Test drive VW Golf VIII: Crown Prince
Content
Driving a new edition of one of the world's most important models
Golf has long been an institution in the automotive market and the appearance of each next generation is not just another premiere, but an event that changes the system of coordinates and standards in the compact class. The eighth generation of the bestseller is no exception.
First impressions
While the generational change is still significant, this time it's a little different. Revolutionary changes in the automotive world are just around the corner and the situation is very similar to the debut of the latest version of the "turtle" at a time when the prelaunch countdown for the Golf I. Now the premiere of the Golf VIII takes place against the background of the ID.3, standing in the starting blocks, and it definitely deprives its brilliance, but the Golf is still a Golf.
This can be seen from one kilometer. Traditionally, even generations are evolutionary stages in the development of the model, and VIII follows this path, adopting and developing the technological basis of the seventh generation.
Outside dimensions show minimal changes (+2,6 cm in length, -0,1 cm in width, -3,6 cm in height and +1,6 cm in wheelbase), and the tried and tested transverse engine layout is optimized for perfection perfectly well.
Access, use and possibilities of transformation of the internal space. The revolutionary change is only in terms of the design and concept of the dashboard with large screens and an almost complete transition to digitalization and touch control of functions - from on-screen menus through buttons to sliding touch controls and always-on Internet connection.
All this takes a little time to get used to, but not because it is difficult or unusual (every smartphone owner will understand the logic in seconds), but because it is in Golf - the keeper of traditions.
Living classics
Fortunately, the rest of the GXNUMX is as clear and unwavering as the logic in new menus, and the feeling that investing in golf is worth money is at least as strong and solid as, say, the Four.
The workmanship exudes typical pedantry, and after the first two or three kilometers you realize that the engineers' efforts go much deeper - a solid body with excellent sound insulation and even more improved aerodynamics (0,275) make the cabin extremely quiet even at very fast driving.
The familiar stuff on the T-Roc and T-Cross isn't meant to be extravagant, but the standard equipment level on the eighth generation is high - even the base 1.0 TSI offers Car2X, a digital instrument cluster and multimedia with large screens and steering wheel controls, Keyless, lane keeping and emergency stop assistance, automatic air conditioning, LED lights, etc. All of this is impressive even before you leave.
With the top-of-the-line 1.5 eTSI petrol version, it's child's play - a little push to move the small lever to D, and now we're on the road with a 1,5-hp 150-liter engine assisted by a mild hybrid system with a belt starter-alternator and an onboard voltage of 48 V, which smooths out the imperceptible drop in turbomachine thrust during start-up.
At each throttle, the seven-speed DSG disengages the TSI. At this time, the on-board electronics, electromechanical power steering and brake booster are powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery.
Steadfast behavior
The comfort and dynamics of the road have also been brought to a level to which even the most outright whims are resolved. The adaptive suspension modes cover a very wide range of settings, and the figure-eight behavior is cleverly balanced by neutral cornering behavior, excellent steering wheel feedback and an unwavering stability that never overdone stiffness. Complete harmony, but without a gram of boredom in the chassis.
Golf remains Golf - comfortable, but dynamic, compact on the outside and spacious inside, economical, but at the same time temperamental. And VW remains unrivaled in finding that extremely precise balance that once again makes the heir to the throne better than his predecessors - no matter what comes after him.
Conclusion
The world is changing, and with it Golf. The eighth generation premiere will soon be followed by the debut of its electric counterpart, the ID.3, which has the potential to be a far more serious competitor than classic rivals in the compact class.
The GXNUMX's answer is impeccable comfort and road behavior, highly efficient drive and state-of-the-art function control concept, connectivity, ergonomics and the best convenience the industry has to offer today.
