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Volkswagen Golf Sport 1.4 TSI DSG (A) First Drive Review
29 Oct 2012|42,378 views
The Volkswagen Golf first saw daylight in 1974. Ever since then, the hatchback has been selling like hotcakes - over 29 million units sold worldwide. While some reckon that the previous generation was just a heavy facelift from the MK5, there's no denying that the seventh generation Golf that you see here is entirely fresh.
Based on the revolutionary and highly configurable MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform which is also used in the upcoming Audi A3, the latest Golf is far from just your ordinary new car. It is also because of this MQB platform that will see to a big step forward in terms of ease of production and assembly for the Volkswagen Group.
But first things first. While the latest Golf may be said to use an MQB platform, it isn't so much of it being a platform per se. Instead it is referring to a system or a strategy that introduces rationality across different platforms that share engine orientation. As a matter of fact, the MQB strategy will be set to underpin most Volkswagen models (from the Polo to the Passat). Bigger VWs like the Touareg and the Phaeton will continue to use their various platforms.
The new platform is probably the only most radical change that's on the Golf. The hatch has always been a recipe that works and Volkswagen will be nuts to make any other big changes to it.
Exterior
As with each generations before it, the Golf has increased in size without losing its identity, retaining the familiar looks and similar classy feel from generation to generation. It's still immediately recognisable as a Golf despite its overall sharper looks and more aggressive stance.
Sitting tautly at 4255mm x 1799mm x 1452mm (L x W x H), the length and width has been increased by 56mm and 13mm respectively while the height of the car has decreased down by 28mm. You wouldn't even need to place the Mk7 next to its predecessor to spot the differences - that's how fresh it actually is.
Based on the revolutionary and highly configurable MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform which is also used in the upcoming Audi A3, the latest Golf is far from just your ordinary new car. It is also because of this MQB platform that will see to a big step forward in terms of ease of production and assembly for the Volkswagen Group.
But first things first. While the latest Golf may be said to use an MQB platform, it isn't so much of it being a platform per se. Instead it is referring to a system or a strategy that introduces rationality across different platforms that share engine orientation. As a matter of fact, the MQB strategy will be set to underpin most Volkswagen models (from the Polo to the Passat). Bigger VWs like the Touareg and the Phaeton will continue to use their various platforms.
The new platform is probably the only most radical change that's on the Golf. The hatch has always been a recipe that works and Volkswagen will be nuts to make any other big changes to it.
Exterior
As with each generations before it, the Golf has increased in size without losing its identity, retaining the familiar looks and similar classy feel from generation to generation. It's still immediately recognisable as a Golf despite its overall sharper looks and more aggressive stance.
Sitting tautly at 4255mm x 1799mm x 1452mm (L x W x H), the length and width has been increased by 56mm and 13mm respectively while the height of the car has decreased down by 28mm. You wouldn't even need to place the Mk7 next to its predecessor to spot the differences - that's how fresh it actually is.
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Just as obvious are the newfound bold lines that run across the sides as well as the rear of the car. The more angular front end with U-shaped daytime running lights give the Golf a sense of aggression it's been missing. It's very much to the current theme of Volkswagen with a neat chrome line on the grille that ties in nicely with the headlights.
The car is simply a newly interpreted form of the iconic hatch. It also looks more premium now, thanks to its excellent attention to details and engineering mastery. The fuel lid has been designed to complement the Golf's lines while the longer bonnet and extended wheelbase allow the visual volume of the car to move towards the rear, giving it a premium look that's more than comparable to it's peers.
 |
Interior
Due to its larger proportions, interior space has also been improved. There's significantly more space for rear passengers as well as the boot, which extends by 30 litres over the previous model to 380 litres. But more essentially, the entirely new cabin has a substantially more premium impression to it while retaining its classy feel. This strikes you immediately as you sit behind the new flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel - although you could argue that the cluster of button controls on the steering is a little overwhelming.
The bottom-shaved steering wheel could do with lesser buttons on it
Despite the addition of piano black bits on the dashboard, dials, buttons and basic architecture of the interior is still recognisable as a car from Volkswagen. Where the biggest difference lies is the added space on the centre console. The traditional handbrake has been switched to an electronic park brake and as a result, an auto hold function is now possible.
Due to its larger proportions, interior space has also been improved. There's significantly more space for rear passengers as well as the boot, which extends by 30 litres over the previous model to 380 litres. But more essentially, the entirely new cabin has a substantially more premium impression to it while retaining its classy feel. This strikes you immediately as you sit behind the new flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel - although you could argue that the cluster of button controls on the steering is a little overwhelming.
Despite the addition of piano black bits on the dashboard, dials, buttons and basic architecture of the interior is still recognisable as a car from Volkswagen. Where the biggest difference lies is the added space on the centre console. The traditional handbrake has been switched to an electronic park brake and as a result, an auto hold function is now possible.
