Turn for one of the most renowned models. Our protagonist does not depend on plugs, but he does provide an ecological label thanks to the 48 V microhybrid variant with 150 HP of power.
I have to confess that I have always had a weakness for him. VW Golf, an iconic model that is now in its eighth generation. I also have to say that, over the years, the Golf (personal opinion) has been losing strength; too conservative in its line, but taking risks with this emblematic model is complicated. Among all its mechanical proposals we have chosen the light hybridization variant, 48 voltsbecause, without having to depend on plugs, it looks ECO environmental label. Its commercial name is eTSI.
This generation of the VW Golf does not have a 100 percent electric version, like the Golf VII (e-Golf); That’s what ID.3 is for. But it does boast in the range of 300 HP GTI and 320 HP R TSI variants. The other members of the family are the gasoline with 110, 130 and 245 HP and the 2-liter diesel with 115 and 150 HP.
Sportiness for the Golf, with the R-Line finish
The VW Golf has a length 4.28 meters, a width of 1.80 and a height of 1.45 meters. Its wheelbase reaches 2.63 meters. It is offered with four finishes, “Golf”, “Life” and “Style”, as well as a “R-Line” sports version, the one that equips our test model, the sportiest finish and that fits the Golf like a glove. This variant is characterized by its 17-inch alloy wheels, specific “RLine” bumpers, gloss black lower sill moldings, a diffuser at the rear and high-end sports seats with seat upholstery with integrated headrests. It also includes interior ambient lighting in 32 colorssports suspension, progressive steering, driving profile selection, black headliner, aluminum gear knob, perforated leather multifunction steering wheel, specific “R-Line” decorative and contrast stitching, as well as stainless steel pedals and footrest. The standard fabric inside is gray.
Inside, the VW Golf offers enough space for five people; In this seating configuration there are space for 380 liters of luggage in the trunk. If the asymmetrically divisible rear seat backrest is folded down, the load volume increases. up to 1,237 liters, with the rear seats folded down. Compared to the previous model, shoulder width and headroom have remained virtually unchanged.
Offers a simple instrument panel with two clocks for the revolutions and speedometer, 10 inches. The central touch screen is 8.25 inches (as an option you can add the 10-inch central screen). It took me some time to adapt to how it works, but then I found it intuitive and easy.
Below the screen, there are buttons to control the climate control and driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual). When selecting them, the name indicated on the instrument panel does not appear, only the icon of the chosen mode.
Very comfortable and smooth to drive
Nice gear selector, very comfortable, located in the middle of the center console just below the start button. In this Golf with dual clutch transmission (DSG)the driver’s gear shifting is also controlled purely electronically: it is done via “Shift-by-wire”.
The electronically driven gear change allows the gear lever knob is much smaller and therefore save more space on the one hand and it is more comfortable to change gears on the other. For example, thanks to Shift-by-wire, reverse gear can be engaged already at low speeds when driving forward to facilitate maneuvers; the Golf will only shift smoothly into “R” when the speed suits. This means that electronics prevent misuse.
Through the central screen we can adjust multiple functionsincluding adjusting the duration of the welcome light when starting or turning the key to get in or out of the car (the handles and floor light up).
Just at the bottom edge of the central screen there are selectors to regulate the audio volume and temperature. A wireless charger is located under the central screen.
The seats are very comfortable, I have easily found the best driving position. I like the integrated front headrests. The trunk lid does not open electrically and does not have a handle to close it, although it is not very heavy. Very well used trunk, with bag hooks.
On the move, it accelerates briskly (its 0 to 100 km is 8.5 seconds) and the shifting is smooth and precise. The brand announces an approved average consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 km, although during our driving test on different routes we have reached 7.0 liters, a fairly moderate figure. It appears on the instrument panel when the car is coasting and gives us warnings when we drive without both hands on the wheel or when we leave the lane.
Technical data sheet VW Golf 1.5 TSI 150 HP
Engine: Gasoline. Transverse front, 4 cylinders in line
Maximum power: 150 HP / 110 kW
Maximum torque: 250 Nm
Maximum speed: 224 km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
Front-wheel drive
Gas tank: 50 liters
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Weight: 1,366 kg
Combined consumption: 5.7 l/100 km
Length: 4.28 meters
Width: 1.80 meters
Height: 1.45 meters
Wheelbase: 2.63 meters
Trunk volume: from 380 liters to 1,237 liters
Price: from 31,835 euros
