Test Volkswagen Golf 8 1.5 eTSI 150 CV DSG7 (with video)

Volkswagen Golf 8

El Volkswagen Golf It is known by everyone. According to records, it is one of the best-selling cars in automotive history globally, and the best-selling in Europe. It came to the market 46 years ago. In Actualidad Motor We have even tested its first generation. Just a few weeks ago its eighth generation. Will it be as good as they say?

To prove it, we have opted for one of the newest mechanics. During this last week we have been testing the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI 150 hp. It is a 48-volt micro-hybrid engine with a gasoline engine and a small electrical support. It is always linked to the double clutch transmission DSG with 7 gears. Do not talk more. Let's start!

Volkswagen Golf: Following the tradition, the exterior only evolves

The Volkswagen Golf 8 maintains the MQB platform from the predecessor generation, i.e. it uses the same chassis as the Golf 7. As usual with Volkswagen, the new Golf does not change drastically compared to the previous model, but it is true that notable modifications appear that allow us to differentiate it quickly, especially in the front.

As you can see in the images, the front has been clearly altered. The LED headlights (series) opt for a new design and the nose is in a lower position. This reduces aerodynamic resistance and, therefore, lower consumption and emissions. The grille and bumper are also new, debuting a kind of decorative "gills" in the lower area. I must admit that, at least to my taste, live is more attractive than in images.

Our unit is equipped with the IQ.Light lighting system. The headlights are matrix with 22 LED modules. Both in the headlights and in the rear lights we have dynamic turn signals.

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 rear

The side is very similar to the previous one, with a large glazed area and a rather bulky rear pillar. Of course, in this side view you can see that lower height of the front, as well as a new line of tension at the height of the door handles. As usual, it also debuts new wheel designs.

For its part, the rear introduces a new design in its LED pilots, although it is not a great novelty either since it is inherited from other company models. Yes we can highlight the new volkswagen logo, as well as the Golf inscription, which now goes in the center of the tailgate, just below the logo. Unfortunately for those of us who like real exhaust pipes, in this case they are hidden and simulated in the bumper. Why?!

To finish off the exterior, let's review the dimensions of the bodywork. The Volkswagen Golf mkVIII measures 4.284 mm in length, 1.789 in width, 1.456 in height and has a wheelbase of 2.636 mm. Now, let's take a look at the cabin.

A lot of technology, but one more point of quality was expected

Test Volkswagen Golf dashboard

But the most important changes of this eighth generation of the "king of the compact" is not in the exterior aesthetics, but in the very important technological load of the interior. This is noticeable from the moment we open the door and sit in the driver's seat.

The new Golf welcomes us with a total change in the layout of its dashboard. Now we have a 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster, which practically overlaps with the center display of the infotainment system. This last screen is touch and up to 10 inches in the most equipped versions, being 8,25 in the most accessible variants.

As usual with all VAG Group models, the digital panel works great. It looks good and is not hard to get used to, although if you are not too familiar with these technologies you will have to spend a little time learning its controls. For its part, the center screen it has a really good image quality, touch and fluidity. Also has Wireless Apple CarPlay, but for Android Auto we are still slaves to the cable.

Despite the above, I think Volkswagen has messed up in the sense of integrating almost everything in this touch screen. There are many functions, so it requires some adaptation time. From my point of view, the climate control always has to go outside the screens and be controlled with physical buttons.

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 dashboard screen

In this case we can vary the temperature sliding your finger on a specific surface, but the truth is that it does not always do what we want. On many occasions the seat heating has been activated by mistake when we wanted to modify the temperature, something that is not very funny in these summer dates. In addition, to vary the speed of the fan, the air outlet zones or the recirculation, we must enter a specific menu.

Perhaps a solution to this could be the voice control Of the brand. Something like the MBUX of Mercedes; a "personal assistant". You can ask for things like “Hello Volkswagen, I'm hot”, and adjusts the temperature of the side from which we have requested it (driver or co-pilot). Honestly, it is not fast or very practical to manage the climate. In addition, it does not reach the level of "intelligence" of the Mercedes MBUX. Definitely, the new is not always better than the old.

