Volkswagen Golf Video Reviews

VW's iconic hot hatch returns for its eighth iteration, but where has VW managed to improve on the already very good Golf 7.5 version?

You’ve got to try pretty hard to find proper icy driving conditions in Australia, but when you do, you want to have every option at your disposal to give you the best chance of avoiding a collision. Just look at the popularity of inherently all-wheel drive Subarus in the Snowy Mountains area or Tasmania. Audi is another brand synonymous with all-wheel drive, but parent brand Volkswagen is turning all four wheels by an increasing measure, with 44 per cent of passenger car and SUV sales now wearing 4Motion badges. The German brand claims this is double the industry average. It’s not just ice where all-wheel drive can come in handy either. Gravel, wet bitumen and mud are much easier to come by, and often when you’re not planning to. Australian roads are still 56 per cent unsealed according to Volkswagen.It’s easy to say that stability and traction control systems go a long way to playing the same role as all-wheel drive when it comes to accident avoidance, but it’s important to understand that all wheel drive as a proactive means of preserving traction, unlike traction and stability control which are reactive. If you can prevent a problem before it starts, surely that’s better, and the systems actually compliment each other when calibrated to work in harmony. Given the lack of ice in Australia, we’ve just travelled to New Zealand to experience Volkswagen’s 4Motion systems in the most trying of conditions, at work in everything from a small SUV, to a hot hatch, to a full-size commercial van. Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel drive is currently available in two main types, Haldex and Torsen. The Haldex-type used in all 4Motion models aside from the Touareg and Amarok, and is a part-time system where fluid pressure controls a clutch pack to send power to the rear wheels as needed.The latest fifth generation Haldex-type system is integrated with a whole bunch of drivetrain sensors to help predict traction loss before it happens.The Touareg and automatic Amaroks use a full-time system with a Torsen, or torque sensing, mechanical centre diff that’s essentially reserved for their north-south engine layout. The Torsen system was made famous by various Audi Quattro models, and also sees duty aboard vehicles as diverse as the Toyota LandCruiser Prado.The third 4Motion type currently in use is only found aboard manual versions of the Amarok, and is essentially the traditional mechanical low-range transfer case. This version was not available to test in New Zealand. Volkswagen chose the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground in Cardrona to highlight 4Motion’s ice capabilities, which is the sort of James Bond mountain-top network of ice circuits you’ve probably dreamed about. It would be ideal to test the same cars back to back in two- and all-wheel drive, but given the ice was hard enough to walk on, two-wheel drive would have been next to useless. So the fact that the 4Motion cars were able to drive at all is amazing. They did have winter tyres fitted, but I really doubt they made any difference on the slick ice. The cars on hand represented a good spectrum of the VW 4Motion range, including the upcoming T-Roc small SUV in 140 TSI guise, the Golf R hot hatch, the Tiguan 162 TSI mid-size SUV, the Passat Alltrack 140 TDI wagon, the Arteon sedan, the new Touareg large SUV in NZ-spec 210 V6S guise, the Amarok Ultimate 580 and would you believe it, the big Crafter van in MWB TDI 410 spec. The two ice courses on offer proved a masterclass in weight transfer and how a bigger car is much harder to turn. And I’m not just talking about the Crafter either, the T-Roc may seem like just a Tiguan with the back of its roof chopped off, but it is so much more nimble than the Tiguan on the ice. The longer wheelbases of the Passat Alltrack and Arteon made them even more difficult to unsettle, but the lower ride height and roofline of the Arteon made it that much easier to change directions.The ice also highlights how each car is set up to suit its intended purpose. The Golf R will let you turn off all its stability control for proper Ken Block-style four-wheel drifting, while the cars aimed at more sedate driving, like the Touareg or professional use, like the Amarok and Crafter will keep some of the stability control on all the time in the interests of outright safety. This also highlights the role of stability control with all-wheel drive. Without stability control, it is a challenge to get a car sideways, and planting your right foot will quickly straighten everything out. But with stability control, it’s almost impossible to induce oversteer, and therefore pretty much idiot proof, so they work really well together.For this integration of systems to keep vehicles as large and rugged as the Amarok and Crafter stable in these conditions is simply amazing.  The benefits of all-wheel drive aren't so obvious on dry bitumen, which is indeed where most of us spend most of our time driving. But to demonstrate how broad the models’ range of capabilities are, Volkswagen gave us access to Highlands Motorsport Park race circuit to experience most of the same cars at the other end of their performance spectrum.We drove the Haldex-equipped Tiguan, Arteon, Golf R and Passat Alltrack back to back with the Torsen-equipped Touareg and Amarok, and couldn’t pick any difference in the systems on the dry bitumen surface. This is going to sound a bit like a VW ad, but our track time did highlight that both 4Motion all-wheel drive systems are beautifully integrated with the stability control, suspension and tyres, with no sense of tugging or unsettling emergency reaction when you reach the limits of adhesion.This includes the Amarok too, which is a big ladder chassis ute with a solid axle and leaf springs on the back, and it maintains stability and predictability. A dual cab ute! On a racetrack!

