Internexus
Ready to race!
- Location
- USA
Road Testhatchback SE 4-cyl
Right from the first door thunk, the Volkswagen Golf exudes a quality feel not found in your average econobox. The Golf has long been a cut above other small cars, being more fun to drive and finished like a more expensive German sedan.
Redesigned for 2015, the latest example continues those virtues and then some, making it the best Golf yet.
Gone is the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder engine that powered the last Golf, replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo. The punchy new engine delivers 28 mpg overall in our tests.
Inside, you'll find soft-touch materials, quality components, and comfortable, supportive seats. The infotainment system uses simple graphics and menus that make it easy to learn. Other controls are also simple to use.
The accommodating rear seat has room for two adults to fit without complaint. And when nobody is sitting back there, the folding rear seats and hatchback design add cargo-toting versatility.
The sportier GTI version gets much attention for its handling, but the regular Golf is no slouch. It tackles corners with gusto, proving both capable and composed on the track. And just as important, the suspension delivers a more supple ride than most small cars and even some midsized sedans. Meanwhile, the cabin stays commendably quiet.
While all these virtues help set the Golf apart from the crowd, so does its price. Our well-equipped, mid-trim SE version stickered for $25,315, notably more than most alternatives. But that price included a sunroof, rear camera, heated seats, and other nice tidbits.
If car buying were purely a rational process, a car like the Golf would be the only one most people would need. If you're already considering something in the category, it's worth a hard look. Especially if you think of it not so much as an economy model, but a premium car in a small package.
Why buy one:
Comes very close to being a car that can do it all
Hatchback versatility with room for four adults, all in a compact, easy-to-park package
Fun to drive with agile handling
Fuel efficient with gasoline engine; super-efficient with TDI diesel
Impressive refinement, especially for a small car, with low interior noise and a comfortable ride
Contemporary electronics with easy-to-use controls
Well-finished interior
All trims come well equipped
TDI models hold resale value especially well
Why not buy one:
Compared to Japanese rivals, VW is not known for long-term reliability or inexpensive running costs
We'd prefer a USB port to VW's proprietary multimedia interface
It's expensive to get a rear camera
Can get a touch pricey
Viable alternatives:
Mazda3 -- the most direct competitor, and a bit cheaper but louder with a smaller rear seat
Subaru Impreza -- also offers a hatchback and all-wheel-drive, but it isn't as nice overall
Ford Focus -- matches the Golf's refinement and agility, but it lacks the VW's interior room and simple controls
Navigating the trim lines: All Golfs come nicely equipped, including heated mirrors, Bluetooth, an iPod media interface, touch-screen radio, satellite radio, and a trip/fuel computer.
The Golf lineup starts, appropriately enough, with the first-year Launch Edition special. Starting at $17,995 (plus $820 destination), this model is nicely equipped for the price. But there are two big caveats: It comes only with a manual transmission and is offered only in two-door form.
For most buyers, the lineup really starts with the Golf S. That gets you leatherette seats, 15-inch alloy wheels, and steering wheel controls for the radio and trip computer. For reasons known only to Volkswagen, four-door S models are available only with an automatic transmission, unless you opt for the S w/Sunroof trim. Two-door models can be had with a stick and a solid roof, if you like. And if you want a manual with a more loaded up Golf, you're out of luck. Higher trims are automatic only.
The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear camera, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and the Fender audio system.
The full-boat SEL piles it on, with 18-inch alloys, navigation, automatic climate control, and a fully powered driver seat.
If you want the TDI diesel, forget about getting one with two doors; those fuel-economy champs are offered as four-door only. The TDI is also available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with minor detail differences like larger 16-inch wheels on the S. Getting a sunroof on the TDI requires stepping up to the SE trim. But the TDI has more equipment flexibility than the 1.8T; you can get a manual transmission on the SE and SEL trims with the diesel.
A limited-run 1.8T Sport includes a body kit, roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Think of it as giving you some of the visual flair of the Golf GTI for less money. We'd just splurge on the real thing with its higher horsepower and sports suspension.
