2016 volkswagen golf review
We reviewed the Golf BlueMotion back in , but we thought it was high time we got one back in the office. Why? Well, not only is the Golf one of the most popular cars in the UK, there’s now an all-new and very impressive Astra and the facelifted Focus is as good to drive as ever. For good measure, we’ve got a petrol this time, a .-litre with bhp and it’s in the sporty R-Line trim. So, is the Golf still a five-star car? Let’s find out. Well, it might not be brand new, but the Golf’s interior still looks and feels incredibly good. In fact, it’s amazing to me that this is just a family hatchback, because it really does feel better quality than some so-called luxury saloons. The dashboard is now more driver-centric and every Golf comes as standard with a .-inch touch-screen, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth. Step up from S to the Match trim and the interior gets a makeover, with more storage, and practical features like a V socket in the boot, but you also get more tech, with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and autonomous city braking. There’s then the luxurious GT model, with sports seats, ambient lighting and sat-nav.
The suspension is dropped mm and firmed up slightly and exterior wise there’s chrome around the front intake, ‘cherry red’ rear lights and tinted glass. And, for VW has added this R-Line trim, with two-tone ‘Singapore’ alloys, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and chrome twin exhaust pipes. Inside there’s a black rooflining, R-Line embossed seats with this silver upholstery and stainless steel pedals. So, you get some of the looks of a super hatch, in a car with much cheaper running costs. Of course, being a Golf, it’s practical too. We’d recommend the five-door, which makes getting in and out of the back far easier, and once back here there’s enough space for two adults. The boot is a decent -litres too, which is -litres larger than the Astra and beats the Focus too. We recently tested the new Astra, and were impressed by its improved refinement and how well it now handles. So is the Golf still the best all-rounder to drive? Well, it’s certainly close, in fact we’d say the class leaders are so competent it almost comes down to taste. The Golf is still incredibly refined, so it’s relaxing and you can easily hold a hands free conversation on the motorway. In fact this petrol is so quiet, you almost forget it has bhp and can hit mph in . seconds unless you really put your foot down. It also has seemingly vice-free handling, with little body roll, lots of grip and very precise steering. The car we’re driving is fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control, which costs £ and adapts the suspension stiffness if you select Sport, Comfort or Normal for even more control.
The Focus is still a tiny bit more fun, with a chassis which feels more engaging, while the Astra is a little firmer than the Golf, but the differences are slight. The R-Line trim is well-suited to this subtly sporty petrol engine, which can run on just two of its four cylinders when you don’t need all its power, and can return up to .mpg. We’ve been managing around mpg on motorway trips. A .-litre diesel is available too, also with bhp, which can get to mph in . seconds, and feels punchy in real-world driving thanks to its NM of torque. Both engines come with a six-speed manual or an optional DSG automatic. The Golf has a reputation for being expensive, so is it? Well, it starts from £,, making it a couple of thousand more than the £, Focus and £, Astra. But, the Golf does come well-equipped as standard, and has a reputation for holding on to its value. This R-Line model costs from £, The gap between the top family hatchbacks has never been closer, and remarkably it’s the Astra which has really closed the gap on the Golf. In fact, the Astra even boasts some infotainment technology missing from the Golf, so if you love gadgets, it could edge it. But, for its great interior, comfort and desirable image, the Golf just keeps its grille in the lead for now. Its mix of refinement, efficient engines and satisfying handling are incredibly hard to beat. But what do you think of the VW Golf? Let us know in the comments section and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Click on the enquire button to find out more details about this car or for any other models,
The suspension is dropped mm and firmed up slightly and exterior wise there’s chrome around the front intake, ‘cherry red’ rear lights and tinted glass. And, for VW has added this R-Line trim, with two-tone ‘Singapore’ alloys, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and chrome twin exhaust pipes. Inside there’s a black rooflining, R-Line embossed seats with this silver upholstery and stainless steel pedals. So, you get some of the looks of a super hatch, in a car with much cheaper running costs. Of course, being a Golf, it’s practical too. We’d recommend the five-door, which makes getting in and out of the back far easier, and once back here there’s enough space for two adults. The boot is a decent -litres too, which is -litres larger than the Astra and beats the Focus too. We recently tested the new Astra, and were impressed by its improved refinement and how well it now handles. So is the Golf still the best all-rounder to drive? Well, it’s certainly close, in fact we’d say the class leaders are so competent it almost comes down to taste. The Golf is still incredibly refined, so it’s relaxing and you can easily hold a hands free conversation on the motorway. In fact this petrol is so quiet, you almost forget it has bhp and can hit mph in . seconds unless you really put your foot down. It also has seemingly vice-free handling, with little body roll, lots of grip and very precise steering. The car we’re driving is fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control, which costs £ and adapts the suspension stiffness if you select Sport, Comfort or Normal for even more control.
The Focus is still a tiny bit more fun, with a chassis which feels more engaging, while the Astra is a little firmer than the Golf, but the differences are slight. The R-Line trim is well-suited to this subtly sporty petrol engine, which can run on just two of its four cylinders when you don’t need all its power, and can return up to .mpg. We’ve been managing around mpg on motorway trips. A .-litre diesel is available too, also with bhp, which can get to mph in . seconds, and feels punchy in real-world driving thanks to its NM of torque. Both engines come with a six-speed manual or an optional DSG automatic. The Golf has a reputation for being expensive, so is it? Well, it starts from £,, making it a couple of thousand more than the £, Focus and £, Astra. But, the Golf does come well-equipped as standard, and has a reputation for holding on to its value. This R-Line model costs from £, The gap between the top family hatchbacks has never been closer, and remarkably it’s the Astra which has really closed the gap on the Golf. In fact, the Astra even boasts some infotainment technology missing from the Golf, so if you love gadgets, it could edge it. But, for its great interior, comfort and desirable image, the Golf just keeps its grille in the lead for now. Its mix of refinement, efficient engines and satisfying handling are incredibly hard to beat. But what do you think of the VW Golf? Let us know in the comments section and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Click on the enquire button to find out more details about this car or for any other models,