The Golf is one of the definitive hatchbacks in the industry, so whenever a new one hits the roads, everyone pays attention. Volkswagen has recently unveiled the facelifted version of the eight generation of the Golf, or MK8.5 in VW nerd talk (which I’m fluent in), and given the MK8 was appreciated for some things it did, but also brought a few head scratchers, ones I was curious to see how they had evolved.
When looking at the MK8.5 from a distance, you really have to be keen eyed to quickly pick up you’re looking at the facelifted version. You will find new head and tail lights, (very) slightly updated fascia and new wheel designs depending on the trim level. But we all know Volkswagen has been careful when updating the Golf, doing more evolution rather than revolution, and this is very much the case. You still see the same creased lines, the characteristic shaped C-pillar and the spot on proportions. In this beautifully crafted black colour with the right accents, it looks modern, cohesive and fits within VW’s current design language.
On the interior, however, it is easier to pick up you’re in the fresh model. Back in the MK8 days, VW introduced a completely new interior, with basically no buttons, changing them all into capacitive surfaces with haptic feedback. The worst offenders were on the steering wheel and the climate and volume below the centre screen, the latter ones not being illuminated. And the market reacted very loudly to that (or was it just my circle? It wasn’t, right?), so it was good to see VW get that as fixed as they could for a facelift. The steering wheel buttons are now physical again, while the volume slider is now lit, wider and easier to operate. We’ve been heard!
Interior build quality is something that VW gets right in this segment, and while the Golf might be a departure in a few topics, in this one it isn’t. Centre console, commands, door cards, seats, all hold up to closer scrutiny and feel like a very well put together assembly, including the signature door thunk which is as good as ever. The interior lighting can be linked to “moods”, to the driving modes, or customised in different zones to your heart’s desires. It makes for the interior to be a more special place at night, and the bright white light inside the cupholder will light up a water bottle like a lava lamp.
The seats, which retain the integrated headrest design, are very comfortable and in this trim level offer heating and ventilation. They offer high levels of adjustability and comfort for longer drives, and make it easier to enjoy all the space you have at your disposal. The same can be said about the second row, where (two) passengers can sit very comfortably, enjoy the refinement of the materials and lighting, and even control their own temperature setting.
The overall technology experience is another step forward. It is very responsive and reliable, and the menus are intuitive and simple to navigate. I liked how integrated the widgets were with the home page, the quality of the screens is great and you can see there is a lot of visual care to make everything look right and make sense. I just wish the screen were smaller – there, I said it. The R Line gets the larger implementation, and it is not like the car benefits too much from the extra real estate, and it makes for a less integrated look with a stuck-on screen. I don’t need a 13 inch screen to see my (wireless) phone projection, especially when the virtual drivers display in front of me is this good, crisp, unobtrusive and a delight to operate.
On the powertrain department, the known 4 cylinder turbo is still the way to go, making the most of the 250Nm it has on tap. What’s new, however, is attached to it: gone is the famous DSG dual clutch gearbox from this trim level, and I dare say the car is better for it. Instead of an automated manual, the new R Line follows a trend we’ve seen around the industry by putting the power down through a torque converter automatic transmission. It is smooth to upshift, handles slow traffic well, and is possibly the better choice for urban driving. The one inconsistency I could find was the unpredictable nature of the downshifts, but it was extremely easy to work around by downshifting with even the slightest level of acceleration. Not something you can do all the time, granted, but made the driving experience more connected and engaging. It lacks that characteristic behaviour of the quick shifts with the flatulent feedback, but it is good to know you can still get those in other trim levels.
When it comes to dynamics, it is all we have come to expect from the Golf by now. Engine calibration is spot on, power delivery is smooth and linear with plenty of torque down low, and all inputs feel very German, poised and precise. The front and rear always seem very connected, the car never gets upset below its limits and the whole drive is very confidence inspiring. It is a car you can drive for hours, regardless of the kind of road ahead of you. There is a little bit of tyre noise that finds its way into the cabin, but the well built interior and the great, rear sounding sound system make easy work of drowning that.
On the urban environment, visibility is good all around, efficiency is good considering the powertrain, and it genuinely is a nice place to be in during the daily commute. ADAS systems are comfortable, rarely ever get in the way and the Golf makes it very clear on when and how they are assisting you. My only nitpick there is the brake pedal moving away from your foot as the car brakes for you. Probably something you can get used to, but it causes some strangeness at first. If you customise the drivers display I mentioned earlier, you can get a view that shows your traditional dials with all ADAS systems, driving information and your media – lovely.
Midsize hatchbacks are great solutions to transportation, and this is just one of the reasons why they are so popular. They mix the right size inside and out, with all the practicality without sacrificing driving dynamics. So if you’re after a robust, great to drive and live with hatchback, the Golf definitely needs to be shortlisted. My nostalgic self still misses some of the things that other Golfs brought to the table, but it is great to see the MK8.5 make moves on all the right directions, leading to a daily driver to suit virtually anyone. Thanks, VW, for the opportunity! See you on the next one!