All trims beyond the basic Launch Edition and S (without sunroof) offer forward-collision warning and a lighting package with adaptive HID headlights.
Best version/options to get: Choosing between models is largely a budget decision, because prices vary widely. If two doors are enough and you like driving a manual, the Launch Edition is a great deal at less than $20,000. Most buyers will go for the Golf S, as the added $2,400 for an SE's extra equipment is a pretty big step from the S w/Sunroof. Then again, those heated seats are mighty welcome on cold mornings with the Golf's leatherette seats.
No matter which you pick, we'd get the optional lighting package; its HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package.
It used to be that the TDI diesel was an easy choice over the underwhelming gasoline engine. Now the contemporary and competitive 1.8T TSI makes the gasoline engine a much more viable choice. The TDI still brings much improved fuel economy and likely better resale, as diesel VWs hold their value well.
Changes from the previous version: Each generation of the Golf has been more of an evolution than a revolution. Dubbed Mk7 by the VW faithful, this generation is somewhat bigger yet lighter than the previous car. Dropping the old five-cylinder gasoline engine for a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder markedly improves acceleration, fuel economy, and refinement. The TDI diesel engine is also redesigned for better economy, but it now requires urea-based diesel emissions fluid (DEF).
Inside, interior electronics are improved and easier to use. Feature content is considerably higher across the board. Repackaging of the options structure allows you to get a TDI model at a lower price point than before. The Golf earns Good marks across the board in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash tests, and it offers high-tech active safety features.
The Driving Experience
Handling: The Golf is one of the most fun to drive compacts. It tackles corners enthusiastically, with quick and precise turn-in response. Body motions are kept in check, and the pliant suspension helps keep the Golf on course even in bumpy corners.
On the track, the Golf was fun and forgiving, with good cornering grip and balance. It posted a commendable speed of 54 mph in our accident avoidance maneuver, with high levels of confidence thanks to its balanced chassis, communicative steering and predictable nature.
Powertrain: The new 1.8-liter turbo does the job nicely, propelling the Golf 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds with the automatic. In everyday driving, response can feel a bit hesitant initially if you feather the throttle, but the engine provides effortless motivation overall, with a healthy mid-range punch.
The six-speed automatic, on the other hand, is not the slickest. Upshifts are mostly smooth and timely, but suburban driving with frequent changes in speed can result in some jerkiness. We measured 28 mpg overall on regular fuel -- not stellar for the class.
A new diesel engine is also available, and we expect fuel economy that's in the mid- to high-30 mpg range.
Ride comfort: The Golf's ride is impressive. It absorbs bumps and ruts well. Body motions are slow and controlled, giving it the ride of a larger, more expensive car.
Noise: In the world of compact hatchbacks, the Golf feels substantial with very good interior noise isolation. Engine hum is relatively smooth, road noise is modest, and wind noise is nearly absent. Nothing is singularly class leading, but in total, the Golf is quieter than most in the class and on par with the impressively tranquil Ford Focus.
Braking: The Golf performed very well, with short stops on both wet and dry surfaces. The brake pedal had a nice firm feel and was very easy to modulate.
Headlights: Standard halogen headlights don't provide sufficient forward visibility. The optional lighting package includes xenon lamps that are brighter and perform much better. Side marker lights illuminate in slow-speed corners to provide some added visibility.
Inside The Cabin
Interior fit and finish: The Golf has a well-finished, substantial-feeling interior. The dashboard top and front door panels are padded -- something you don't get in every Jetta, let alone most other small cars. There's abundant chrome trim and the leatherette seats look more upmarket than the cloth seats in some competitors. Most components are well assembled.
Driving position: For the most part, drivers can find a comfortable position behind the Golf's tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. There's plenty of room for your left foot and a well-designed foot rest, something that isn't always a given. Head room is abundant, as is seat travel. We like the adjustable center armrest, which slides back and forth and can be raised for dialing in the desired height.
