The Volkswagen Golf has been the benchmark small car for years, combining tech, excellent driving dynamics and stylish good looks.
We test the latest version to see if it lives up to its reputation.
VALUE
The Golf line-up starts at about $40,800 drive-away and rises to $44,490 for the R-Line we are testing here.
Stock levels are improving across the board for Volkswagen, which means there are sharp deals on offer, including the mid-tier Golf Life for $40,990.
Drivers wanting more performance can look at the sporty Golf GTI at $55,490 and red-hot Golf R costing roughly $76,000.
All Golfs have LED headlights, alloy wheels ranging from 16 inches in the base version to 17 inches in the Life and 18 inches on the R-Line.
Our test car had a 10-inch central touchscreen and a digital driver’s display. A wireless device charger complements several USB-C ports for each row and wireless smartphone connectivity.
The optional Sound and Vision pack swaps out an unbranded six-speaker stereo for an eight-speaker premium Harman Kardon unit and a head-up display that projects vital information such as travelling speed and safety warnings onto the windscreen in front of the driver.
All Volkswagen’s are covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty. A five-year prepaid servicing plan costs $2650, which is about $700 cheaper than paying as you go.
COMFORT
The R-Line isn’t as well equipped as you’d expect for a mid-$40,000 hatchback.
Snug sports seats are manually adjustable and wrapped in cloth and faux-suede trim. Leather seats are not available on any standard Golf.
The cabin is a mix of hard-wearing plastics and soft-touch, textured materials on the dash, centre console and door trims.
A leather-bound steering wheel has haptic feedback buttons, while climate controls are accessed through the centre touchscreen, which is a fiddly process.
The Golf has one of the roomiest cabins in its class and there is ample head, shoulder and legroom in both rows. Rear-seat passengers have their own aircon vents.
A 374-litre boot is generous by hatchback standards but there is no power tailgate on any version.
The suspension is on the firmer side, which means you’ll feel most bumps and corrugations through the seat.
Over poor quality road surfaces, lots of tyre roar makes its way into the cabin.
SAFETY
Volkswagen has got you covered here.
There are nine airbags across both rows and plenty of crash-avoidance tech. It also scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection in independent crash testing.
The Golf will automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with another car, while an array of sensors will warn you if another vehicle is in your blind spot or approaching from the side as you reverse.
The Golf will also steer you back into your lane if you wander.
DRIVING
The Golf uses the Volkswagen Group’s tried and tested 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 110kW and 250Nm.
This generation of Golf dropped the dual-clutch auto for a more comfortable conventional eight-speed auto transmission that makes it instantly more liveable in everyday driving.
It’s a quality combination that performs well in all conditions.
The Golf is comfortable and stable at highway speeds and happy to crawl along in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but it comes alive on a twisting country road.
There is plenty of punch off the mark and its excellent body control inspires confidence through the corners.
The downside is that the firm suspension can become unsettled over consistent smaller bumps or mid-corner divots.
Fuel use is excellent at just 5.8L/100km, but it requires pricier premium unleaded.
VERDICT 3.5/5
Smart driving, roomy hatchback that costs a premium compared with most rivals.
ALTERNATIVES
Mazda3 GT, from about $42,700 drive-away
Nice driving and good looking small car. Back seat is tight with small high windows.
Peugeot 308, from $43,990 drive-away
Stylish and well appointed small car but the undersized engine lacks the punch of rivals.
Honda Civic VTi LX, $47,200 drive-away
One of the best driving small cars but only comes in one expensive variant with the lot.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R-LINE
PRICE $44,490 drive-away
ENGINE 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 110kW and 250Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km,
SAFETY Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver fatigue warning
THIRST 5.8L/100km
SPARE Space saver
LUGGAGE 374 litres