It's expensive for a 1.2-litre yet it's worth every penny. The all-new Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI feels more posh and desirable than any rival. I reckon Volkswagen has always set the benchmark with its products in terms of quality and this car simply raises the bar further. High quality materials and soft touch plastics all around the cabin not only look good but it'll stand the test of time. Somehow, reliability doesn't seem to be an issue with Volkswagen.
With this recent launch, Volkswagen marks a dramatic birth of the Golf 1.2 TSI. And all eyes are now on the new, powerful baby.
Exterior
The front fascia shares a lot with the new Polo. The black, horizontal grille above the bumper and the primary air intake mounted down below gives the Golf a stable look. It's a pity fog lamps are not available. Along the sides, the pronounced wheel arches work nicely with the chiselled character lines just below the windows and along the door panels to give the Golf a pleasantly aggressive stance.
It's true that the Golf looks good in a typically simple and age-proof in a VW kind of way. With a wedgy, big-wheeled side view and crisp edges, the precise exterior fittings feel like they will last forever.
Slide round the back and a simple layout can be observed. The VW badge stands out proudly and the eye-catching rear lamps dominate the back with its massive coverage that doesn't look too out of place - very VW indeed. Additionally, a sporty coloured-keyed rear spoiler is unmistakable given the fact that it emphasises the dynamic side lines.
With this recent launch, Volkswagen marks a dramatic birth of the Golf 1.2 TSI. And all eyes are now on the new, powerful baby.
Exterior
The front fascia shares a lot with the new Polo. The black, horizontal grille above the bumper and the primary air intake mounted down below gives the Golf a stable look. It's a pity fog lamps are not available. Along the sides, the pronounced wheel arches work nicely with the chiselled character lines just below the windows and along the door panels to give the Golf a pleasantly aggressive stance.
It's true that the Golf looks good in a typically simple and age-proof in a VW kind of way. With a wedgy, big-wheeled side view and crisp edges, the precise exterior fittings feel like they will last forever.
Slide round the back and a simple layout can be observed. The VW badge stands out proudly and the eye-catching rear lamps dominate the back with its massive coverage that doesn't look too out of place - very VW indeed. Additionally, a sporty coloured-keyed rear spoiler is unmistakable given the fact that it emphasises the dynamic side lines.
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Interior
Inside, VW plays to its strengths. Open up the doors and you'll realise that the cabin design follows the uncomplicated approach of the exterior.
The size of the Golf remains unchanged from the previous 1.4 Sport TSI DSG model, and as a result there's no extra leg or headroom and boot space remains the same. However, there was never a complaint with the amount of space before. Although the rear lends itself better to two rather than three adults, it's possible to sit a couple of lengthy lads in the back with little difficulty.
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The plastics are soft to the touch, the leather seats are supportive and there's good all-round visibility. The standard factory fitted audio system is a competent bit of kit with the usual radio, CD player and the Aux-In option made available.
With its eight DYNAUDIO loudspeakers, four of which are powerful bass speakers, and relaxing cabin ambience, this latest Golf makes you feel like you're on a plush leather seat in a music room as you drive. Audio controls are also found on the steering wheel, which makes it so much easier and convenient to up the volume when you're in the mood.
With its eight DYNAUDIO loudspeakers, four of which are powerful bass speakers, and relaxing cabin ambience, this latest Golf makes you feel like you're on a plush leather seat in a music room as you drive. Audio controls are also found on the steering wheel, which makes it so much easier and convenient to up the volume when you're in the mood.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of complaints. Mirrors, for some reason, seem a little too small for me. Tilting my head a little left seems inevitable when changing lanes despite constant adjustments of the mirror.
Another downside is the handbrake and the need to position the central armrest. It feels like there's a need to fight a constant battle to occupy the same space if the central armrest is positioned foreward. As with all Golfs, the armrest can be moved back and forth and it's not a big deal, but it's something you'll need to know about the car to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
Another downside is the handbrake and the need to position the central armrest. It feels like there's a need to fight a constant battle to occupy the same space if the central armrest is positioned foreward. As with all Golfs, the armrest can be moved back and forth and it's not a big deal, but it's something you'll need to know about the car to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
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The Drive
To begin, the car certainly doesn't feel like a 1.2-litre.
I reckon the real star of the package is the engine. Its 1.2-litre engine is smooth, lively and feels much quicker than the 10.6 seconds from 0-100km/h time suggests. There's easily enough power, and at cruising speeds you'll never find yourself struggling to keep up with traffic.
The Golf may not be the most dynamic car in its class, but it's still very competent. Sharp steering makes it fun as well as effortless to drive and the supple suspension gives the car a good composure when dealing with demanding humps. On highways, very little wind noise penetrates the cabin and the cruising ability is superb. Even though it does feel a little wieldy when negotiating tighter bends at higher speeds, you'll never get the feeling that you might lose control.
However, it has a laid back character and it gives me the impression that it doesn't enjoy being hurried. Step on the accelerator pedal and it doesn't rush off immediately. Instead, a turbo lag is detected as the torque comes in late so jerks are also evident. Sports mode, on the other hand, is more sensitive on the word go.
To begin, the car certainly doesn't feel like a 1.2-litre.
I reckon the real star of the package is the engine. Its 1.2-litre engine is smooth, lively and feels much quicker than the 10.6 seconds from 0-100km/h time suggests. There's easily enough power, and at cruising speeds you'll never find yourself struggling to keep up with traffic.
The Golf may not be the most dynamic car in its class, but it's still very competent. Sharp steering makes it fun as well as effortless to drive and the supple suspension gives the car a good composure when dealing with demanding humps. On highways, very little wind noise penetrates the cabin and the cruising ability is superb. Even though it does feel a little wieldy when negotiating tighter bends at higher speeds, you'll never get the feeling that you might lose control.
However, it has a laid back character and it gives me the impression that it doesn't enjoy being hurried. Step on the accelerator pedal and it doesn't rush off immediately. Instead, a turbo lag is detected as the torque comes in late so jerks are also evident. Sports mode, on the other hand, is more sensitive on the word go.
Additionally, there's a momentary disengagement when you shift between the Reverse and Drive gears. It feels rather powerless when I tried moving off on a slope. But despite the glitch, which VW will no doubt address, the Golf 1.2 is still appealing.
Conclusion
The Golf has always set the benchmark for quality and refinement and, as other brands have edged ever closer, Volkswagen appears to have moved the goalposts once more. There's not an unseemly flourish in sight and the trim materials look as though they will outlive at least a couple of future incarnations of the Golf.
Like I have mentioned before, the Golf 1.2 TSI isn't the most dynamic car in its class, but with the ease of driving, and its ability in providing the sort of comfort and refinement in a car, it makes it a very easy vehicle to recommend.
Conclusion
The Golf has always set the benchmark for quality and refinement and, as other brands have edged ever closer, Volkswagen appears to have moved the goalposts once more. There's not an unseemly flourish in sight and the trim materials look as though they will outlive at least a couple of future incarnations of the Golf.
Like I have mentioned before, the Golf 1.2 TSI isn't the most dynamic car in its class, but with the ease of driving, and its ability in providing the sort of comfort and refinement in a car, it makes it a very easy vehicle to recommend.