Our biggest complaint is that the wide center dashboard limits space for your right leg; you might find your shin or knee frequently resting against it. This is a long-time Golf foible, so repeat owners will feel right at home.
Visibility: Thin windshield pillars, good-sized windows, and upright styling all contribute to good visibility out of the Golf. You can tell that the car is designed to navigate around tight and busy urban European streets where clear outward vision is paramount. The rear roof pillar is a bit thick, but the large rear head restraints don't block too much of the view out the rear window. Side door mirrors are large and useful.
A backup camera is standard on SE and SEL models, but it is unavailable on lesser trims. That's a shame, because it's forcing you to buy a $25,000 Golf to get this desirable safety feature -- one that is standard on most Hondas. Interestingly, the rear camera is hidden behind the rear hatch release/VW logo; you can hear it deploy if you have the radio off when reversing, which can be a bit startling.
Seat comfort: The standard front seats are wide, provide good long-term support from their firmly padded cushions, and include a manual lumbar adjustment. Even still, some test drivers yearned for a bit more lower-back support. Four-door models have power recline but manual height and fore and aft adjustments; two-door models have all-manual seats.
Several drivers wanted to be able to lower the front edge of the seat because it pressed into their thighs, but the non-power seats don't allow that. Stepping up to the top SEL trim line brings a 12-way power front driver's seat, including power lumbar adjustment. The SEL seats are dubbed "comfort sport" seats, and they have a bit more backrest bolstering.
We hope you like VW's synthetic leatherette seats, because other than the limited run Launch Version's cloth, they're your only upholstery choice.
Adults will feel a bit snug in the rear seat, but there is enough room for two, even on long trips. Knee and toe room are decent, but tall adults might find their hair grazing the ceiling. The seat cushions are well shaped and supportive. Like most cars in this class, sitting three adults in back won't make any of them happy.
Access: It's not hard to get in and out of the Golf, but it's not as easy as some cars. The Golf sits fairly low, so there's some ducking required to enter, and the door sills are a bit tall. On the plus side, all the doors are squared-off and good-sized. Strong door checks hold the door open, even on steep hills.
Gauges: The brightly backlit gauges are easy to read. A center screen between the speedometer and tachometer can digitally display your speed, or show trip, fuel economy, navigation, and audio information. Paging through those screens with the steering wheel controls is simple; you can also select from radio station lists or phone contacts with the wheel's buttons.
One minor frustration: The center display between the gauges can only show one piece of information at a time. For example, you can't see fuel economy and range to empty at once. (The center screen can display these together.) Other cars can show more information at once, which may result in a busier display, but eliminates the need to scroll through pages or change display screens on the run.
Controls: The Golf gets simple and well-designed controls. Audio and climate functions use large knobs and buttons. In fact, most trim levels have three easy to use knobs for climate controls. We like that the optional automatic climate control system always displays temperature settings and airflow direction.
The standard touch-screen radio, common across all trim levels, works well. More good old-fashioned knobs control tuning and volume, while presets are selected onscreen. Swipe motions can move through lists or display more presets; they work well or can be skipped entirely. Minor gripes: the preset "buttons" are a bit small, as are some on-screen fonts.
Secondary audio system functions like browsing for songs or pausing a podcast are controlled using a row of buttons across the bottom of the touch screen, and the menu structure is easy and direct.
Other less high-tech controls, like the big door lock switches and easily visible panel illumination adjustment, are all well designed and lit at night.
Electronic connectivity: Compared with older VWs, the Golf's in-car electronics are many steps forward and a few steps back. Phone hookups and the touch-screen infotainment system are simple to master. Oddly, VW continues to avoid providing USB ports in its cars. Our Golf had Volkswagen's proprietary iPhone/iPod dongle, with adapters for various Apple devices. But that can be a problem if you share your vehicle with someone who uses a different device. Once you have the proper dongle, interfacing with a phone works well. The Media Device Interface (MDI) is conveniently located in the center stack.
Phone: It's easy to pair a phone, with on-screen directions to walk you through the process. Many of us liked that the system reminds you to take your phone when getting out of the car.
