Volkswagen Golf (2012 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Like the Porsche 911, the Volkswagen Golf isn’t exactly a silhouette ripe for reinvention. This MkVII, therefore, can’t really be summed up in a single image and that possibly makes it look a little boring on this web page. In the metal however, the clean lines are confident, elegant even, and you can suppose others get the same satisfaction, too. Much like how we can all agree Piers Morgan has a very punchable face. While SE models get chrome flashes in the grille, it’s the GT that we think is the most handsome, benefitting from a slightly squatter stance (being lowered by 10mm), cherry red rear light clusters, gloss black wing mirror caps and rear tinted windows. According to VW’s Head of Design, Walter de Silva, ‘one of the keys to the Golf’s success lies in its continuity.’

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

The Golf’s cabin isn’t exactly a game changer but it’s certainly on par with rivals as diverse as the Ford Focus and Mercedes A-Class. The interior layout on all models has been de-cluttered significantly thanks to a new 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an electric parking brake complete with hill hold assist. All the key controls, including the touchscreen, are now angled slightly towards the driver and the rotary controls are both light and tactile to operate.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality

We must applaud Volkswagen’s attention to the minute but significant detail changes on the new Golf, which can only have come about from multiple shopping excursions. Not only is the boot lip now usefully lower and the bootspace a holdall bigger (380-litres), the Golf’s doors now feature stepless door angling, meaning you can open the door to any angle and it will hold. Perfect for any tight car park squeezes. While there’s also the option of a folding front passenger seat, a swiveling towbar and even Park Assist, meaning the car can automatically park itself in a decent space (40cms additional length required up front and out back) the Golf remains brilliant at the basics with well shaped seats and plenty of driving positions to get comfy.

Our rating: 5

4. Ride and handling

The new Volkswagen Golf rides on the same platform as the Audi A3 and upcoming SEAT Leon. While that may interest a few of you, what’s more important is the fact this platform is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model, which will ultimately help save you money at the pump. On our test route, road noise was pleasingly muted and the compliance and composure experienced was confidence inspiring, if not particularly entertaining. The latest Golf has slightly quicker steering, designed to feel more eager on turn in, but there’s no disguising the fact this is a family car engineered for neutrality and safety. Volkswagen says cars with higher performance outputs will benefit from a more sophisticated rear suspension set-up, so do check with your dealer which model you are going for.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

Volkswagen has managed to reduce both the emissions and weight of its new engines while still obtaining better performance.  Most notable from launch is the all-new 1.4 TSI with 140PS (138bhp), that also benefits from Active Cylinder Management (ACT) whereby the second and third cylinder can be shut down between 1400-4000rpm if the engine isn’t under too much load. The result is a super smooth engine with a broader spread of power and still a significant fuel saving, with any transitioning from four cylinders to two being barely perceptible. The 1.4 TSI comes with either the six-speed manual gearbox which is typically long in throw but precise, or a seven-speed DSG gearbox.  Diesel versions get either the six-speed manual or six-speed DSG. SE models and above can be specced with Audi-like variable drive settings too, including Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual, which alters steering weight and throttle response accordingly.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

The popular 1.4 TSI with 138bhp that features Active Cylinder Technology achieves 58.9mpg and 112g/km of CO2. Road tax is free for the first year of registration for CO2 rates up to 130g/km, but this model would then be £30 every year after that. The 1.6-litre diesel with 104bhp performs even better with 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2 but oil burning fans should also note the Golf BlueMotion is due for release in early 2013, using a 108bhp 1.6-litre diesel that is capable of returning 88.3mpg and just 85g/km of CO2.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

It’s too early to call for the all-new Golf but previous models bode well as do our Owner Reviews. Volkswagen is confident too, offering Roadside Assistance and a three year/60,000 miles warranty (whichever comes soonest), plus the option to extend to four or five years.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Golf scored a full five-star crash-test rating from Euro NCAP and all versions get driver and passenger, curtain and knee airbags plus ISOFIX points for two child car seats in the back. SE models get City Brake, Driver Alert and a PreCrash system which, in the event of an imminent collision, will close windows and sunroof to ensure the airbags can work most effectively. Other optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition, similar to the system seen on the Ford Focus.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

Three trim levels will initially be offered in the UK – S, SE and GT. S models get 15-inch steelies on the outside but air conditioning, a central armrest and of course the 5.8-inch touchscreen on the inside. SE models add 16-inch alloys, rear electric windows, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and a rear central armrest while the GT adds parking sensors as standard, as well as paddle shifters when you spec the DSG automatic gearbox.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

Because reinventing a classic is never as easy as it looks, and the new Golf is more complete than ever before; safer, better riding, more efficient, more usable and more refined.

Our rating: 5