The new GOLF (winner of World Car of the Year title 2013) is the 7^th incarnation in a long history of hatchbacks produced by the VW brand. It was initially introduced in 1974, as a replacement for the much loved but aging Beetle. The GOLF was designed to be classical, compact, efficient, reliable, cost effective and sporty. Each generation having an average life span of 6 years and a lot has changed since its initial launch. The desires and needs of the target market have changed too and the GOLF has evolved rather than revolutionising itself over its history. But VW have kept up with the needs of their target markets- Generation X to Y and now driver legal Generation Z. The GOLF brand is 39 years old and with almost 30 million cars produced over this period, we must assume that the latest version must be pretty good, if based on these two facts alone.

So let’s not assume, let’s assess! From a design perspective the latest GOLF is somewhat unchanged. You are required to look closer and study the design enhancements for them to be notable from the previous generation GOLF 6. The GOLF 7 is a handsome car, presenting itself to the world in a clean, simple and modern way, versus the more aggressive styling of some of its competitors. This bares the question: Why previous generations (GOLF 1 to 5) featured greater design chances from each other as opposed to the current evolutionary language of generation 5 to 7? The answer is actually quite simple, the GOLF is a classic. Classic design remains true to their original origins and need to remain easily identifiable. Just like a classic Armani suit or Chanel handbag, not much changes because they are eternally classic.

Where one notices real chance, is in the engineering of the car. The GOLF 7 has been designed with 2019 in mind, the date of its expected supersession.  The GOLF 7 is beautifully built. From the moment you open and close the doors, sit in the sporty leather seats, find the best driving position and play with the driver aids, you feel the 39 years of breeding. It just feels very right, precise and mastered. Whether you sit upfront or in the rear, go shopping and make use of the boot or enjoy a spritely sprint around twisty bends, it’s excellent! The 6-speed DSG Auto gearbox slices through the gears and shadows you’re driving behaviour to select the best gear. The 2,0-litre turbodiesel pushes out 110kW and a very ample 320N.m of torque (shove) through a low rev. band of 1750-3000 r/min, meaning you have a generous amount of power without having to push the engine very hard. Steering and handling are precise and reassuring for the driver. The 2,0-litre turbodiesel is sold in Highline spec only. This means you get super cool mags, firmer suspension and additional toys over the lesser Comfortline models, but this comes at the cost of a few extra coins. In fact the 2,0-litre turbodiesel sells for R334 800 versus the 1,4 TSI turbopetrol Comfortline which retails for R70 000 less (R264 900) which is at least a trolley full of piggy banks. This leaves food for thought when selected which model to select when buying a GOLF 7?

Whichever GOLF 7 you select, you will be buying the 2013 Global Car of the Year. All the New GOLFs drive like, and better than some larger luxury cars which cost more. The 7 is up to 100kg lighter than the GOLF 6, its new engines are more efficient, yet the new GOLF is bigger in dimension over its forefathers. The New GOLF is very considered, and near flawless.

There are a lot of choices in the hatchback category namely the sauvé Volvo V40, Fords fun-to-drive Focus, or on the premium end, the cousin- Audi’s A3 Sportback, BMW’s 1 Series and the goal post leader in terms of design, the A-Class Mercedes-Benz.  The GOLF is better in most but not all competitive categories against its competitors, it invented the hatchback category, carving a path for the others to follow, but it still leads. Some might find the styling too simple for their liking, but considering that design and styling are heavily weighted when making a purchasing decision this may stand against the GOLF.

In summary, the GOLF 7 2.0 TDI reminds me of the kid in school who was friends with many, who went about their business without much ego and quietly understated their report card of a full-house of distinctions.  It’s not the jock or prom queen but more the valedictorian. The flagship GTi will be launching around the third quarter of the year and will have a lot more bravado for those looking for more bling!

VW South Africa