Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the world's best-selling cars, with more than 35 million units sold since its inception way back in the mid-1970s.

Globally, Volkswagen Golf is in the 8th generation, designated as Mk.8. In Malaysia however, we are still on the 7th generation model, dubbed Mk7.5.

Two variants are available, the 1.4 TSI R-Line, which starts at RM 173,390 and 1.4 TSI R-Line Sound & Style, which adds a HELIX 300W Soundbar, Window film by VW Tint, 'Sound & Style' Emblem, priced at RM 177,390.

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2018 Volkswagen Golf Gallery

Design

The Volkswagen Golf retains the Mk.6 basic shape, but instead of retaining the rounder design, the Mk.7.5 have been redesigned to look much sleeker and sharper, evident by the slimmer headlight and taillight design.

Dimensions

2018 Volkswagen Golf Dimensions
Length	4,258 mm
Width	1,799 mm
Height	1,452 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm

Lighting

The Golf is equipped with full LED headlight with LED daytime running light (DRL) and incorporates dynamic headlight range control and dynamic cornering light.

Wheels

17' alloy wheel dubbed 'Singapore', shod in 225/45/17 rubber.  

The dashboard is tilted slightly to the driver, with good ergonomic and placement. Soft-touch material covers the upper portion, with hard yet good quality plastic finish below.

12.3-inch TFT-colour display replaces the previous Mk.6 non-analog display and features Active Info Display with various information such as rpm counter, the speedometer, and mileage.

The Volkswagen Golf is roomy enough for four tall adults, has loads of smaller storage spaces placed around its cabin and has a decent-sized boot that’s well thought out.

With all the seats up, the Golf has a boost space of 380 litres. If you need more, the back seat can be folded down flat, bringing the total space to 1,270 litres.

Safety Features

Safety equipment is top-notch, with 7 airbags (including one for driver knee), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Rest Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Electronic Differential Lock (XDS, essentially traction control system),  Manoeuvre Braking, Proactive Occupant Protection, and ISOFIX.

Comfort Features

Seats are ergonomically designed and supportive, finished in ‘R-Line Vienna’ leather trim. The aircon is dual-zone ‘Climatronic’, and gets ‘KESSY’ keyless locking and push start system.

Infotainment

Featuring an 8” Composition Media touch screen comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay function, with the flexibility to play AM/FM. CD, MP3, WMA and AAC file, as well as USB, SD and AUX-in. Bluetooth telephony allows you to make or receive hands-free calls and display phone status. Plus, there is an option to charge, connect and control your iPod, phone or other devices.

Engine

The Golf is powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

It features a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) running dry clutch system.

Drivetrain

Front-engine, front-wheel drive.

Acceleration

From standstill, it takes 8.2 seconds to hit 100 km/ and reach a top speed of 216 km/h.

Engine Performance

Compared to its faster GTI and R siblings, the Golf R-Line only has 150 PS to gun around, but despite the power figure, it feels punchy and rev-happy, more than enough for daily driving duties.

Transmission Performance

The direct-shift gearbox is quick, fast and precise. It makes the car feel like it has more than what the power figure suggests, which is fun. In its sportiest driving mode, the DSG holds gear pretty well but any form of override will require you to use the gear shifter as there is no paddle shift available.

​​This is where the Golf amazing chassis shine. It may not be as quick as the GTI or R, but it has kept it’s remarkably nimble and agile characteristics in turns. Steering response is responsive and steering is nicely weighted.

Sound Proofing

Thanks to a combination of excellent soundproofing and low noise powertrains, the Golf is very well insulated. Even at high speed, the wind noise isn’t prominent.

Passenger Comfort

Throughout its life, the ride quality has been supreme, with the chassis swallowing bumps on the road easily.  There is still some slight firmness when rolling over minor road imperfections but it isn’t considerably stiff than a GTI, or stiffer than the R. Volkswagen has managed to find a great balance between both.

Volkswagen claims the Golf will do anywhere between 4.9 to 5.7-litre per 100km.

The Mk.7.5 Golf TSI is still a great car to drive. With a responsive and efficient powertrain, good looks thanks to the ‘R-Line’ kit, comfortable to drive and generously equipped, it is still a worthy buy. If you want the new Mk.8 model, we’re afraid to say that you will have to wait for a while, as it won’t come here anytime soon.