What is it?
This is the facelifted seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf – a car destined to maintain the German car maker’s long-time grip on the European sales crown in 2017. First unveiled last October, the new hatchback, which continues to be offered in both three- and five-door formats and can also be had as an MPV in the high roof Plus as well as an Estate, is planned to reach the UK in March, with the five-door 1.5 TSI tested here set to undercut the previous 1.4 TSI it replaces in the updated line-up on price, according to Volkswagen officials.
You have to look hard to spot the facelifted Golf. While there are some significant changes in the driveline department, its styling goes virtually unchanged. Those accustomed to the old model launched back in 2013 may notice a redesigned front bumper providing a subtle new look to the air ducts, halogen headlamps with altered LED daytime running lamps graphics and full LED tail lamps with altered lens graphics at the rear. However, the alterations are extremely restrained and likely to be undetectable to all but the most ardent of Golf fans.
Inside, there is the same familiar interior as before, with its orderly dashboard, intuitive switchgear layout, superb driving position and high-quality materials. However, Volkswagen now offers a wider range of digital display options aimed at broadening the Golf’s appeal. Included is the Active Info Display. Already seen on the Passat, it uses a 12.3in display with a resolution of 1440x540 pixels to provide a clear and concise alternative to the standard analogue instruments with a choice of five differing designs that can be accessed through a multi-function steering wheel that is included when it is ordered.
For those with deep pockets, there’s also a new top-of-the-line infotainment system called the Discover Pro. An alternative to lesser 6.5in Composition Colour and 8.0in Composition Media displays, it offers full touch control together with gesture control in various menus and can be combined with various on-line services, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link to provide a full suite of applications and services, including those from Volkswagen’s own Car-Net scheme.
However, the big news with the new Golf concerns the changes that have gone on underneath the bonnet. In place of the turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, that has provided the basis for the majority of sales of the seventh-generation model up until now, is a larger turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder powerplant that goes under the internal codename EA211 EVO.
Bucking the downsizing trend with an added 103cm3 of capacity, the new Euro 6 compliant engine is a development of its successor rather than being new-from-the-ground-up. It is planned to eventually be offered in a wide range of Volkswagen models, including the new sixth-generation Polo due out later this year. In an initial state of tune, the contemporary direct injection unit kicks out 150bhp at 5000rpm and 184lb ft of torque between 1500 and 3500rpm to match the output of the engine it replaces in the 1.5 TSI Blue Motion Technology driven here. A more economical variant developing 128bhp and the same 184lb ft is also planned to see service in the future.
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A correction...
I have now learnt that "superunleaded" in Germany means unleaded in UK! Therefore this car uses unleaded I am led to believe.
I also want to mention that I have been told by Sales that the 1.5 will soon be replacing all the 1.4 engines in the range. Personally I can see why.
Delighted
Well, I had a Golf Mk 6 1.4 and loved it, but traded it in for a new 1.5 mk7 Golf SE Nav. Very pleased. The car drives like a dream and is more than capable of anything I want - plenty of push if you need it. Very pleasently surprised by the mpg. I got 45 mpg on a short trip to supermarket (2ml) and 56 on a 15 mile trip to London 2/3 Motorway. It's quite nimble and responsive; The interior is luxurious like all Golfs, the car is well equipped and as I have no really interest in sporty driving (or seats), this is the sweetspot for me. Standard SE Nav kit is high spec (but watch the deceptive hype from VW - make sure you get what you want). My extras included a reverse camera which is great.
If I have a gripe, its that it should have two usb ports. To use Apple car play you need to plug in the phone which means you can't then use music from a USB, however there are two SSD slots one of which is used for the Nav. So, you can put your music here. USB hubs don't work.
The infotainment system overall, is more than capable, with lots of features most of which you will never need. One tiny annoyance is that you can't mute the radio when the sat nav screen is on, you can turn the volume down - trivial but annoying in such a sophistcated set up.
Can you have too much data?
Additionally CarPlay brings features like Audio Books and internet Radio. Then there is DataPlug which lets you monitor petrol usage/price - if you input data and finally CarNet Vw's internet connectivity (for 3 years). This is a waste of time in my opinion it gives you news an weather, points of interest (again) yah de yah and does not do the main thing I wanted - to track my car if it is stolen. Concevably you can have three or even more Navigation systems - the standard, Apple, Gooogle and more. There is an extra part to CarPLay this which costs a fortune. you must have your phone connected by hotspot for this to work. All this does NOT matter, you will do most of what you need with either the base infotainment features or Apple Carplay or its Android equivalent. Just to be clear, you can also use your phone via blue tooth when it's in your pocket, for standard calls and audio streaming, but you won't be able to dictate text messages via Siri which you can do in CarPlay. Confused? You will be, but you don't need half of it.
This car uses superunleaded. I did the research and will be taking this advice though it can run on unleaded, I know, I have a tank full.
I love the Adaptive fuel control, the hi tech mirrors, the pedestrian warning/stopping feature (front assist), the general level of kit and the very high standard of finish. The car also feels roomier and quieter than the Mk 6. I test drove its rivals and none came close for me. You just get the feeling that no corners have been cut. You feel in command at all times and safe.
1.5 tsi EVO 130hp
Currently in Italy only the 150hp unit can be ordered.
Is it worth to by now the 1.4TSI 125hp that is still in the price list, knowing that the 130hp is on the way?