Summary
The Volkswagen(VW) Golf is a great choice if you’re in the market for a practical, spacious and fun family car. For something with a bit of extra kick, take a look at the more powerful Golf GTI. Its precision handling gives the car the agile feel that European cars are known for. Most Golfs come with either a five or six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. With newer models, seven and eight-speed transmissions are also available. Keep in mind, while regular fuel is fine for most VW vehicles, the GTI’s turbocharged 2 L four-cylinder engine only takes premium fuel.
Safety
The Golf offers a wealth of standard safety features across model years, including front and side airbags and a remote central locking system. Also included is electronic stability control, which helps you to stay in control of your vehicle by preventing a loss of traction. A variety of other extras are available with newer models from 2013 or upgraded trim levels, including:
- Intelligent Crash Response System, which disables the fuel pump, turns on the hazard lights and unlocks the doors in the event of a collision
- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert to assist while changing lanes and reversing
- Adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance between you and other vehicles in traffic
Interior
Most Golf, Golf GTIs, and Golf Rs come with a black interior, though beige and clark cloth (Volkswagen's signature plaid upholstery) are options depending on the model. Low-end trims are available in cloth, mid-range trims in leatherette and high-end trims in leather. Some drivers have found Golf’s centre console somewhat small, but the size do vary. A variety of other options are available in models from 2012, such as:
- Heated front seats
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- Footwell lighting
Technology
New and used Volkswagen Golf models pack-in an impressive amount of modern technology. Most standard newer models, such as the 2016 edition, include an onboard trip computer, App-Connect smartphone integration and a 5 to 6.5-inch touchscreen radio. Buyers can choose to upgrade the radio to 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with proximity sensor, CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio and voice control. Other technological add-ons include:
- Rearview camera, providing an easy view of things in your backing path
- Park assist to help back into tight parking spaces
- KESSY, which provides a push-button start and keyless access to the vehicle
Earlier Golfs from 2006 come standard with basic features like a CD player and tilt and telescoping steering to adjust to your preference. They also have power accessories, which enable you to control locks, mirrors and windows electronically.
Space
Despite being a smaller car, the Golf’s hatchback style ensure there is space for all your passengers and cargo. Rear seats that fold down and a movable floor that you can raise or lower means that carrying those larger loads should be no problem. For those planning on regularly having a full car, we recommend choosing the five-door model over the three-door.
Comfort
Even the base model Golf is known for its tight handling and responsive turbocharged engine. These qualities become even more pronounced in the GTI and Golf R, which add features such as sport suspension and all-wheel drive. In the interior, the driver and front-seat passenger enjoy many of the best comforts. For example, eight-way adjustable front seats with power recline, which comes standard with newer models from 2018.
