Appearing in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf can be considered an icon of the automotive industry. 46 years after the first generation, it's the eighth generation's turn to make its debut. As is often the case with the German manufacturer, this new generation of Golf cars does not break with the previous one, especially in terms of aesthetics. The changes are visible with a flat front end and tapered headlights, while the rear end is more straight and the trunk has been designed to avoid curves. The profile remains traditional for a Golf and the same applies to the dimensions with a length of 4.28 metres, a slight increase compared to the Golf 7.
If the outside is in line with the old one, on the inside it is a real revolution. The main novelty is the massive use of digital technology. Very horizontal, the dashboard now accommodates two screens. The one used for the instrumentation measures 10 inches and the other dedicated to multimedia varies in size between 8 and 10 inches depending on the finish. The latter works like a telephone with screens, which can be slid out. It represents the nerve centre of this Golf, as it allows everything to be controlled and parameterised.
Although it is smooth and pleasant to use, it will take some time to get used to, as it is easy to get your feet caught in the mat. You will have to be careful not to take your eyes off the road too often. Other examples of this modernization are the replacement of the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel with tactile buttons and the possibility of having a head-up display (an option at 740 €).
The assembly is well done. The choice of materials is more debatable. Very good on the upper part but more questionable on the lower part. One can however note a clear progress compared to the last productions of the brand and in particular the T-Roc for example.
As often at Volkswagen, the practical aspects are well designed! The rear seats are welcoming for the passengers but you have to deal with the imposing transmission tunnel that penalizes the central seat. The cargo volume with 380 litres remains stable compared to the previous generation. An increase would have been welcome knowing that a Peugeot 308 does better with 420 litres for example. As a small compensation, there are numerous and spacious stowage spaces in the passenger compartment, making daily life easier.
When the Golf is launched on the market, two finishes are available: Life and Style. It is precisely the latter - which represents the top of the range - that we had for our test. Thus, our model had level 2 semi-autonomous driving made possible by the presence of the anti-collision system, lane keeping aid and traffic sign recognition. In addition, there are automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking radars, 17-inch wheels, tri-zone air conditioning, connected navigation, electric driver's seat and the innovative Car2X technology, which enables communication between vehicles.
The micro-hybridization is transparent to the driver. On the occasion of its launch, Volkswagen is marketing its Golf with three engines: a diesel engine, the TDI 150 hp, a petrol engine, the 130 hp, and a petrol engine with 48V micro-hybridisation, the e-TSI 150 hp. In concrete terms, this is a conventional 150 bhp TSI engine with cylinder deactivation, combined with a starter-alternator capable of delivering a little boost during acceleration and consuming less fuel. In use, micro-hybridization is totally transparent to the driver, since it will be impossible to drive with 100% electric power, even a few metres.
With 250 Nm available from low revs, the TSI is very flexible, but you would have expected a little more punch from the power. Its association with the 7-speed DSG gearbox, which is controlled by a new, smaller lever, is satisfactory with smooth but sometimes less dynamic gear changes. This impression is also due to the relatively long gear ratios. It should also be noted that the "freewheel" function is activated regularly as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator and the engine is restarted with the utmost discretion.
in short, it's a car with character that will still please the Volkswagen lover. Discover our Golf Volkswagen in our dealership.
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