The exterior lights are also controlled by touch controls, to the left of the dashboard. Normally we drive with the lights on automatic, but if we want to activate the fog lights or the demisting of the windows, it is not a situation that matches too much with diverting our eyes from the road. Personally, I prefer the traditional roulette of a lifetime, which never fails.

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 DSG gear lever

Continuing with the design, you may have already noticed the new gear lever for versions with DSG box. Note that we now have a very small command. In fact, it is similar to the one used in the new models of Porsche, being also shared with new models of Audi, Seat y Skoda. I liked the previous one better, but in this one the control is totally electronic, there is no mechanical link between the control and the box.

To top it off, the quality. When we talk about a Golf we always expect a very good interior feeling. In this case we have soft materials throughout the upper part of the dashboard and the doors, but it is no less true that there is also an abundant presence of hard plastic. The image and feeling it conveys is good, but we may not see the financial outlay fully compensated Seeing so much plastic. In addition, in the middle area you can hear the odd creak if you press hard on the edges.

Glossy black plastic is also abundant, which in this case is used around the center screen and instrument panel, as well as on some of the aforementioned touch surfaces. Not that I have a crusade against this “Piano Black”, but don't the manufacturers realize that it is always dirty and scratches very easily? And beware, this is the case in the vast majority of brands.

Large interior space

It has always been said that the Volkswagen Golf does not have any great strong point, although one of the best in recent generations is that of the habitability. In this case, as the MQB platform of the previous model is maintained, the space is practically traced. There will be no problems for large people in the front seats, neither by height nor by width.

If we go to the rear seats, access is good. Once inside, the side seats are large enough for most. I, with my 1,76 height, have about 10 centimeters of space for the knees and 7 or 8 of margin for the head. Of course, the hole for the feet could be somewhat more successful, although it is not one of the worst in the category.

The central seat is usable for short trips, but as usual in the vast majority of cars, it is not recommended for a long trip with three adults. In the back of this seat we have an armrest with two bottle holders and a hatch to access the trunk to load long objects.

Also, although the transmission tunnel is bulky and can be annoying, at least we found two central air outlets with temperature regulation and two USB Type-C sockets, which always come in handy. To this we must add that the side seats are also heated and that behind the backs of the front seats there are a couple of small holes to deposit, for example, the mobile, in addition to a large lower bag.

An average trunk, but very usable

Trunk of the Test Volkswagen Golf 8

We go back out of the cabin and go to the back. It's time to evaluate cargo space. The trunk of the Volkswagen Golf cubic 380 liters, exactly the same as the Golf 7. It is still in the middle of the segment, but the shapes are very straight and, therefore, quite usable. The upholstery is good and we also have a floor that we can place at two different heights and a good lower space.

mechanical range

To date, the new Golf has not yet brought to Spain all the mechanical options it will use. There are several to come, in addition to the most attractive Golf GTE, GTI, GTI TCR and the always interesting Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, the offer will be very complete soon with gasoline, micro-hybrid gasoline, diesel, hybrid and NCG.

Eye, do not confuse GLP with CNG. Here we explain their differences.

Volkswagen Golf light IQ Light

If we open the brand configurator, it currently lets us select in gasoline the TSI of 110, 130 and 150 CV. The first is a one-liter three-cylinder, while the other two have a 1.5-liter block with four cylinders. In diesel everything revolves around the 2.0 TDI engine, currently available with 115 and 150 hp.

The only microhybrid option at the moment is the 1.5 hp 150 eTSI, but Volkswagen has already confirmed that this technology will also reach the less powerful gasoline mechanics. Not so with diesels. We recall that these microhybrid systems receive the DGT Ecolabel, with the advantages that this entails. Future CNG options will also have an Eco label, while plug-in hybrids will have a Zero sticker.

