2014 Volkswagen Golf Reviews

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?What is it?This is VW's most powerful and fastest Golf ever and is in fact Generation 4 of the R series.It's the top of the line Golf, and as such has all the kit you'd expect in such a car.How much?Pricing starts at $51,990 quickly escalating to $54,490 with the optional DSG gearbox. Three option packs can add a further $6000 to the bottom line.What are competitors?Ford's impressive Focus ST is far cheaper, nearly as much fun to drive but only front wheel drive. Subaru's WRX is similarly less money and has similar performance and outputs. WRX STi is more on the R money and out-points the Golf R on paper. It has a harder edge though. Then there's the Renault Megane GT220 five door hatch. Again, less money but less car too.What's under the bonnet?Gets a heavily revised version of the Golf GTi 2.0-litre turbo engine with dual direct injection system into the combustion chamber and also inlet ports. The turbocharger is different too, as are engine internals.Drive is 4motion system to all four wheels via an electronic haldex clutch and diff locks on both axles giving a torque vectoring effect. Outputs are 206kW/380Nm.How does it go?Absolutely awesome. Can't see any reason to spend more on a big booming V8-something when this car would have it for breakfast, especially if corners are involved. Clocks 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds (feels quicker), has a super direct feel to the steering, well planted and a stupendous exhaust bang on up changes.Is it economical?Amazing considering performance potential with 7.1L/100km achievable on 98RON.Is it green?Yes scores a four star rating on the Green Vehicle Guide.Is it safe?Yes scores a five-star ANCAP rating.Is it comfortable?Yes, offers plenty of luxury kit which contributes to the somewhat Golf R's 1435kg. Leather is optional though. The Golf R has sports seats, premium audio, touchscreen, the latest multimedia and connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, reverse camera, driving profile selector with 5 modes including 'Race', engine stop/start, satnav, electric park brake, dual-zone climate control, keyless access and so on.What's it like to drive?Great. Golf R is a hoot to drive, even down to the shops. There's a rush to get the keys if any driving errands are involved. Goes like a shot out of the blocks, has superlative roll on and corners like it's on rails. Engaging to drive, you go looking for the winding roads just to experience what real sporty dynamics are like.Is it value for money?OK, but gets expensive with all the options. Slightly lesser cars are a lot less money...

Stuart Martin road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Dispatched and now matched - Mini and VW build two of Europe's favourite hot hatches.

To get five doors, front-drive, a decent boot and space for the kids, you don't have to settle for a boring shopping trolley...

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Golf wagon 103 TSI, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

We have always held the top dog VW Golf in high regard, way back into the R32 days. We were a tad worried when they dropped the six pot engine for a turbo four but that was unwarranted because the four is a better device.Now, the latest Golf R takes matters to a new high offering wholesale improvements over the previous (impressive) model. It goes harder, handles better, is safer, has more kit, uses less fuel and looks better.Not merely an all-wheel drive Golf GTI, the R gains a bigger turbo and fuel injectors, remapped ECU suspension and gearbox changes and a totally different drive system. Numerous other differences make the R a more purposeful sporty hatch than the already accomplished GTI.Built in Germany, the R shares its underpinnings with Audi’s superb S3 Sportback which costs quite a lot more.LINEUPIt’s available in six speed manual and six speed DSG manumatic starting at $51,990 for the three pedal model. DSG adds $2500 and a number of option packs are also available including the driver assist package we think should be standard.ENGINEProdigious power comes from the high-tech 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that achieves some 206Kw/380Nm output. Peak torque is available from a low 1800rpm.For efficiency and driveability gains, the engine boasts dual fuel injection directly into the combustion chambers and also into the inlet ports. It also has variable valve timing and lift and an integrated turbo that bolts straight onto the exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head.Bluemotion technology to cut emissions and fuel consumption dictates on-demand operation of the oil pump and external ancillaries such as the aircon’ compressor and other power sapping appliances.That’s how the R achieves 7.1-litres/100km fuel economy while offering HSV ClubSport-beating acceleration rated at 5.0-seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint.Better still is the R’s 4motion all-wheel drive system that features a torque splitting Haldex differential at the rear. Drive can be funnelled to any of the four wheels -- grip dependent.The R exhausts through quad tailpipes that emit an unusual note similar to a sporty V6 complete with a pop on full throttle up changes and a blip on down changes.FEATURESVW equips the R to a luxury level with the latest in digital connectivity and some driver assistance features adding to the car’s appeal.The exterior look is classy but understated punctuated by a set of 19-inch alloys, mild body aero add-ons and a lower ride height compared with the GTI. It gets dynamic bi-xenon headlights and LEDs front and rear.Other handy stuff includes launch control, two stage ESP control – Sport and Off, progressive steering, adaptive chassis control with Normal and Race settings, five mode driving profile selection and sports suspension. Safety rates five stars and the kit includes a driver fatigue detection system.DRIVINGIt mightn’t look a slick as the Audi but the Golf R delivers the goods when you get behind the (square bottom) wheel.Not many cars at this price come near the Golf R in performance and handling terms. It is a truly engaging and rewarding drive with superb ride, incredible grip and stirring acceleration across a wide rev range.  The double piston brakes don’t fade even after continued abuse and the gearbox allows you to flick through the ratios in a blink with no drop off in forward motion.It’s delivers both comfort and control smoothing rough roads while giving race level cornering characteristics. And it’s all selectable through the various drive systems.The sound is awesome, not too loud and unlike the normal wail you get from a performance four. Add to this the low fuel consumption, generous amount of luxury features and the practical five door body and you have a recipe for an extremely desirable and useful car.

WE turn the spotlight on the VW Golf GTI Performance and ask the crucial questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Golf 110TDI Highline, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Let’s just cut to the chase. The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance edition is the best GTI ever.

How on earth does a Volkswagen Golf cost in excess of $60,000.