Volkswagen Golf first drive | Subtle changes deliver great improvements

Volkswagen has targeted updates in the areas that really matter with the new Golf. It's a great all-rounder, with competitive running costs and a broad range of trim levels and engine options.

Overview

Quite simply, the Golf is a legend. As it celebrates its 50th birthday an updated model – designated ‘Mk 8.5’ – arrives to carry the torch for the most easily-recognised mid-size hatch.

While the arrival of the last ‘all-new’ Golf was a little controversial, VW says it has taken customer feedback on board in developing the facelift.

The software has been updated, so it’s easier to use. There are proper buttons on the steering wheel, rather than touch sensitive pads. And there is a substantially improved plug-in hybrid engine.

As a top seller in the fleet market, VW has done well to address key criticisms of the car without affecting any of its many positive attributes.

Styling changes are minimal. The Golf looks smart. It’s modern but not offensive. Universal acceptance is a positive attribute for a volume seller.

Pricing starts at £27,035 for the bulky six-model line-up. There’s a choice of Life, Match, Style, R-Line and Black Edition trims across the five-door hatch and estate bodies. A sporty GTE plug-in hybrid is also available. Further derivatives, including the iconic GTI, will come later.

Comfort and practicality

Everything you need and nothing you don’t. That’s pretty much what the Golf offers. It’s a no-nonsense car that fits the needs of its intended customer perfectly.

There’s a high-quality feel to everything you touch, from the door handle and the key through to the steering wheel and gear selector. Even the base model feels premium inside.

The sportier trim levels come with nicer bucket-style seats and a chunkier steering wheel.

Interior space is more than adequate for a family. Taller drivers will have no problem getting comfortable and both front seats have height adjustment.

Boot capacity is reasonable, but not best-in class. You get 381 litres unless you opt for the plug-in hybrid, which only has 271 litres. The rear seats fold with a 60:40 split and almost lie flat.

Estate models are more capacious, with 611 litres of space.

Safety and technology

The biggest area of improvement in the Golf Mk8.5 is its infotainment system and on-board technology. A new, larger touchscreen occupies the central part of the dashboard and contains all the car’s key features.

The climate controls are permanently displayed in a bar along the bottom of the screen. You can also use the touch-sensitive ‘sliders’ beneath the display to adjust the temperature and audio system volume. Unlike before, these controls are now illuminated at night.

Volkswagen’s new user interface is simple to use and enables quick access to the car’s various infotainment functions and settings. You can also control the system by voice, using a ChatGPT powered system.

Driver assistance systems fitted as standard include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and front and rear parking sensors. A rear-view camera comes on the Match grade and above.

Driveability and efficiency

While there’s still no electric Golf – you’ll need to take a look at the VW ID 3, instead – there’s still a wide range of powertrain choices.

The petrol line-up consists of two 1.5-litre TSI units, developing 115PS or 150PS. Both come with a slick six-speed manual. If you specify an automatic, with either, then the engine gains a mild hybrid system (eTSI).

Fleet customers are likely to be more attracted to the plug-in hybrid. There’s the eHybrid, which has 204PS and GTE with 272PS.

Both are equipped with a 19.7kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 88 miles. The system is paired with a new petrol engine, with a 1.5-litre capacity, that promises greater fuel efficiency than the outgoing model.

Diesel power is also offered. The 2.0-litre TDI is available in 115PS manual or 150PS automatic guises.

Volkswagen has set the Golf up just right. The entry-level models are quiet, comfortable and easy-to-drive, while sportier variants deliver greater thrills.

The 1.5 TSI provides ample performance and surprisingly good economy. During our test, the eTSI 150 DSG returned 57mpg. It’s a little noisy when pushed hard, not helped by the unflattering engine note, but it most driving conditions things are smooth and refined.

In the diesel we noticed the additional torque makes for a more effortless drive. Engine noise is well supressed and, if you’re really careful, the car returns more than 70mpg.

The eHybrid is the quickest of the ‘standard’ Golf range, managing 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. But we’ve yet to test it.

GTE, GTI and R versions, with greater performance and more engaging handling are also due to join the line-up shortly.

Company car tax and running costs

The new Golf eHybrid and GTE offer the lowest company car tax rates, at just 5%, making them attractive choices for drivers.

In the first half of the year, however, fleet sales of the existing Golf have been overwhelmingly geared towards petrol and diesel models.

The eHybrid is priced from £36,760, while a mid-range petrol costs £28,000. While drivers face higher benefit-in-kind tax bills, the ‘regular’ petrol Golf has lower running costs (41ppm) than an electric ID 3 (45ppm).