To the latest in security and assistants

Volkswagen Golf 2020 steering wheel

Another section in which the Golf notably improves is that of driving assistants and active safety systems. We can highlight the Travel Assist, which guides the car on the highway using the adaptive cruise control and trajectory control in the lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. Of course, the driver continues to have the same responsibilities, let's not forget that he is only a help.

By the way, if the driver does not act on the steering wheel in 15 seconds, he receives a light and acoustic warning, in addition to tapping the brake pedal. If you still don't react, the car stops automatically because it understands that the driver has passed out.

There is no lack of adaptive cruise control with predictive speed by reading traffic signs or the Front Assist, which warns and brakes in emergency situations, even detecting pedestrians. We also have turn assistant, DCC adaptive suspension or the aforementioned IQ LED headlights. Light with 22 LEDs for each headlamp, keeping the high beams on the road without dazzling other users.

At the wheel: It is summed up in balance

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 lateral

But enough of talking about design and technique. Let's move on to the action, to the fun part. First of all I want to remind you of the benefits of this tested version. This 1.5 eTSI develops 150 CV at 5.000 rpm and 250 Nm between 1.500 and 3.500 rpm. It covers 0 to 100 in 8,5 seconds and reaches 224 km/h. The combined consumption approved in WLTP is 5,7 l/100 km.

In addition to the microhybrid system, with the small battery and electric motor, it also has disconnection of two of its four cylinders in situations of low energy demand. This system is totally imperceptible. If you are wondering about micro-hybridization, this electric motor does not drive the car by itself, but rather supports the thermal engine in accelerations, allows it to roll "under sail" with the gasoline engine off and also allows it to last longer with the system off. of stop&start.

According to Volkswagen, these measures save up to 10% in consumption and polluting emissions.

The new Golf has a behavior very similar to that of the predecessor model. Namely, performs satisfactorily in most situations. In addition, as we have several driving modes, it has a greater adaptation to each circumstance since they modify the response of the engine and the gearbox, the weight of the steering and the hardness of the suspension through the DCC chassis.

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 front

In the city it is shown with enough agility. The DSG7 box it gets along very well with this 150hp eTSI engine, being smooth from a standstill and quick enough (although not instantaneous) when shifting from one gear to another. Thanks to its good glazed surface and that it is not a very long car, it does not create complications when maneuvering in narrow places or when parking.

Su suspension It is comfortable for the city and when traveling on roads with poor pavement, but at the same time it does not allow extensive body roll. On curved roads it is not the car with the most sporty feel in the segment, but it performs well.

On this type of route it is better to put the sports mode to have more feeling with the car. The address gains a little weight and the suspension stiffens, although this last aspect is not appreciated in a considerable way. If we want to go very fast, the engine pushes enough, but it is noted that the chassis can withstand much more power with guarantees. Yes, there is already a desire to get the gauntlet on the GTI and R.

But in addition to all of the above, it is a car with which you can travel without any problem. Four occupants will always be better than five, but habitability and trunk aside, the Golf feels very comfortable on the highway. It conveys a good sense of poise, stability and safety even at high speeds.

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 rear

In addition, at 120 km / h it does not transmit many aerodynamic or rolling noises, although it could be a better point as a result of this section. The truth is that you can devour hundreds of kilometers at a stretch without getting tired, its seats being especially comfortable.

Regarding engine, it is not that it is a mechanic that invites a lot to run. It has a very flat curve, being particularly comfortable between 2.000 and 4.000 rpm, which is the most common range of use. Taking it above that rpm range doesn't add much unless we're overtaking or merging into a short acceleration lane.

Diesel consumption in a 150 CV gasoline

The best thing about him is his softness and his consumptions, which are very contained. On the motorway at 120 km/h it is satisfied with just 5,5 l/100 km, having achieved in our test a average of only 6,1 l/100 km. The truth is that these data make you wonder if it really pays to buy the diesel engine. I think that only if you cover many kilometers a year will it be worth it.

