First Drive: VW Golf 1.4 TSI

First Drive: VW Golf 1.4 TSI 

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The South African chapter of the VW Golf dates back to 1978, when Volkswagen’s local arm introduced the Golfie (as it would affectionately become known) to the South African market. It became a near-instant cultural phenomenon. Now, 47 years and some eight generations later, the new Golf has finally arrived, albeit wearing its 8.5 designation and without the iconic GTI and flagship R models to bolster the range.

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There are many unanswered questions as to the timing, for one: why only now, when it is in the middle of its production life cycle? Why was VW not being pre-emptive, striking when the hatchback iron was still measurably hot and before the C-segment was largely absorbed by crossovers? Right-hand-drive market allocation perhaps?

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Well, there will always be closed-door discussions and justifications which we are not privy to, and I’m not looking to start any speculation, so let’s just say that all Golf enthusiasts who were waiting with bated breath can now finally exhale… At least the ones who haven’t moved into small SUVs or Polos, that is…

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Let’s talk specs…

Driving the R-Line Plus derivative on the launch in Gauteng, it feels like… a Golf should. For the most part. Several bits and bobs feel like an easy showroom upsell over and above the lesser derivatives, with others that are less easy to justify. A heated steering wheel or brushed stainless steel pedals? I’ve never really considered these must-haves. Ultimately, though, opinions and tastes differ…

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The standard 18-inch Leeds wheels? They look fantastic and bring the Golf’s aesthetic closer in line with the true-blooded performance models, but from any perspective other than visual drama, they are not adding anything to the driving experience. As a side note, the R-Line rolls out with 17-inch Coventry wheels, while both the Life and Life Plus come as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels that are upgradable to 17s.

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Other highlights across the range include LED headlights, Light Assist with automatic high-beam control, 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless app connectivity and 45W USB charging, 10-colour ambient lighting, a 10-inch Digital Cockpit and a 10.3-inch infotainment system for the Life, while the Life Plus adds a rearview camera, 30-colour ambient lighting, faux velour-trimmed seats and selectable driving profiles.

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The R-Line comes with LED Plus lights with the front VW logo now also illuminated, Park Assist, R-Line-specific interior and exterior strokes, and a 3-zone Climatronic air-conditioning system. The Plus adds Vienna leather seats that are both heated and ventilated, IQLight HD matrix LEDs, and, yes, that aforementioned heated steering wheel.

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VW has also mentioned that an R-Line exterior styling pack can be added to what we assume are the Life derivatives without adding the full list of superfluous features.

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Universal powertrain

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Volkswagen’s Golf 8.5 will ship locally, solely driven with the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels using an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Keyboard engineers, please note: There are no DSGs within the Golf 8.5 range as it currently stands.

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While this same engine application in the Tiguan has received mixed reactions on the performance front, within the Golf (1,226kg), it feels gutsy when called upon, with the available torque arriving early at 1,500r/min. It feels more eager than its claimed 8.5-second 100km/h benchmark figure suggests. Also, fuel consumption is stellar during steady cruising conditions, with the figures dipping well below the 5.0l/100km mark. 

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The rest of the drive is just as well buttoned up. The steering wheel communicates just enough of what the front wheels are doing. As for the chassis, well, it was mostly arrow-straight highway stretches during the launch route, but a handful of off-ramp exploits hinted at underpinnings that are well sorted with unflustered, confident body control. But then again, would you expect anything less from a Golf?

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A Golf at its heart

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The Golf 8.5 feels like the link connecting the eras of VW's icon. That essence of Golf is still very much present, without it trying to completely reinvent itself. And it’s modern, sure, very much so, with that minimalistic, tech-forward approach that also defines the latest Tiguan. But it has to be since emerging buyers are increasingly buying into digital real estate and seamless connectivity over, say, brand lineage, especially at the R500k+ price point.

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And yet, despite this wireless app and temperature sliders (which I still don't like) approach, the Golf’s charm persists in that inherent ability to deliver an all-around competent driving experience without much fuss or any form of theatrics. Alongside all the refinements and its long absence, that emotional connection is never more than one turn of the steering wheel or one squeeze of the loud pedal away. It’s easy to love, and Volkswagen is banking on exactly that to move the 200 forecasted units per month off its showroom floors.

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Volkswagen Golf TSI Pricing

VW Golf 1.4 TSI Life: R580,900

VW Golf 1.4 TSI Life Plus: R604,500

VW Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line: R660,000

VW Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line Plus: R688,100

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