Successfully marketed across seven generations, the Volkswagen Golf has been manufactured by the German marque since 1974, selling over 29 million units worldwide. Based on the lightweight MQB structure, the Golf you see here is not only bigger and faster, it's also more refined than the model it replaces.
This all new Golf has proven to be a hit with the critics - and its hard to raise objections to that - all thanks to its 'big car' levels of refinement, top notch build quality and tidy dynamics.
To put it into simpler perspective, the outgoing Mk6 was still considered the class benchmark, even towards the end of its term. But alongside the spanking new Mk7, the previous model seems almost boring and dated.
Exterior
Although many reckon the Mk7 looks very similar to the car it replaces, we beg to differ. No doubt that it could be seen as any one of Volkswagen models when taken on its own, with its current VW-themed frontal appearance, the car has grown in all dimensions except its height - which has decreased by 28mm.
This all new Golf has proven to be a hit with the critics - and its hard to raise objections to that - all thanks to its 'big car' levels of refinement, top notch build quality and tidy dynamics.
To put it into simpler perspective, the outgoing Mk6 was still considered the class benchmark, even towards the end of its term. But alongside the spanking new Mk7, the previous model seems almost boring and dated.
Exterior
Although many reckon the Mk7 looks very similar to the car it replaces, we beg to differ. No doubt that it could be seen as any one of Volkswagen models when taken on its own, with its current VW-themed frontal appearance, the car has grown in all dimensions except its height - which has decreased by 28mm.
It also wears a sharper suit now, with strict creases along the boot, doors and over the bonnet, and a tidy grille that ties in neatly with the sharp but modestly-shaped headlights, coupled with impressive U-shaped daytime running lights. As a result, the car is much more angular than before, and also has a more aggressive and poised stance.
We reckon Volkswagen has played safe with the styling of the seventh generation model. It looks sleeker and sportier than the old car, but trademark cues such as the gently curved C-pillar means that you won't be mistaking this brand new Golf for any other hatch.
We reckon Volkswagen has played safe with the styling of the seventh generation model. It looks sleeker and sportier than the old car, but trademark cues such as the gently curved C-pillar means that you won't be mistaking this brand new Golf for any other hatch.
Interior
Any persisting disappointment in the previous model will be banished the moment you climb aboard this one. Fit and finish is of the highest standard, with quality materials used and stylishly laid out dash. It's just hard not to realise how the Golf will outdo the more expensive and premium BMW 1 Series.
More notably, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos to play with, too. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which takes centre stage, has a sensor to display a set of options as you move your hands towards it. Plus, the system now allows for a more comprehensive manner of 'customising' the car's behaviour according to your needs and wants.
Any persisting disappointment in the previous model will be banished the moment you climb aboard this one. Fit and finish is of the highest standard, with quality materials used and stylishly laid out dash. It's just hard not to realise how the Golf will outdo the more expensive and premium BMW 1 Series.
More notably, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos to play with, too. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which takes centre stage, has a sensor to display a set of options as you move your hands towards it. Plus, the system now allows for a more comprehensive manner of 'customising' the car's behaviour according to your needs and wants.
Space wise, thanks to its increased dimensions, the cabin of the Vee Dub is more spacious than before. This immediately translates to more than adequate head and legroom all round. Boot space also stands at an impressive 380 litres - again, an increment of 30 litres over its predecessor.
Like how it looks, there can be no doubts about the hatch's cabin. It drives the car necessary to keep it at the top of the desirability stakes.
Like how it looks, there can be no doubts about the hatch's cabin. It drives the car necessary to keep it at the top of the desirability stakes.
The Drive
The Golf is even better on the move. The precise steering is well weighted, allowing your every action to be translated into a very satisfying drive. Round curvy strips, grip is strong with the kind of body control that's second to none. It gives you the confidence to push even harder and faster each time you reach a bend.
Under its humble bonnet lies a potent 1.4-litre powerplant that's capable of churning out a maximum output of 140 horses and 250Nm of torque - sufficient to allow the iconic hatch to hit the century mark in a very respectable 8.4 seconds.
While this figure may not impress you, it feels blistering quick in real world driving conditions. Squeeze the throttle gently and you'll be ahead of the pack before you know it - all done with the tacho needle pointing slightly above 2,000rpm. And it's so quiet and refined on the go that you'll have to constantly steal a glance at the speedo just to make sure you aren't breaking the law.
The Golf is even better on the move. The precise steering is well weighted, allowing your every action to be translated into a very satisfying drive. Round curvy strips, grip is strong with the kind of body control that's second to none. It gives you the confidence to push even harder and faster each time you reach a bend.
Under its humble bonnet lies a potent 1.4-litre powerplant that's capable of churning out a maximum output of 140 horses and 250Nm of torque - sufficient to allow the iconic hatch to hit the century mark in a very respectable 8.4 seconds.
While this figure may not impress you, it feels blistering quick in real world driving conditions. Squeeze the throttle gently and you'll be ahead of the pack before you know it - all done with the tacho needle pointing slightly above 2,000rpm. And it's so quiet and refined on the go that you'll have to constantly steal a glance at the speedo just to make sure you aren't breaking the law.
Over humps and broken tarmac surfaces, the Golf, with its 17-inch shoes, rides serenely. It soaks up all the roughness with grace and is easily more comfortable than many of its rivals in its class. This is truly one of the car's biggest strengths. There's very little external noise, even when you mash the right pedal and gun yourself to the next exit of the highway.
Crank it up a notch in Sport mode (you can now toggle between different drive settings) and you'll have a thoroughly grippy and entertaining drive. The only problem, like we've mentioned before, is that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in this mode, feeling a little tiresome during longer journeys.
Conclusion
It seems that Volkswagen has made the best hatch in town even better. In other words, it's going to take something very special to knock this off its place at the top of the hatchback segment. It does not have a particular outstanding area, but it's decidedly and immensely good at everything it's required to do.
It's really hard to imagine why anyone would choose anything else in the already competitive and vast hatchback market.
Crank it up a notch in Sport mode (you can now toggle between different drive settings) and you'll have a thoroughly grippy and entertaining drive. The only problem, like we've mentioned before, is that the gearbox hangs on to ratios too long in this mode, feeling a little tiresome during longer journeys.
Conclusion
It seems that Volkswagen has made the best hatch in town even better. In other words, it's going to take something very special to knock this off its place at the top of the hatchback segment. It does not have a particular outstanding area, but it's decidedly and immensely good at everything it's required to do.
It's really hard to imagine why anyone would choose anything else in the already competitive and vast hatchback market.