The car is also not without touches of high tech kit. The touchscreen display, which comes standard in a 5.0-incher or an optional 8.0-incher, displays a set of buttons when you move your hand towards it. It's features like these that will, no doubt, make you feel that the Mk7 Golf has a more premium prospect over others in its class.
We reckon the interior of the new Golf is more of an evolution rather than revolution. But that's to be expected because there's just no way Volkswagen is going to do a radical overhaul on the car that's been selling so well over the past three decades.
To be more precise, the new Golf has picked up where the previous model left off but this time round, with more of everything - more space, more class and definitely more dynamism
The Mk7 Golf now sports an electronic park brake button instead of the traditional handbrake
We reckon the interior of the new Golf is more of an evolution rather than revolution. But that's to be expected because there's just no way Volkswagen is going to do a radical overhaul on the car that's been selling so well over the past three decades.
To be more precise, the new Golf has picked up where the previous model left off but this time round, with more of everything - more space, more class and definitely more dynamism
 |
Drivetrain
The biggest impression made by the latest Golf has to be sophistication. Despite the 17-inch wheels, it is silky smooth and quiet with the intrusion of outside noise down to bare minimum, even when you push the car hard.
Mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the petrol variant Golf that we tested is a 1.4-litre powerplant that sends 140 horses and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels. This TSI engine, that also sports a sophisticated and seamless cylinder deactivation technology, is a remarkable work of art. It shuts off two cylinders when driving conditions allow to make the Golf more efficient, emitting only 109g/km of CO2 over the lower-powered variant which emits 113g/km.
More impressively, the switch between two and four cylinders is indistinguishable and done with such swiftness that it takes sharp senses of extremes to catch it.
You wouldn't need to visit the pumps so regularly with this frugal TSI engine
Handling is neat and precise with easy directional changes. The Golf is extremely nimble on the twisty roads of sunny Sardinia, remaining composed even over surface irregularities. Bumps are dispatched smoothly and do little to shake the car from its intended line, presenting a ride comfort that's far more matured than many of its peers.
The biggest impression made by the latest Golf has to be sophistication. Despite the 17-inch wheels, it is silky smooth and quiet with the intrusion of outside noise down to bare minimum, even when you push the car hard.
Mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the petrol variant Golf that we tested is a 1.4-litre powerplant that sends 140 horses and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels. This TSI engine, that also sports a sophisticated and seamless cylinder deactivation technology, is a remarkable work of art. It shuts off two cylinders when driving conditions allow to make the Golf more efficient, emitting only 109g/km of CO2 over the lower-powered variant which emits 113g/km.
More impressively, the switch between two and four cylinders is indistinguishable and done with such swiftness that it takes sharp senses of extremes to catch it.
Handling is neat and precise with easy directional changes. The Golf is extremely nimble on the twisty roads of sunny Sardinia, remaining composed even over surface irregularities. Bumps are dispatched smoothly and do little to shake the car from its intended line, presenting a ride comfort that's far more matured than many of its peers.
While the 8.4 seconds to the 100km/h mark isn't glorious fast, the iconic hatch feels spot on for a satisfying performance in real world driving. You can engage in some form of road hooliganism while enjoy a reasonable fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km.
You can now also toggle through the different driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual that comes standard in this car to let you enjoy a more entertaining drive. While Eco mode makes the drive a little more dull, Sport mode allows the Golf to grip tenaciously through corners all the way to the redline, with little signs of howling from the tyres. It's not sparkling communicative, but the response, steering weight and transmission is clearly sharper in this mode.
There doesn't seem to be much difference between Normal and Sport mode except for the fact that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in Sport mode, feeling a little unresponsive to throttle input at crucial apex moments. Of course, it doesn't mean that the Golf is made only for killer speeds before you realise its true potential. After spending a long time with the car, moving around with it at comfortable speeds of 90km/h made us realise that the hatch can just be as relaxing and enjoyable.
Conclusion
While driving a Merc A-Class or an Audi A1 says something about you, driving a Volkswagen Golf, on the contrary, says nothing. But that's the magical part. Anyone can drive this hatch simply because it's one classy machine. Not all cars can say the same.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf will be swimming into our shores in the first quarter of 2013.
You can now also toggle through the different driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual that comes standard in this car to let you enjoy a more entertaining drive. While Eco mode makes the drive a little more dull, Sport mode allows the Golf to grip tenaciously through corners all the way to the redline, with little signs of howling from the tyres. It's not sparkling communicative, but the response, steering weight and transmission is clearly sharper in this mode.
There doesn't seem to be much difference between Normal and Sport mode except for the fact that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in Sport mode, feeling a little unresponsive to throttle input at crucial apex moments. Of course, it doesn't mean that the Golf is made only for killer speeds before you realise its true potential. After spending a long time with the car, moving around with it at comfortable speeds of 90km/h made us realise that the hatch can just be as relaxing and enjoyable.
