matrix LED headlights. The main feature of this technology is the automatic adaptation to the situation on the road. The headlights change the beam of light even without driver intervention.
Most of the elements of the body of the novelty received from previous series. But external changes are not the highlight.
How does a car go?
Given the novelty of the car, there is still not much dynamic data on the trip. But a trial test drive has already allowed us to evaluate the model as still a practical and easy-to-drive car.
The Golf 8 is equipped with a six-speed manual. The second option is mainly for hybrid plants. This is a seven-speed DSG machine. The fully independent front and rear suspension makes the ride enjoyable even on low-quality road surfaces.
Technical specifications
Regarding power units in the eighth series, a lot of interesting things.
European versions are equipped with a turbocharged engine of one and a half liters. The engine produces excellent speed. In the range from 2000 to 5500 rpm. the unit confidently accelerates the car. The manual gearbox is adapted to urban traffic.
So, the first - third speeds are short. This allows you to accelerate at traffic lights with greater dynamics. The fourth and fifth are more suitable for driving on the highway (more extended). Sixth is ideal for autobahns. At speeds around 110 km / h. the transmission allows you to drive the car in fifth gear (when overtaking - in 4th). Everything above 120 is for sixth speed.
The complete set of the power unit with an automatic transmission pleased much more. Switching speeds is almost imperceptible. The robot is equipped with several riding modes. Including sports. In this case, the rear suspension can also be configured for stiffer recoil.
The second option of the internal combustion engine is a two-liter turbodiesel. Torque - 360 Nm. Power - 150 horsepower. Despite the larger volume, compared with the gasoline counterpart, the diesel engine is not as fast. However, in turns and when overtaking, confident power is felt.
The line of power units of the eighth model includes five hybrid engines. Their power: 109, 129, 148, 201 and 241 horsepower.
| TCI 1.5 | TDI 2.0 | eHead | TCI 1.0 | |
| Motor type | petrol | diesel | hybrid | petrol |
| Horsepower | 130/150 | 150 | 109-241 | 90 |
| Maximum speed, km / h. | 225 | 223 | 220-225 | 190 |
| Engine displacement, l. | 1,5 | 2,0 | 1,4-1,6 | 1,0 |
| Трансмиссия | 6 tbsp. mechanics / automatic DSG (7 speeds) | DSG submachine gun (7 speeds) | DSG submachine gun (7 speeds) | 6 tbsp. Mechanics |
Thanks to the wide range of options, everyone will be able to choose a modification suitable for local conditions.
Salon
Inside, the car received the most changes. Moreover, they did not concern the trim itself, but control systems. The car is replete with the latest technology.
The very first thing that catches your eye is the gear lever in the automatic transmission. More precisely, its absence.
For owners of a Samsung smartphone, the manufacturer made a small surprise. Auto opens when you bring the gadget to the door handle. And if you put it on the dashboard, the engine starts.
The multimedia system is equipped with an 8-inch touch screen. If desired, it can be replaced with a monitor with 10 inches.
Fuel consumption
Turbocharging gives the car additional horsepower without increasing fuel consumption. Therefore, Volkswagen Golf with confidence can be called an economical car with a pleasant dynamic.
The novelty has not yet been tested by motorists. However, the operating experience of the last series will help to imagine what to expect from the new items.
| 7 generation | 1,2 (85 h.p.) | 1,4 (122 h.p.) | 1,4 (140 h.p.) |
| Track | 4,2 | 4,3 | 4,4 |
| City | 5,9 | 6,6 | 6,1 |
| Mixed | 4,9 | 5,2 | 5,0 |
According to the manufacturer, in mixed mode, a 1,5-liter unit in conjunction with a 7-speed automatic will consume 5 liters / 100 km. So, the "gluttony" of the motors will not change much. Except for hybrid installations. The charge of their lithium-ion batteries is enough for 60 km. run.
Cost of maintenance
Since the model has not yet appeared on sale, service stations have not yet compiled price lists for auto repair data. However, the cost of servicing the older brother of a family hatchback will help plan the maintenance of new items.
| Type of work: | Estimated cost, dollars. |
| Computer diagnostics (ABS, AIRBAG, engine management systems) + troubleshooting | 70 |
| Wheel alignment (check and adjustment) | 30 (front and rear axle) |
| Comprehensive air conditioning maintenance (diagnostics and refueling) | from 27 |
| CV joint replacement | 20 |
| Changing engine oil with filter | 10 |
| Timing Belt Replacement | from 90 |
The German auto industry continues to create cars with a large resource of operation of all elements of any system. Therefore, original spare parts do not need replacement as often as budget counterparts.
Prices for the Volkswagen Golf 8
Sales of the new Volkswagen Golf 8 in the post-Soviet countries will start in the summer of 2020. Car dealers do not yet provide the actual cost of the model. However, the target price for the base configuration starts at $ 23.
| Box & Papers: | Standard | GT |
| Leather interior | - | option |
| Multimedia steering wheel control | + | + |
| Primary / Multimedia Display | 10/8 | 10/10 |
| Sports seats | option | option |
| Keyless Access | option | option |
| Heated front seats and steering wheel | + | + |
| ABS | + | + |
| EBD (brake force distribution) | + | + |
| BAS (auxiliary brake system) | + | + |
| TCS (traction control on start) | + | + |
| Blind Spot Control | + | + |
| Parking sensors | + | + |
| Driver Fatigue Control | + | + |
In addition to standard comfort and safety systems, the car is equipped with front and side airbags. The on-board computer contains a lane keeping system and warning of a potential collision. And emergency automatic braking will help to avoid an accident if the driver is distracted.
The basic package will include an automatic transmission in 6 gears. The supply of a turbodiesel is still in doubt. It is also unknown whether we will have an option with mechanics. Motorists are looking forward to both options.
Hack and predictor Aviator
Recently, the relevance of electric cars has been increasing with arithmetic progression. Therefore, most likely, fans of the famous cult Golf watch the pet retire. The situation shows that the eighth series will close the history of the creation of a national car, on which more than one generation of motorists was brought up.
Nevertheless, the restrained and calm-looking family car will still please connoisseurs of traditional cars.
Additional review of new items in 2020:
