By Paul Gover.
The arrival of a new Golf is always good news.
This new one, officially Golf 8 because it’s the eighth generation of the benchmark compact hatch, is even better.
It’s slightly roomier, a lot more refined and quiet, and promises to be frugal – even without a hybrid package.
Golf 8 is, though, slightly costlier with prices starting from $29,350 and the arrival of a new electronics package means some changes that take learning.
Compared with its closest rivals in the baby hatch battle, the Mazda3 and Hyundai i30, Golf 8 feels more premium and more enjoyable in more conditions.
It’s a car that will work just as way in day-to-day commuting as a long interstate trip – one day – while always delivering a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience.
Volkswagen has followed the latest safety trend by loading all of the 8 cars with a full range of safety equipment, from auto safety braking to radar cruise control and excellent LED headlights.
The mechanical package is much the same, with a 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine that is solid without being outstanding. It has been switched to an old-school torque-convertor auto with eight speeds.
Anyone who wants more can easily upgrade to the GTI, although it’s not a cheapie and closer to the Mercedes A250 than a Kia Cerato.
My test car is the mid-life Golf Life, from $34,250 but closer to $40,000 with options including a heads-up instrument display, and you really could not want more in a compact car.
This 8 is quiet, rides smoothly, gets along well – helped by shift paddles behind the steering wheel and a Sport model for the transmission – and returns fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100km during my test.
Complaints?
It takes time to learn the new electronics, particularly the operation of the infotainment system, and VW needs a whack for the silly volume control, which is hard to find and doesn’t even have any lighting. But it does come with wireless charging and an excellent CarPlay interface that doesn’t need a cable connection.
The Bridgestone Turanza tyres on the test car also generate too much road noise, particularly on concrete freeways, but that is also because the rest of the car is so quiet. And the boot is not particularly big.
I like the new control for the transmission, a small switch in the centre console that frees space for nic-nacs and is easy to find and use.
The dash layout is simple and classy, with big screens for both the driver and infotainment. The controls are light with good feedback and the seats feel slightly sporty with good support, although perhaps a bit firm for some people.
The Golf 8 is a car I could easily live with, and for a long time. It’s the new – or new again – benchmark in its class and is not likely to be challenged any time soon.
Now I’m looking forward to time with the GTI …
THE BASICS
Volkswagen Golf
Price: from $29,350
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol
Power: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: 6-speed DSG, front-wheel drive
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
Position: benchmark compact hatch
Plus: refined, safe, classy
Minus: not cheap, noisy tyres
THE TICK: clears the bar easily
Score: 9.5/10