Volkswagen's Car-Net system allows you to control some functions through a smart-phone app, including locking and unlocking the doors remotely, calling for roadside or stolen car location assistance, setting speed and boundary alerts for younger drivers, and scheduling dealer visits. The system also sends an alert to support services when an air bag deploys, prompting a representative to call for help. Our favorite feature is being able to search for destinations on a smart phone and sending them to the car's navigation system.
Music: The TSI SE trim level gets you a cranking Fender 400-watt AM/FM audio system, which includes eight speakers and a subwoofer. You also get a CD player in the glove box. Volkswagen includes three months of complimentary satellite radio.
The Fender system puts out bold and brassy sound. You can boost the volume to antisocial levels without much distortion. However, adjusting tone settings requires wading through several menus. There isn't a source button on the steering wheel to switch between radio bands or Bluetooth audio. And unfortunately, the steering wheel radio controls only allow you advance to the next station instead of your next preset. Some of our drivers were annoyed that the radio turned off when the engine is shut down.
Voice command: Overall, the voice-command system worked well, but it was somewhat limited compared to many other manufacturers' offerings. Simple phone commands, such as "call home" worked without a hitch.
Navigation: Only top-of-the-line SEL versions come with nav. We evaluated this system in the last GTI we tested and found that it worked well, albeit with a particularly robotic-sounding voice. A handy feature is a pop-up message asking if you'd like directions to a gas station when the low-fuel light comes on.
Electronic amenities: In keeping with Volkswagen tradition, there is no USB port. You do get two SD memory card readers in the glove box.
Power sources: There is one 12-volt outlet in the console compartment and another in front of the center cup holders.
Climate features: Without the automatic dual-zone system standard on the top-level SEL trim line, the climate features on our Golf TSI SE were rated slightly above average. Standard equipment on the SE includes a manually adjusted A/C unit, heated mirrors, and three-stage heated seats. Kudos to VW for also including a cooled glove box and heated windshield washer nozzles -- premium touches that are rare in this segment. Everything worked well.
Cabin storage: Front passengers get a convenient, covered bin in front of the shifter to store a smart phone. The driver has a small, foldout drawer to the left of the steering column. The base of the driver's seat also includes an easy-to-miss small pullout drawer. There are also small slots to hold cards in front of the cup holders. The front doors have big map pockets. Last, the adjustable armrest between the front seats not only has a small storage space inside, it's a model of simple functionality that other carmakers would be well advised to have a look at.
Cup holders: The front center console has two cup holders. Rear-seat passengers get two cup holders in the fold-down center armrest.
Cargo area: The cargo opening is nice and square -- helpful when loading larger items. Folding the rear 60/40-split seatbacks expands the cargo area to make room for bikes or boxes. There is also a pass-through behind the center armrest for longer items like skis. With the rear seatbacks up, the Golf has room for two suitcases and a duffle bag behind the seats.
The VW emblem on the hatch doubles as a release, and it can be locked and unlocked using the key fob. The cargo area comes packed with great accessories, such as a 12-volt power supply, multiple bag hooks, tie-down loops two floor side bins, and a one-piece security cover. There are two hand pockets on the hatch to help close it.
Payload capacity is a generous 1,005 pounds. Trailer towing is not recommended.
Spare tire: Our vehicle came with a temporary spare tire.
Safety Notes
Safety belts: Front seat belts are equipped with adjustable upper anchors for a more comfortable and safe fit, along with pretensioners and force limiters to reduce belt slack in a crash.
Air bags: Standard safety equipment includes front and side air bags and curtain head-protection air bags that are long enough to protect both front and rear outboard occupants. The force of passenger air bag deployment is determined by crash severity, along with safety belt and seat sensors to determine the size of the passenger. If the sensing system detects that a child or small person is seated in the front passenger seat, the air bag is disabled.
Head restraints: Rear outboard head restraints are tall enough in the lowest position to protect passengers. The rear center restraint is not tall enough to provide adequate protection even when raised.