Conclusion
While driving a Merc A-Class or an Audi A1 says something about you, driving a Volkswagen Golf, on the contrary, says nothing. But that's the magical part. Anyone can drive this hatch simply because it's one classy machine. Not all cars can say the same.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf will be swimming into our shores in the first quarter of 2013.
The Volkswagen Golf first saw daylight in 1974. Ever since then, the hatchback has been selling like hotcakes - over 29 million units sold worldwide. While some reckon that the previous generation was just a heavy facelift from the MK5, there's no denying that the seventh generation Golf that you see here is entirely fresh.
Based on the revolutionary and highly configurable MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform which is also used in the upcoming Audi A3, the latest Golf is far from just your ordinary new car. It is also because of this MQB platform that will see to a big step forward in terms of ease of production and assembly for the Volkswagen Group.
But first things first. While the latest Golf may be said to use an MQB platform, it isn't so much of it being a platform per se. Instead it is referring to a system or a strategy that introduces rationality across different platforms that share engine orientation. As a matter of fact, the MQB strategy will be set to underpin most Volkswagen models (from the Polo to the Passat). Bigger VWs like the Touareg and the Phaeton will continue to use their various platforms.
The new platform is probably the only most radical change that's on the Golf. The hatch has always been a recipe that works and Volkswagen will be nuts to make any other big changes to it.Exterior
As with each generations before it, the Golf has increased in size without losing its identity, retaining the familiar looks and similar classy feel from generation to generation. It's still immediately recognisable as a Golf despite its overall sharper looks and more aggressive stance.
Sitting tautly at 4255mm x 1799mm x 1452mm (L x W x H), the length and width has been increased by 56mm and 13mm respectively while the height of the car has decreased down by 28mm. You wouldn't even need to place the Mk7 next to its predecessor to spot the differences - that's how fresh it actually is.
Based on the revolutionary and highly configurable MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform which is also used in the upcoming Audi A3, the latest Golf is far from just your ordinary new car. It is also because of this MQB platform that will see to a big step forward in terms of ease of production and assembly for the Volkswagen Group.
But first things first. While the latest Golf may be said to use an MQB platform, it isn't so much of it being a platform per se. Instead it is referring to a system or a strategy that introduces rationality across different platforms that share engine orientation. As a matter of fact, the MQB strategy will be set to underpin most Volkswagen models (from the Polo to the Passat). Bigger VWs like the Touareg and the Phaeton will continue to use their various platforms.
The new platform is probably the only most radical change that's on the Golf. The hatch has always been a recipe that works and Volkswagen will be nuts to make any other big changes to it.Exterior
As with each generations before it, the Golf has increased in size without losing its identity, retaining the familiar looks and similar classy feel from generation to generation. It's still immediately recognisable as a Golf despite its overall sharper looks and more aggressive stance.
Sitting tautly at 4255mm x 1799mm x 1452mm (L x W x H), the length and width has been increased by 56mm and 13mm respectively while the height of the car has decreased down by 28mm. You wouldn't even need to place the Mk7 next to its predecessor to spot the differences - that's how fresh it actually is.
Just as obvious are the newfound bold lines that run across the sides as well as the rear of the car. The more angular front end with U-shaped daytime running lights give the Golf a sense of aggression it's been missing. It's very much to the current theme of Volkswagen with a neat chrome line on the grille that ties in nicely with the headlights.
The car is simply a newly interpreted form of the iconic hatch. It also looks more premium now, thanks to its excellent attention to details and engineering mastery. The fuel lid has been designed to complement the Golf's lines while the longer bonnet and extended wheelbase allow the visual volume of the car to move towards the rear, giving it a premium look that's more than comparable to it's peers.
The car is simply a newly interpreted form of the iconic hatch. It also looks more premium now, thanks to its excellent attention to details and engineering mastery. The fuel lid has been designed to complement the Golf's lines while the longer bonnet and extended wheelbase allow the visual volume of the car to move towards the rear, giving it a premium look that's more than comparable to it's peers.
Interior
Due to its larger proportions, interior space has also been improved. There's significantly more space for rear passengers as well as the boot, which extends by 30 litres over the previous model to 380 litres. But more essentially, the entirely new cabin has a substantially more premium impression to it while retaining its classy feel. This strikes you immediately as you sit behind the new flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel - although you could argue that the cluster of button controls on the steering is a little overwhelming.
Despite the addition of piano black bits on the dashboard, dials, buttons and basic architecture of the interior is still recognisable as a car from Volkswagen. Where the biggest difference lies is the added space on the centre console. The traditional handbrake has been switched to an electronic park brake and as a result, an auto hold function is now possible.
