By Ian Strachan.
The Volkswagen Golf has been around for more than 50 years and close on 40 million have been sold since launch in 1974. That works out at around 2,000 sales a day!
It’s a car that never gets left behind. The latest Golf – the ninth iteration of this iconic car – comes as a plug-in hybrid and is bristling with technology.
The Golf plug-in hybrid has a 19.7kWh battery which gives emission-free motoring when using electric power, and has an electric-only range of around 80 miles.
I tested the Golf Match TSI eHybrid, powered by a nippy 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine. With its electric motor, this engine puts out a sprightly 204 bhp. It has more than enough lower end power and plenty of mid-range pull. Linked to a smooth six-speed DSG automatic gearbox, it can propel you from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds, with a top speed of 137 mph.
To look at, the latest Golf is still as understated as Golf’s ever were, though its new look includes newly-designed LED light clusters, an LED illuminated LED strip in the radiator grille with illuminated VW badging. It has clean lines and a purposeful stance, but is still unmistakably a Golf.
Inside you get simplicity, a range of technology, attention to detail and high quality materials. The seats are supportive and supremely comfortable. The multi-function steering wheel is nicely sculpted to allow a good grip. Controls are dominated by a central 12.9-inch tablet-style central display for the vehicle’s upgraded all-new infotainment and navigation functions.
Handling is sports car-like, thanks to fairly stiff suspension and nicely-rated speed-sensitive power steering. Steering is always solid and predictable, with good feedback through the steering wheel.
Standard equipment on this Golf Match is impressive and includes newly-designed 17 inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control with emergency braking, remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser, electronic climate control, satellite navigation, six speaker audio system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, voice control and smartphone connectivity, fast mobile phone charger, automatic lights and rain sensing wipers, all-round electric windows and mirrors, front fog lights and front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera. You also get automatic stop/start, LED self-levelling automatic headlights with high-beam assist, 60-40 split folding rear seats and heated electric door mirrors. Safety aids include lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
The Golf Match1.5 TSI eHybrid 204 PS which I test drove comes in at £36,140 on the road. That isn’t cheap for a car of this size, but you are buying into the Golf legend and resale values are good. My test car was fitted with driver assistance pack at £695, a winter pack at £485 which includes heated seats and steering wheel and front and rear carpet mats at £155.