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Original is here to offer buyers a stripped back - but not stripped out - hot hatch experience. It has been 42 years since the original Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched in Europe, and this new model has a simple focus: reliving the glory days, drawing on an illustrious past of the German

Compact performance wagons are something Euro carmakers do extremely well. And happily, the Volkswagen Golf R, is returning to Australia in wagon form from January next year. We took a preview drive.

Tim Robson road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Golf GTE with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian preview drive in Germany.

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...

As fast as a Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) Clubsport R8 which boasts a hot 6.2 litre V8. It is VW's quickest and safest Golf ever.

Volkswagen Golf 110 TDI

Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback v VW Golf 118TSI Comfortline v Mazda3 SP20 Skyactiv v Ford Focus Titanium hatch v Holden Cruze SRi-V.CAPITALISM is all about choice and no vehicle type offers more choice for buyers than small cars. Australian motorists are blessed with 31 small car models, the largest category on the showroom floor. Little wonder, since the small car appeals to so many buyers on so many levels: It's a great first car, an urban run-around, the modern young family car, a sensible second car and a downsizing option for empty nesters and retirees.In fact, the recently upgraded Mazda3 is actually challenging long-time market leader Commodore for the outright honours in the showroom battle for sales. The classy field of challengers comes from Australia and around the world, including Japan, the US, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, China, Malaysia, UK, Thailand and the Czech Republic.TEST DRIVERSWe chose five of the seven top-selling small cars for our comparison test and asked a young family and a couple of empty nesters to join us for a suburban drive to find out what they offer.Chris and Trinity Bond, and their children Coen, 6, and Oscar 2.5 live in suburbia where they conduct an insulation business. They are used to bigger cars but acknowledge the economic advantages of a small car and were surprised at the roominess of these vehicles.Bill Griffin, 50, and John Kremastos, 62, are semi-retired builders whose children are now independent. They also see the advantages of a small city run-around and were equally surprised at how many features small cars have these days.From left: Trinity and Chris Bond, John Kremastos and Bill Griffin.VALUEOur field includes high-spec automatics that vary in price by just $2600 from $29,990 for the Holden Cruze SRi-V to $32,590 for the Ford Focus Titanium.Despite being slightly cheaper, the Cruze sedan certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of features with fog lights, rear parking sensors, colour satnav, USB/iPod/MP3 plug and play, 30GB music hard drive, DVD, leather seats, heated front seats, lit vanity mirrors, aux 12V front and back. However, our test car didn't have Bluetooth (it is now standard on the latest models) or rain-sensing wipers which all of the others have.Ford Focus is the only one here with an automatic self-parking system. It also features electric driver's seat, rear parking sensors, Sony sound, dual-zone aircon, partial leather trim, Bluetooth with audio streaming and fog lights.The oldest model in the field is the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback ($32,490) which is shortly due for a mid-life model  update. Even so, it doesn't suffer from a comparative lack of features with USB connectivity, pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, alloy pedals, gear paddle shifters and a rocking Rockford-Fosgate sound system. However, it has a tilt-only adjustable steering wheel while the others also adjust for reach.The newest model is the Mazda3 which is actually the cheapest at $27,990, but ours came with a $3000 optional Luxury Pack featuring Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seats, Bose 242-watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer cleverly tucked inside the space-saver spare wheel in the boot. In standard trim it's still got a lot of kit including fog lights, dual-zone climate aircon with pollen filter and Bluetooth with audio streaming.The Golf is the only model with front and rear fog lights and daytime running lights. It also has dual-zone aircon with a dust and pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, USB and a chillable glovebox. However, it