Small, Efficient, Fun!
I have finally been able to test drive this super popular car and I think you need to get it!
The VW Golf (sometimes known as the Rabbit) has been selling successfully for over 40 years now and it shows. This small VW has clearly been absorbing everything it has been learning to slowly perfect itself over the years. Besides the VW "Bug", the Golf has been one of the most recognizable VW cars on the market. There are many variations of the Golf in the world so I will just be focusing on the ones in North America, and just the hatchback version, not the wagon (estate) or Jetta wagon versions. The car was slightly changed for the 2015 year, so I will try to show and cover the previous generation and the current one.
Lets take a look: (left are pre-2015)
Lets take a look: (left are pre-2015)
Different Styles:
While the golf may come in a variety of different styles around the world, in North America it currently comes as a 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, and a 5-door wagon. I will focus on the 5-door hatchback.
The VW Golf also comes with a variety of different engines. As a few versions of the Golf are not really considered economic or budget, I shall focus on the ones that are.
From 2010-2014 the Golf could have a 2.5L 5 cylinder gas engine, which is the same engine in the VW Beetle I reviewed here:
It could be had with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Golf could also have the 2.0L, turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine which is the same as the VW Jetta I reviewed here:
It could be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automated manual (DSG) dual-clutch transmission.
Starting in 2015, the Golf can have a 1.8L, turbo 4 cylinder engine with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Styling and Comfort Impressions:
I will admit I am a bit biased in favour of hatchbacks. But it seems like the whole world, not just me, thinks the VW Golf is a great looking car. The 2010-14 generation was quite good, but the update for the 2015 year made the car look a lot better; more sporty and edgy. All the proportions are very good. Large windows, a boxy back for good cargo space, the wheels are not too small or too large. The lights are not too crazy but are aggressive-looking enough to give the Golf some personality. Some people might look at the Golf against competitors and say that it looks too plain. It may be, but at the same time that slight lack of pizzazz means that this car will still look good once the overall style and fad of current cars moves on, just like it has in the past.
Going inside, the Golf has a very functional, smart looking, but slightly plain interior. The materials all look and feel good and work well together inside. It can have either a black layout or a dark tan for the seating and carpets.
The front media unit changed a bit between the last generation and the 2015 one. The new ones have more shiny piano-like black surfaces and chrome trim (which always makes thinks look better). The layout is still very functional with large, easy to reach buttons and controls. Same with the dashboard. The front seats are very well supported and are made of nice materials that feel sporty and long lasting. The boxy shape of the Golf roof-line is a bit higher meaning that the seats can be a bit more upright, which is a more comfortable position for longer driving and provides great leg and headroom.
Take a look: (2015 front is the 3rd photo)
The rear seats get the same good treatment with upright positions and plenty of room or legs and heads. The Golf is also a decently wide car so fitting 3 people in the back isn't as awful as in other compacts. The head rests don't lay flat like in some other hatchbacks, but they are not too large, plus the rear window is large meaning visibility out back is still good.
The center seat can have the middle part folded down so long items can be put though the center like skis or a snowboard while still allowing there to be two people comfortably sitting in the back. The trunk is large and boxy in shape meaning that it can take a lot of stuff without needing to put the seats down. If you do need to fold them down the overall cargo size is pretty large, almost Honda Fit large. Finally, I need to mention that the car has a great sound system and comes with a variety of features that you will love like heated front seats in the 5-door.
Driving Impressions:
Now for the really good part! Sitting in the diver's seat in the Golf means your have great visibility in basically every direction. The windows are large and and the seats are high meaning that only the rear quarters have any sort of blind spot. All controls are within reach and are laid out properly. Starting up the engine it feels solid and is neither loud or rough. Driving around in tight cities or parking lots will be easy due to a small turning circle and boxy dimensions meaning that when you can't see the car any more it really means that is the edge of the car.
The engine continues to be smooth and quiet in and around the city with plenty of power and torque for quick acceleration, maybe just a little bit less than the 2.5L 5 cylinder.
When pushed hard the little engine does start to make some sound, but it is still not loud, and it actually sounds pretty good (must have a good exhaust system). There is a tiny bit of turbo lag in some situations but not enough to be an annoyance.
Once on the highway the engine gets into a good groove and the car is still overall very quiet. Suspension seems to be a good mix of comfort and sporty handling as the car does not bounce over bumps but is not rough through potholes and dodging them is fun as well.
Speaking of fun, shift the gear selector into "sport" and hold on as revs are higher and gear shifts are faster. The combination of small dimensions, tight handling and plenty of power make this a fun little car to drives around, while not using too much gas.
Overall:
If you're in the market for a new small car, get a VW Golf! The car has small dimensions but a large interior. The outside looks smart, the inside is functional and well put together. There is enough room for 4 adults and all their stuff. With a variety of engines and options you can make this car perfect for: a budget second car (2.5L or 1.8L turbo), a highway cruiser (TDI), or a serious sport car (GTI and R versions not reviewed due to higher price and lower efficiency). The only other car I have reviewed so far that was as fun to drive was the Mini Cooper, but that car just isn't big enough for 4 people and is too expensive for some to justify the purchase. While older VW cars may have been plagued with issues and maintenance problems, these new ones (2010 or newer) seem to have fixed all that and are serious contenders that should fit just about anyone's lifestyle. New or slightly used, if you are in need of a small car, definitely check out the VW Golf!
There will apparently be an electric version of the Golf coming out soon, so keep an eye out for that as well.
Facts/ Figures:
Price ( for mid trim level): $25,000+
FWD
Max HP: 1.8L (170), TDI (153)
Max Torque: (200), (236)
MPG (approx*): 1.8L City: 24 Highway: 35, TDI City: 31 Highway: 43
Cargo room (approx*): 23, 53 CuFt
Length: 168''
Width: 71''
Tank Size (gal): 13.2
Miles on one tank (using combined MPG figures): 382, 488
Average used price with 60,000KM or less: $15,000+ (TDI $19,000+)
* when I say "approx" I usually am using the numbers given by the actual manufacturer or Consumer Reports, minus 1 to be a bit more realistic.
**No pictures featured are my own, they have been taken either from Google images or the manufacturer's website and their rightful owners should get any credit for them. This review featured all pictures from the manufacturer's websites ( some through Edmunds.com).
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Enjoy!
J.K.
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