Crash-avoidance systems: A Driver Assistance Package is available on all trim lines and includes front and rear park distance control and forward-collision warning system.
Driving with kids: Forward-facing child seats should prove secure, but the center headrest may need to be removed for certain seats. Some of our infant child seats could not be secured in the rear seats using the belt, as the belts are anchored forward of the seatback, thereby preventing the child seat from being tightly secured. Also the front seatbacks may need to be moved forward to accommodate rear-facing seats behind them.
There are lower-LATCH anchors in the rear outboard seats that are easy to access in pockets at the rear of the seat cushions, and top-tether anchors on the rear seatbacks.
The center tether may be too close for some seats to get a tight strap.
Reliability
We do not have data to predict reliability, this model is new.
Tested model: 2015 SE 4-door hatchback, 1.8-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed automatic
Major options: None.
This road test applies to the current model year of this vehicle.
Right from the first door thunk, the Volkswagen Golf exudes a quality feel not found in your average econobox. The Golf has long been a cut above other small cars, being more fun to drive and finished like a more expensive German sedan.
Redesigned for 2015, the latest example continues those virtues and then some, making it the best Golf yet.
Gone is the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder engine that powered the last Golf, replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo. The punchy new engine delivers 28 mpg overall in our tests.
Inside, you'll find soft-touch materials, quality components, and comfortable, supportive seats. The infotainment system uses simple graphics and menus that make it easy to learn. Other controls are also simple to use.
The accommodating rear seat has room for two adults to fit without complaint. And when nobody is sitting back there, the folding rear seats and hatchback design add cargo-toting versatility.
The sportier GTI version gets much attention for its handling, but the regular Golf is no slouch. It tackles corners with gusto, proving both capable and composed on the track. And just as important, the suspension delivers a more supple ride than most small cars and even some midsized sedans. Meanwhile, the cabin stays commendably quiet.
While all these virtues help set the Golf apart from the crowd, so does its price. Our well-equipped, mid-trim SE version stickered for $25,315, notably more than most alternatives. But that price included a sunroof, rear camera, heated seats, and other nice tidbits.
If car buying were purely a rational process, a car like the Golf would be the only one most people would need. If you're already considering something in the category, it's worth a hard look. Especially if you think of it not so much as an economy model, but a premium car in a small package.
Why buy one:
Comes very close to being a car that can do it all
Hatchback versatility with room for four adults, all in a compact, easy-to-park package
Fun to drive with agile handling
Fuel efficient with gasoline engine; super-efficient with TDI diesel
Impressive refinement, especially for a small car, with low interior noise and a comfortable ride
Contemporary electronics with easy-to-use controls
Well-finished interior
All trims come well equipped
TDI models hold resale value especially well
Why not buy one:
Compared to Japanese rivals, VW is not known for long-term reliability or inexpensive running costs
We'd prefer a USB port to VW's proprietary multimedia interface
It's expensive to get a rear camera
Can get a touch pricey
Viable alternatives:
Mazda3 -- the most direct competitor, and a bit cheaper but louder with a smaller rear seat
Subaru Impreza -- also offers a hatchback and all-wheel-drive, but it isn't as nice overall
Ford Focus -- matches the Golf's refinement and agility, but it lacks the VW's interior room and simple controls
Navigating the trim lines: All Golfs come nicely equipped, including heated mirrors, Bluetooth, an iPod media interface, touch-screen radio, satellite radio, and a trip/fuel computer.
The Golf lineup starts, appropriately enough, with the first-year Launch Edition special. Starting at $17,995 (plus $820 destination), this model is nicely equipped for the price. But there are two big caveats: It comes only with a manual transmission and is offered only in two-door form.
For most buyers, the lineup really starts with the Golf S. That gets you leatherette seats, 15-inch alloy wheels, and steering wheel controls for the radio and trip computer. For reasons known only to Volkswagen, four-door S models are available only with an automatic transmission, unless you opt for the S w/Sunroof trim. Two-door models can be had with a stick and a solid roof, if you like. And if you want a manual with a more loaded up Golf, you're out of luck. Higher trims are automatic only.