has no parking sensors, but you can get an optional rear camera and rear sensors. Other options include a parallel parking assistance system, iPod connection and sat nav.The Golf and Mazda have standard keys, while the Lancer has keyless start and the Cruze and Focus have proximity keys that also automatically unlock the car door.All models now come with cruise control, steering wheel controls and auto headlights. In the value stakes, the Focus wins with its high level of spec and the party trick of automatic parallel parking.TECHNOLOGYAll models are petrol-powered, with the Cruze and Golf having turbo engines. Despite these turbocharged models, it's the naturally aspirated Lancer and Focus that win the power stakes on paper, sharing 125kW thanks to their bigger displacement engines.The Golf has 118kW, hence its model name 118, and the Cruze has the lowest power at 103kW. But power figures don't really mean much in real-world situations and the turbo models are certainly the liveliest of the crop, albeit with a little turbo lag off idle.The idea of turbocharging in small cars is not just about power, anyway. It's also about economy with these models having lower capacity engines that sip fuel in a miserly fashion. In the Golf that's 6.2 litres per 100km and 6.9L/100km in the Cruze.The just-released Mazda3 comes with the new fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine and transmission that equal the economy of the Golf. It is also the only model with stop-start technology that switches off the engine while stationary and starts again when you take your foot off the brake.The Lancer is the loser here with 8.9L/100km and no hint of any changes that promise improvements in the November model update.If music, connectivity and Bluetooth are important techno features, most models have a choice of systems. The easiest to use is Bluetooth with audio streaming. However, the Cruze offered the most entertainment options with DVD and a hard drive that the others don't have.Transmissions are six-speed autos with the Golf adding a seventh ratio and the Lancer using a continuously variable transmission.On the low-tech side of things, wheels on our test cars are a mix of 16-inch alloys (Mazda and VW), 17-inch (Cruze) and 18-inch (Lancer and Focus). All feature space-saver spare wheels restricted to 80km/h.DESIGNNew usually means better, but the Lancer's modern design has stood the test of time against the more modern models.Meanwhile, our testers thought the Golf looked "bland" and "plain" in this field.Winner here is the masculine-looking Focus with its menacing grille grimace with Bond declaring "I'm a Holden man but I like the look of the Focus", while his wife prefers the female curves and cute smiley "face" of the Mazda3.The Australian-made Cruze is the only sedan in the crew and comes with a lot of "Holdenised" bits of chrome and detailing. Griffin praises it for looking like a small-scale Commodore. It also has the neatest rear end with a discreet tailpipe.Inside, the Golf loses out again for appearing austere by comparison with the three newcomers, while the Focus is the other extreme, attracting comments that it looked too fussy and like "being trapped inside a 1980s ghetto blaster".The Mazda3 cabin draws some praise, but the wrap-around cockpit styling is criticised as "claustrophobic" and the forward display with colour satnav shines in the windscreen at night and is a distraction.Mitsubishi will have to address the expanse of hard plastic on the dashboard when it updates the Lancer, although the styling is simple, modern and functional.The Cruze is the winner inside with a combination of modern styling enhanced by tasteful touches of chrome, but traditional controls that are easy to understand and use.All have 60/40 rear split seats and fair legroom for small cars.In the back, all cargo areas are well carpeted with flat floors. The Focus boot seems the smallest, while the Cruze cargo area is very deep and despite not being a hatchback, it fits a ladder with ease.SAFETYEvery car in our comparison test - like many of the vehicles in this category - comes with a full five-star ANCAP safety rating making them a truly family car.They have six airbags while the Golf and Lancer add a knee airbag for the driver.They also feature stability control which works best in the Golf and was found to be a little over-reactive in the Lancer during a brief, but heavy downpour.DRIVINGSmall cars are built for the city streets and occasional highway run, so that's how we tested these vehicles.The benchmark in driving dynamics has long been the Golf which is a former Carsguide's Car of the Year.It