By Ian Strachan
Think of Volkswagen Golf and you think of a reliable, well-built, good-performing hatchback which won’t look out of place anywhere and won’t let you down.
More than 35 million Golfs have been built since launch, with each iteration getting better. The latest 2019 model year Golf is an excellent car, which is soon to be replaced with a new version, so there could be some deals available, giving you the chance to get hold of this desirable hatchback at a good price.
I tested the Golf R-Line version, powered by a 2.0 litre, 150 bhp diesel engine. It has more than enough lower end power, with handling that feels as if the wheels could never leave the ground however hard you tried. The engine is linked to a smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox which means you can get 51.4 miles to the gallon despite the Golf’s sporty power delivery.
To look at, the 2019 Golf is still as understated as Golf’s ever were, though its features are sharply defined. It has clean lines and a purposeful stance, but is still unmistakably a Golf.
Inside you get simplicity, attention to detail and high quality materials. The seats are supportive and supremely comfortable. The small steering wheel is nicely sculpted to allow a good grip.
The willing 2.0 litre engine is turbo-charged but acceleration is smooth, delivering a powerful but unfussed dose of extra grunt.
Handling is extremely sports car-like, thanks to stiffened suspension and nicely-rated electro-mechanical power steering. Steering is always solid and predictable, with good feedback through the steering wheel.
Standard equipment on the Golf R-Line is impressive and includes 17 inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control with emergency braking and distance monitor, driving mode selection, remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser, air conditioning, a navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, eight speaker DAB radio/MP3/streaming player, automatic lights and rain sensing wipers, all-round electric windows and mirrors and front fog lights and front and rear parking sensors. You also get automatic stop/start, 60-40 split folding rear seats, rear roof spoiler, and rear tinted glass.
Options on my car included a driver assist pack with lane assist, high-beam assist, rear traffic alert, side scan and traffic sign recognition (£1,135) swivelling tow-bar (£725), dynamic chassis control (£875), rear view camera (£345) and panoramic sunroof (£1,000)
The seven-speed automatic Golf R-Line 2.0 litre TDI which I test drove comes in at £28,800 the road, which isn’t cheap for a car of this size, but you are buying into the Golf legend and resale values are good.