The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear camera, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and the Fender audio system.
The full-boat SEL piles it on, with 18-inch alloys, navigation, automatic climate control, and a fully powered driver seat.
If you want the TDI diesel, forget about getting one with two doors; those fuel-economy champs are offered as four-door only. The TDI is also available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with minor detail differences like larger 16-inch wheels on the S. Getting a sunroof on the TDI requires stepping up to the SE trim. But the TDI has more equipment flexibility than the 1.8T; you can get a manual transmission on the SE and SEL trims with the diesel.
A limited-run 1.8T Sport includes a body kit, roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Think of it as giving you some of the visual flair of the Golf GTI for less money. We'd just splurge on the real thing with its higher horsepower and sports suspension.
All trims beyond the basic Launch Edition and S (without sunroof) offer forward-collision warning and a lighting package with adaptive HID headlights.
Best version/options to get: Choosing between models is largely a budget decision, because prices vary widely. If two doors are enough and you like driving a manual, the Launch Edition is a great deal at less than $20,000. Most buyers will go for the Golf S, as the added $2,400 for an SE's extra equipment is a pretty big step from the S w/Sunroof. Then again, those heated seats are mighty welcome on cold mornings with the Golf's leatherette seats.
No matter which you pick, we'd get the optional lighting package; its HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package.
It used to be that the TDI diesel was an easy choice over the underwhelming gasoline engine. Now the contemporary and competitive 1.8T TSI makes the gasoline engine a much more viable choice. The TDI still brings much improved fuel economy and likely better resale, as diesel VWs hold their value well.
Changes from the previous version: Each generation of the Golf has been more of an evolution than a revolution. Dubbed Mk7 by the VW faithful, this generation is somewhat bigger yet lighter than the previous car. Dropping the old five-cylinder gasoline engine for a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder markedly improves acceleration, fuel economy, and refinement. The TDI diesel engine is also redesigned for better economy, but it now requires urea-based diesel emissions fluid (DEF).
Inside, interior electronics are improved and easier to use. Feature content is considerably higher across the board. Repackaging of the options structure allows you to get a TDI model at a lower price point than before. The Golf earns Good marks across the board in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash tests, and it offers high-tech active safety features.
The Driving Experience
Handling: The Golf is one of the most fun to drive compacts. It tackles corners enthusiastically, with quick and precise turn-in response. Body motions are kept in check, and the pliant suspension helps keep the Golf on course even in bumpy corners.
On the track, the Golf was fun and forgiving, with good cornering grip and balance. It posted a commendable speed of 54 mph in our accident avoidance maneuver, with high levels of confidence thanks to its balanced chassis, communicative steering and predictable nature.
Powertrain: The new 1.8-liter turbo does the job nicely, propelling the Golf 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds with the automatic. In everyday driving, response can feel a bit hesitant initially if you feather the throttle, but the engine provides effortless motivation overall, with a healthy mid-range punch.
The six-speed automatic, on the other hand, is not the slickest. Upshifts are mostly smooth and timely, but suburban driving with frequent changes in speed can result in some jerkiness. We measured 28 mpg overall on regular fuel -- not stellar for the class.
A new diesel engine is also available, and we expect fuel economy that's in the mid- to high-30 mpg range.
Ride comfort: The Golf's ride is impressive. It absorbs bumps and ruts well. Body motions are slow and controlled, giving it the ride of a larger, more expensive car.
Noise: In the world of compact hatchbacks, the Golf feels substantial with very good interior noise isolation. Engine hum is relatively smooth, road noise is modest, and wind noise is nearly absent. Nothing is singularly class leading, but in total, the Golf is quieter than most in the class and on par with the impressively tranquil Ford Focus.
Braking: The Golf performed very well, with short stops on both wet and dry surfaces. The brake pedal had a nice firm feel and was very easy to modulate.
Headlights: Standard halogen headlights don't provide sufficient forward visibility. The optional lighting package includes xenon lamps that are brighter and perform much better. Side marker lights illuminate in slow-speed corners to provide some added visibility.
