Volkswagen has officially launched its updated Golf for the South African market. The iconic hatchback receives a significant facelift, boasting enhanced technology, a more intuitive user experience, and a sharper design language, according to the brand at least. For the first time, South Africans can now buy an eighth-generation Golf that isn't a GTI or an R with the introduction of a complete TSI line. I recently attended the media launch in Johannesburg and spent some time driving the newcomer.
Related: Volkswagen Golf GTI review (2021): The segment benchmark reveals chinks in its armour
Updated Exterior
The most noticeable changes are at the front, where the Golf sports a redesigned front bumper, an illuminated Volkswagen logo, a first for the Golf, flanked by newly styled LED headlights. The range-topping IQ.Light LED matrix headlights promise a beam range of up to 500 meters, elevating night-time driving safety. The rear end features a new tailgate design and new taillights
Overall, I feel that the updated Golf is attractive. However, seeing some of the more basic Life-spec models, it would appear that colour, wheel, and derivative choice significantly affect how good your Golf will look!
Interior updates
Inside, Volkswagen has focused on a more digital and user-friendly environment. The infotainment system, lifted from the Tiguan, is controlled via a 10.3-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen, depending on the model. A 10-inch digital cockpit across the range complements this, while ambient lighting and ArtVelour or Vienna Leather upholstery cover the seats!
The most significant update, however, is the removal of the silly haptic pads on the infotainment systems and steering wheel and the introduction of physical buttons to the multi-function steering wheel! The infotainment system is easy to use and features good resolution. With the return of buttons and a back-to-basics approach, the Golf returns to form, now having the connectivity to match the relatively roomy and practical cabin afforded by its MQB platform and clever packaging!
Model range
The new Golf arrives in four trim levels: Life, Life +, R-Line, and R-Line +.
Golf Life
This entry-level model features Eco LED headlights, Wireless App Connect, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system, and 16-inch Norfolk alloy wheels. The interior is highlighted by 10-colour ambient lighting.
Golf Life +
Building on the Life, the Life + adds driver profile selection, a rear-view camera, 30-colour ambient lighting, and sports comfort seats.
Golf R-Line
The R-Line brings a sportier look both inside and out, with a multi-function heated steering wheel with shift paddles, more progressive steering with sports suspension, 3-zone climate control, keyless entry, R-Line sports seats, park assist, and 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels.
Golf R-Line +
The current Golf flagship is the R-Line +. This model includes IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with the illuminated VW logo, power-adjustable driver seat, active high beam, heated and cooled Vienna leather seats with R-Line logos, brushed stainless steel pedals, and 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels.
Options
The brand offers a Black Styling Package, which includes 18-inch York alloy wheels, privacy glass for side and rear windows and black exterior mirror caps, a 480-watt, 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier, a variety of IQ.Drive semi-autonomous driver assistance systems. Other options include a panoramic sunroof, a tow bar, a heads-up display, and the Discover Media Pro navigation infotainment system. Aside from the impressive Harman Kardon sound system, I do not see much merit in the other options unless you feel you need a sunroof!
The brand also offers a choice of nine exterior colours and six alloy wheel options across the model range!
Power and Performance
All models are powered by a 1.4 TSI engine under the hood, delivering 110kW and 250Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; an Aisin torque converter unit codenamed the AQ300, to be specific. The brand claims an 8.3-second 0-100km/h time and a fuel consumption figure of 6.3 L/100km, which I found quite easy to replicate during the launch event!
Driving impression
Hopping aboard the Golf, I was instantly reminded why this is such a well-liked car around the globe. In addition to being well-proportioned and sized, it's impressively refined, quiet, and comfortable, and the drivetrain calibration is a welcome reprieve from the wave of poorly calibrated products I have driven in the R500 000-R700 000 price bracket of late!
My 150km-or-so drive yielded a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.0 L/100km, which may have been flattered by the predominantly open road driving. Still, even when traffic was introduced later in the drive when a colleague was behind the wheel, the consumption crept up to 6.2 L/100km.
Pricing*
Looking at the pricing for the Golf range, many will quickly conclude that one could purchase a medium-sized SUV from any number of brands for similar money. Many of these SUVs will have more standard specifications and space, but I implore you to drive the Golf and experience how great this is as an overall package.
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life: R580 900
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life +: R604 500
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line: R660 000
Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line +: R688 100
*The Golf comes standard with a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty, a 5-year 90 000 km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.
Verdict
Considering the price, it was refreshing to drive a new Volkswagen product and emerge from the experience impressed by the package. The options list can dramatically inflate that price, so be careful when ticking the boxes! If you're in the market for a vehicle at this price point, I urge you to drive the Golf; it remains a deeply impressive product, and now it has been refined, making a strong case for the humble hatchback during the age of the SUV!