Conclusions and rivals

Volkswagen

Is the Golf a good car? Undoubtedly. It is a complete, balanced model that does it well in every way. As has always been said, it does not have any perfect section, but it complies with very good grades in all of them.

As for their rivals, the C segment is one of the most varied and competitive. If we refine the shot, for quality and technology, its most direct rivals are the Mercedes A-Class, Mazda3, Seat Leon, Audi A3 or BMW Serie 1. All of them have received a generational change recently and also have a good load of technology in all sections.

What is true is that its price is high compared to other mainstream brands, something that certainly holds many potential customers back. It is no longer so “people's car”. On the opposite side, seeing the price, some buyers directly jump to the Class A, Series 1 or the first cousin of this Golf, the Audi A3.

The Golf 8 starts at 27.550 euros for the access version, which corresponds to the 1.0 hp 110 TSI three-cylinder engine. And if we want to opt for this 150 hp eTSI version with an Eco label, which is necessarily associated with the DSG change, we are talking about an invoice of 31.835 euros. It is not a cheap car, but as the announcement of the brand itself said “if they tell you that car is like a Golf, it is not a Golf".

Related article:
Retrotest Volkswagen Golf Cabrio MKI, an icon without a roof

Equipment Volkswagen Golf

Test Volkswagen Golf 8 IQ Light LED headlights

Life

  • Illuminated door handles
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Alloy wheels in 16 inches
  • Body color rear spoiler
  • App-Connect with Wireless for Apple CarPlay
  • Comfort front seats
  • Ambient interior lighting in 10 colors
  • decorative inserts
  • Front armrest with height and length adjustment
  • Leather steering wheel and gear knob
  • Electric mirrors with memory function and heating
  • 2 USB type C sockets in the front and another 2 in the rear seats
  • Lane departure warning assistant
  • Front Assist
  • XDS Electronic Differential Lock
  • Air Car Climatronic tri-zone air conditioning with active filter
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Fatigue detector
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Light and rain sensors
  • Electric parking brake
  • Hands-free starting
  • Wireless charging surface for mobile
  • puncture repair kit
  • voice control
  • DAB radio
  • Dynamic headlamp range adjustment
  • Signal recognition
  • Discover Media Browser

R-Line (adds to Life)

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Plus-LED headlights
  • Bumper design R-Line
  • Sports seats with specific upholstery
  • Ambient lighting in 30 colors
  • Decorative inserts “Carbon Grey”
  • Multifunction leather steering wheel with touch control
  • progressive steering
  • Extended pedestrian protection measures
  • Park Assist assisted parking system

Volkswagen Golf Prices

Motor Change Finish Price
Motor Change Finish Price
1.0 TSI 110 HP manual 6v Life 27.550 €
1.5 TSI 130 HP manual 6v Life 28.380 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP manual 6v Life 29.220 €
1.5 eTSI 150 hp DSG7 Life 31.835 €
2.0 TDI 115 HP manual 6v Life 30.875 €
1.5 TSI 130 HP manual 6v R-Line 31.075 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP manual 6v R-Line 31.900 €
1.5 eTSI 150 hp DSG7 R-Line 34.370 €
2.0 TDI 150 HP DSG7 R-Line 36.830 €

Editor's opinion

Volkswagen Golf
  • Editor's rating
  • 4 star rating
27.550 a 36.830
  • 80%

  • Volkswagen Golf
  • Review of:
  • Posted on:
  • Last modification:
  • Exterior design
    Publisher: 70%
  • interior design
    Publisher: 70%
  • front seats
    Publisher: 80%
  • rear seats
    Publisher: 85%
  • Trunk
    Publisher: 85%
  • Spring Suspension
    Publisher: 90%
  • Consumption
    Publisher: 95%
  • Comfort
    Publisher: 85%
  • Price
    Publisher: 60%

Pros

  • Behavior
  • Very low consumption
  • Technology and security

Cons

  • Improvable interior quality
  • High price
  • Too many touch controls

Gallery Volkswagen Golf


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