VW revitalises the Golf

What is it?

The Golf is a serious earner for Volkswagen with some 26 million examples having been built since it was introduced in 1974. This new car is the sixth generation model, Volkswagen deliberately designing its new hatchback to look like its predecessors. Seen for the first time you could be forgiven for thinking that Volkswagen has perhaps been a bit too successful, the sixth car to wear the Golf badge looking very similar to the MkV. There are some key differences though, parking the new car alongside the outgoing model revealing them more readily. A bolder, Scirocco-inspired grille is framed by larger headlamps, while the taillights are slimmer. The flanks now feature a sharp shoulder crease, the new Golf having a more solid, assertive overall look.

Is it any good?

Volkswagen identified several key areas to improve the Golf, refinement and quality being among them. Always considered more upmarket than the class norm the Golf's interior now lives up to that reputation, borrowing elements from its Eos and Scirocco relatives to good effect. White backlighting now features on the instruments, the materials throughout the cabin an improvement over the old car. The interior's style is functional rather than fun, but it's hugely comfortable thanks to supportive seats and excellent refinement.

The Golf is seriously quiet, the engines barely heard from inside during normal driving, road and wind noise also isolated very well. In line with the current environmental concerns all the engines are cleaner and more efficient than before. None more so than the BlueMotion model, which emits just 99g/km of CO₂ and has the potential to achieve 74mpg from its 1.6-litre TDI engine. Dynamically the Golf isn't able to topple Ford's Focus for driver pleasure, but it grips hard, rides smartly and controls body roll very well. The steering is nicely weighted, though there's not much communication at the wheel's chunky rim. DDC adaptive chassis control is an option for those wanting to choose between comfort, sport or a default setting, the differences so slight it's not really worth the additional money. DSG six and seven-speed transmissions are also available, the twin-clutch gearboxes shifting quickly and smoothly.

Should I call the bank manager?

Volkswagen is only giving guide prices for the Golf at the moment, between £13,000 and £21,000. That latter number will rise when the GTI arrives mid-2009, other models expected to join the range including that economical BlueMotion and a TwinDrive plug-in hybrid. The Golf has traditionally been a bit more costly than its mainstream rivals, buyers happy to pay a little more for the badge and the feeling of quality. Expect the new Golf to be no different. Start adding the DSG automatic, that DDC chassis control and kit like satellite navigation and you'll increase its price a good deal further. All come with air conditioning as standard though, along with a single CD player and seven airbags to help protect you in an accident.

Summary

Volkswagen has concentrated on key areas with its new Golf and the result is successful. It's very refined, the quality inside and out is improved and it drives better than its predecessor did with fine body control and ride comfort. It might not look radically different, Volkswagen instead taking a gentle evolutionary approach to its style. However, it's a better Golf all-round, that's certain to add significantly to the 26 million sold in the past 34 years.

Photography by United Pictures

Kyle Fortune