The Volkswagen Golf, in its current 7th generation form, may be a couple of years old, but it is still quite a capable alternative.

With options such as the Ford Focus and Volvo V40 bowing out of our market, leaving the Volkswagen Golf as the only European C-segment hatchback available on sale.

For the 2019 model year, Volkswagen introduced a new Sound & Style variant to the Golf line-up, which adds a Helix 300W soundbar, Volkswagen Tint, and Sound & Style emblems to the Golf TSI. The soundbar does take up some boot space, so keep that in mind.

Which Golf variant should I buy?

This is where it gets interesting for fans of the Golf, as Volkswagen Malaysia has a wide selection of Golf models, catering to a wide buyer demography.

For those who requires a no-frills option, then the Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line is the best option, powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that does 150 PS and 250 Nm.

However, if more firepower is required, then the Golf GTI should fit the bill, as its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is good for 230 PS and 380 Nm, a healthy increase over the base Golf’s output figures.

If budget is no object, then the Golf R is the best option.

The Golf R shares its 2.0-litre TSI engine with the Golf GTI, though Volkswagen engineers have fettled with the unit, allowing it to output 290 PS and 380 Nm.

All Golf variants sold in Malaysia feature a dual-clutch (DSG) automatic transmission, with power either sent to the front wheels (Golf TSI, Golf GTI) or all four wheels (Golf R).

In the case of the Golf TSI and Golf R, both get a 7-speed DSG, while the Golf GTI gets a 6-speed unit.

But why a Golf?

It doesn’t matter which Golf variant you pick – the Golf TSI, Golf GTI, or even the insane Golf R, what you’re getting is a well-rounded, polished hatchback that serves its intended purpose well.

Need to haul stuff? Stuff it into the Golf’s 380-litre (343-litre in the Golf R) boot, which can be expanded to a whopping 1,270 litres (1,233 litres in the Golf R) with the rear seats folded.

What about the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

Volkswagen may have just unveiled the all-new 8th generation Golf, but we won’t hold our breaths for a Malaysian debut before 2020 ends. 

We’d be lucky if the all-new 8th generation Volkswagen Golf can arrive in Malaysia dealerships before 2020 ends, but that is very unlikely.

Which one should you buy?

Introduction of the all-new Mk8 Golf was beset with difficulties. It was supposed to make its world debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show but was push backed to November due to various difficulties, most of which are related to the new but complex infotainment's and digital user interface's software.

We would rather have European customers try to out the all-new Mk 8 Golf for a longer period of time. 

Between the newly-launched Mk 8 Golf and the Mk 7.5 Golf that was refined and improved over the last few years, which one would you pick?