Due to its larger proportions, interior space has also been improved. There's significantly more space for rear passengers as well as the boot, which extends by 30 litres over the previous model to 380 litres. But more essentially, the entirely new cabin has a substantially more premium impression to it while retaining its classy feel. This strikes you immediately as you sit behind the new flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel - although you could argue that the cluster of button controls on the steering is a little overwhelming.
Despite the addition of piano black bits on the dashboard, dials, buttons and basic architecture of the interior is still recognisable as a car from Volkswagen. Where the biggest difference lies is the added space on the centre console. The traditional handbrake has been switched to an electronic park brake and as a result, an auto hold function is now possible.
The car is also not without touches of high tech kit. The touchscreen display, which comes standard in a 5.0-incher or an optional 8.0-incher, displays a set of buttons when you move your hand towards it. It's features like these that will, no doubt, make you feel that the Mk7 Golf has a more premium prospect over others in its class.
We reckon the interior of the new Golf is more of an evolution rather than revolution. But that's to be expected because there's just no way Volkswagen is going to do a radical overhaul on the car that's been selling so well over the past three decades.
To be more precise, the new Golf has picked up where the previous model left off but this time round, with more of everything - more space, more class and definitely more dynamism
We reckon the interior of the new Golf is more of an evolution rather than revolution. But that's to be expected because there's just no way Volkswagen is going to do a radical overhaul on the car that's been selling so well over the past three decades.
To be more precise, the new Golf has picked up where the previous model left off but this time round, with more of everything - more space, more class and definitely more dynamism
Drivetrain
The biggest impression made by the latest Golf has to be sophistication. Despite the 17-inch wheels, it is silky smooth and quiet with the intrusion of outside noise down to bare minimum, even when you push the car hard.
Mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the petrol variant Golf that we tested is a 1.4-litre powerplant that sends 140 horses and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels. This TSI engine, that also sports a sophisticated and seamless cylinder deactivation technology, is a remarkable work of art. It shuts off two cylinders when driving conditions allow to make the Golf more efficient, emitting only 109g/km of CO2 over the lower-powered variant which emits 113g/km.
More impressively, the switch between two and four cylinders is indistinguishable and done with such swiftness that it takes sharp senses of extremes to catch it.
Handling is neat and precise with easy directional changes. The Golf is extremely nimble on the twisty roads of sunny Sardinia, remaining composed even over surface irregularities. Bumps are dispatched smoothly and do little to shake the car from its intended line, presenting a ride comfort that's far more matured than many of its peers.
While the 8.4 seconds to the 100km/h mark isn't glorious fast, the iconic hatch feels spot on for a satisfying performance in real world driving. You can engage in some form of road hooliganism while enjoy a reasonable fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km.
You can now also toggle through the different driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual that comes standard in this car to let you enjoy a more entertaining drive. While Eco mode makes the drive a little more dull, Sport mode allows the Golf to grip tenaciously through corners all the way to the redline, with little signs of howling from the tyres. It's not sparkling communicative, but the response, steering weight and transmission is clearly sharper in this mode.
There doesn't seem to be much difference between Normal and Sport mode except for the fact that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in Sport mode, feeling a little unresponsive to throttle input at crucial apex moments. Of course, it doesn't mean that the Golf is made only for killer speeds before you realise its true potential. After spending a long time with the car, moving around with it at comfortable speeds of 90km/h made us realise that the hatch can just be as relaxing and enjoyable.
Conclusion
While driving a Merc A-Class or an Audi A1 says something about you, driving a Volkswagen Golf, on the contrary, says nothing. But that's the magical part. Anyone can drive this hatch simply because it's one classy machine. Not all cars can say the same.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf will be swimming into our shores in the first quarter of 2013.
You can now also toggle through the different driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual that comes standard in this car to let you enjoy a more entertaining drive. While Eco mode makes the drive a little more dull, Sport mode allows the Golf to grip tenaciously through corners all the way to the redline, with little signs of howling from the tyres. It's not sparkling communicative, but the response, steering weight and transmission is clearly sharper in this mode.
There doesn't seem to be much difference between Normal and Sport mode except for the fact that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in Sport mode, feeling a little unresponsive to throttle input at crucial apex moments. Of course, it doesn't mean that the Golf is made only for killer speeds before you realise its true potential. After spending a long time with the car, moving around with it at comfortable speeds of 90km/h made us realise that the hatch can just be as relaxing and enjoyable.
Conclusion
While driving a Merc A-Class or an Audi A1 says something about you, driving a Volkswagen Golf, on the contrary, says nothing. But that's the magical part. Anyone can drive this hatch simply because it's one classy machine. Not all cars can say the same.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf will be swimming into our shores in the first quarter of 2013.
Also read our comparison article on:
Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Seat Leon vs Volkswagen Golf
Car Information
Volkswagen Golf Sport 1.4 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|20km/L
Horsepower
104kW (140 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Golf
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