Auto evaluation: VW Golf GT

Volkswagen has produced a quantity of improvements to its classic Golf. You may possibly not have thought it attainable, but the ideal just got better, says Tim Barnes-Clay.

Some automobiles are all incorrect. They’re ugly, uncomfortable or just simply awful to drive.

The VW Golf isn’t a single of these. It’s amongst the best. Seriously.

‘Like a fine wine’;

For any individual that’s been beamed down from Pluto, the VW Golf is a compact vehicle produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across 6 generations.

The Golf Mk7 uses the exact same platform as the third-generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.

It was announced in Berlin in September 2012, prior to a public launch at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and won the Vehicle of the Year Japan Award 2013-2014, the initial time it was awarded to a European product.

The Golf is like a fine wine and only gets much better with age.

Changing with the occasions

Positive, there are enthusiasts who appreciate the Mk1 and Mk2 models much more than any other. I was there as soon as, owning 2 Mk2s.

As considerably as I nevertheless appreciate them, wants adjust – and now there’s no way I’d trade the GT 1.4 TSI 150 PS DSG I had on test for a classic 1970s or 80s Golf.

So why is the current VW Golf so excellent? Effectively, it delivers precise handling with high levels of ride comfort and driving pleasure.

Certainly, the Golf’s steering now provides far more agility in dynamic driving conditions, even though making certain high-speed stability, and straightforward manoeuvring in the city.

Pick a profile to suit

Also, the Golf is obtainable with driver profile choice tech, which enables you to choose from 4 modes – Eco, Sport, Standard and Individual.

And with a direct-shift gearbox (DSG) fitted, there’s a fifth option, Comfort.

A DSG box is great simply because it really is unlike a traditional automatic transmission.

Twin electronically controlled shafts handle gear choice, often anticipating your next shift.

This gives you quickly, smooth gear alterations and lively handling with unbroken acceleration.

Impressive engine

Below-the-bonnet technologies is superb.

My test car had the TSI engine with active cylinder management, which requires the short-term shutoff of the second and third cylinders.

This implies the engine can lessen fuel consumption by over half a litre per 100 kilometres.

Even with 2 cylinders, the 1.4 TSI runs just as quietly and with low vibration as with 4 active combustion chambers.

As a lot space as you need to have

Inside, the front seats go back fairly a distance, benefitting taller drivers, like me.

Surprisingly, this does not effect on these in the back a lot: rear legroom is excellent for a medium-sized hatchback.

There’s decent space for luggage, also, with a low sill to make loading effortless. 

In the cockpit, the centre console is angled towards the driver, providing you simpler access to auxiliary controls.

High-tech security

Gadgetry consists of a touchscreen program as common.

It operates with finger gestures that will be familiar if you are a smartphone user.

Functions also contain DAB digital radio, auxiliary inputs (including USB), Bluetooth telephone preparation and access to automobile trip details.

The most recent Golf has a number of reassuring security aids too.

Pre-crash protection

Normal is the multi-collision brake mechanism.

This automatically halts the vehicle soon after a collision, to minimize kinetic power substantially.

There’s also a pre-crash technique which detects the possibility of an accident.

It pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a modest gap, to guarantee the very best possible protection from the airbags.

Now do you see why it’s 1 of the ideal motors on the industry?

Pros & cons

• Handling √


• Kit √


• Security √


• Relatively high-priced X

Fast information

• Max speed: 134 mph


• -62 mph: 72 secs


• Combined mpg: 60.1


• Engine: 1395 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. energy (bhp): 148


• Max. torque (lb/ft): 184


• CO2: 110 g/km


• Cost: £25,265

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Auto evaluation: VW Golf GT