has road-handling poise, a fast-acting transmission, a lively engine, sharp brakes ("severe" says Kremastos) and a natural steering feel.Our testers unanimously criticise the turbo lag from idle. Kremastos and Chris Bond claim it would "drive them nuts", however Griffin says you can drive around the problem.Once under way, the Golf is a spirited and rewarding drive.The Focus launched recently to rave reviews that hinted it might knock off the Golf for dynamics.However, our testers are not as impressed. They criticise the rough and indecisive transmission while Mrs Bond doesn't like the zigzag patterned gate of the selector.Her husband says handling is good, but "power is average and it's not super responsive," comments reflected by the others."Size is good for me," Bond says. "It's quite comfortable, but I wouldn't like to be sitting behind me."Griffin says that by comparison the Mazda3 is "more refined, quieter and smoother than the Focus"."The gearbox and motor feel better matched with no over-revving like you are flogging it." He also likes the ergonomics.Bond thinks there are "too many confusing buttons on the steering wheel" and says the car is "not as responsive as I'd like." His wife agrees and says the brakes are also "unresponsive".Kremastos says that except for the slight turbo lag, he is more than a little surprised at how nippy the car is around town, even though it has a 1.4-litre engine which is 400cc less than his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.The Cruze also attracts praise as "sprightly", although the bonnet rises and falls on acceleration and braking.It's steering also cops criticism as light and vague, while several drivers commented on the rough gear changes.Mrs Bond says the seats are quite comfortable and her husband likes the cabin."Looks can be deceiving. I'm a big fella and it was quite comfortable," he says. Griffin doesn't like the lack of a left-foot rest.The Lancer attracted neither good nor bad comments on its driving dynamics. It seems a handy utilitarian machine that delivers the goods in a no-fuss, unspectacular manner. The only criticism came from Griffin who said it got "a bit unsteady in the wet".Bond is unimpressed with the rally styling of the pedals and flappy paddle shifters on the steering wheel which he says is "a novelty I don't think I'd use".VERDICTIt's horses for courses here and we found a mix of preferences from our testers. If it's a driver's car you want, the Golf wins, but it loses points for tired design, lack of features and an austere interior.Lancer is praised as a no-nonsense car, but again feeling the signs of age in its features and interior design. The new model may be make amends.Focus draws extreme comments. It is praised for its exterior design, but criticised for its interior, while the driving dynamics fall slightly behind the Mazda and Golf.Griffin sums up the Mazda as the "best all-rounder". It performs all functions well without being a standout in any particular area.But the winner by three votes to one in our test team is the handsome Aussie-built Cruze.Mitsubishi Lancer VRX SportbackPrice: $32,490Options: pearlescent paint $450Engine: 2.4L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/226NmTransmission: CVTEconomy: 8.9L/100kmCO2: 213g/km, 6/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 10 years/160,000km (powertrain), 5 years/100,000km (car and roadside assist)Service: 15,000km/12 mthsVW Golf Comfortline 118TSIPrice: $31,990Options: metallic paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder twin turbo, 118kW/240NmTransmission: 7 speed DSGEconomy: 6.2L/100kmCO2: 144g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited km, VW Assist.Service: 15,000km/12 mthsMazda3 SP20 SkyactivPrice: $27,990Options fitted: Luxury Pack (Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seat trim, premium Bose 242 watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer - $3000)Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 113kW/194NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 6.1/6.2L/100kmCO2: 145g/kmSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService: 10,000km/6 mthsFord Focus Titanium hatchPrice: $32,590Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/202NmTransmission: 6-speed Powershift DSG,Economy: 6.6L/100kmCO2: 154g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mthsHolden Cruze SRi-VPrice: $29,990Options: prestige paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder, turbo, 103kW/200NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, Active SelectEconomy: 6.9L/100kmCO2: 164g/km, 7/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mths