The new 7th-generation Golf has some great new features, and this is their most technologically advanced Volkswagen ranges yet. Notable changes include updated front and rear lights and bumpers, and increased fuel efficiency.
There are six models in the range: the Trendline, Comfortline TSI, Comfortline TDI, the new GTD, the adrenaline-pumping GTI and the performance-bound Golf R. All the new models are quite different from each other when it comes to performance, and each shine in different ways. For example, if you want great fuel efficiency, then the Comfortline TDI is best. If you’re after speed and performance, then the 4 motion all-wheel-drive Golf R ticks the box.
The models are:
- The Trendline is the bottom-of-the-line model that starts at R300900, and comes with a 1.0 litre3 cylinder that manages to push out 81kW/200Nm combined with a 6-speed manual that gets from 0-100kph in 9.9 seconds. Itkeeps a clean fuel consumption average of 4.8L/100km.
- The Comfortline TSI starts at R315 900 and comes with two different engine types. The first is the same as the Trendline, and there’s the option of the 1.4 litreturbo that squeezes out an extra 11kW that boots the power output to 92kW/200Nm 7-speed DSG that gets 0-100kph in 9.4 seconds.
- Starting with the diesel range is the Comfortline TDI, which sells forR374 900. It keeps the same power output of 81kW but boosts torque up to 250Nm, whichgets the diesel 0-100kph in 9.7 second. It also comes with an optional extra 7-speed DSG that gets a fuel consumption at an average of 4.9L/100km.
- The Golf GTD is the new model that combines performance with great fuel efficiency, and takes the cake with a sporty GTI look. The GTD starts at R509 400, and comes with a beastly 2.0 litre4-cylinder engine that punches out 130kW/380Nm. It has a sprint time of 7.4 seconds to 100kph, and also has a great fuel consumption of about 4.9L/100km.
- With the Golf GTI, performance gets a boost with a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is combined with a 6-speed DSG that features launch control, which gets it from 0-100 kph in just 6.4 seconds. The GTI starts at R548 000.
- The Golf R is the top of the range and is priced from R664 400. It has a 4 motion all-wheel-drive system coupled with launch control, taking the car to 100kph in 4,6 seconds. Performance like this makes sense with a 2.0 litre bi-turbo 4 cylinder that kicks out 213kW/380Nm, and has a top speed that is governed at 250kph.
The head and rear lights are available in two different options - standardhalogen with LED daytime running lights and tail light, and LED headlights with daytime running lights that feature dynamic cornering function.
The interior has some good media and safety features, such as the Dynaudio sound system at anoptional extra of R8 798. There’s also a 8inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment systemthat has gesture control that lets you do what you want on the screen without having to physically touch it. The new safety features include blind-spot monitoring, traffic rear alert and adaptive cruise control.
Volkswagen says the new Golf and the performance and fuel consumption stats are the best they’ve ever been in any Golf model. If you’re in the market for a premium hatchback then the new 7.5 Golf is a good choice, especially with six models to choose from.
All prices include VAT, and are correct at the time of writing
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