Inside The Cabin
Interior fit and finish: The Golf has a well-finished, substantial-feeling interior. The dashboard top and front door panels are padded -- something you don't get in every Jetta, let alone most other small cars. There's abundant chrome trim and the leatherette seats look more upmarket than the cloth seats in some competitors. Most components are well assembled.
Driving position: For the most part, drivers can find a comfortable position behind the Golf's tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. There's plenty of room for your left foot and a well-designed foot rest, something that isn't always a given. Head room is abundant, as is seat travel. We like the adjustable center armrest, which slides back and forth and can be raised for dialing in the desired height.
Our biggest complaint is that the wide center dashboard limits space for your right leg; you might find your shin or knee frequently resting against it. This is a long-time Golf foible, so repeat owners will feel right at home.
Visibility: Thin windshield pillars, good-sized windows, and upright styling all contribute to good visibility out of the Golf. You can tell that the car is designed to navigate around tight and busy urban European streets where clear outward vision is paramount. The rear roof pillar is a bit thick, but the large rear head restraints don't block too much of the view out the rear window. Side door mirrors are large and useful.
A backup camera is standard on SE and SEL models, but it is unavailable on lesser trims. That's a shame, because it's forcing you to buy a $25,000 Golf to get this desirable safety feature -- one that is standard on most Hondas. Interestingly, the rear camera is hidden behind the rear hatch release/VW logo; you can hear it deploy if you have the radio off when reversing, which can be a bit startling.
Seat comfort: The standard front seats are wide, provide good long-term support from their firmly padded cushions, and include a manual lumbar adjustment. Even still, some test drivers yearned for a bit more lower-back support. Four-door models have power recline but manual height and fore and aft adjustments; two-door models have all-manual seats.
Several drivers wanted to be able to lower the front edge of the seat because it pressed into their thighs, but the non-power seats don't allow that. Stepping up to the top SEL trim line brings a 12-way power front driver's seat, including power lumbar adjustment. The SEL seats are dubbed "comfort sport" seats, and they have a bit more backrest bolstering.
We hope you like VW's synthetic leatherette seats, because other than the limited run Launch Version's cloth, they're your only upholstery choice.
Adults will feel a bit snug in the rear seat, but there is enough room for two, even on long trips. Knee and toe room are decent, but tall adults might find their hair grazing the ceiling. The seat cushions are well shaped and supportive. Like most cars in this class, sitting three adults in back won't make any of them happy.
Access: It's not hard to get in and out of the Golf, but it's not as easy as some cars. The Golf sits fairly low, so there's some ducking required to enter, and the door sills are a bit tall. On the plus side, all the doors are squared-off and good-sized. Strong door checks hold the door open, even on steep hills.
Gauges: The brightly backlit gauges are easy to read. A center screen between the speedometer and tachometer can digitally display your speed, or show trip, fuel economy, navigation, and audio information. Paging through those screens with the steering wheel controls is simple; you can also select from radio station lists or phone contacts with the wheel's buttons.
One minor frustration: The center display between the gauges can only show one piece of information at a time. For example, you can't see fuel economy and range to empty at once. (The center screen can display these together.) Other cars can show more information at once, which may result in a busier display, but eliminates the need to scroll through pages or change display screens on the run.
Controls: The Golf gets simple and well-designed controls. Audio and climate functions use large knobs and buttons. In fact, most trim levels have three easy to use knobs for climate controls. We like that the optional automatic climate control system always displays temperature settings and airflow direction.
The standard touch-screen radio, common across all trim levels, works well. More good old-fashioned knobs control tuning and volume, while presets are selected onscreen. Swipe motions can move through lists or display more presets; they work well or can be skipped entirely. Minor gripes: the preset "buttons" are a bit small, as are some on-screen fonts.
Secondary audio system functions like browsing for songs or pausing a podcast are controlled using a row of buttons across the bottom of the touch screen, and the menu structure is easy and direct.
Other less high-tech controls, like the big door lock switches and easily visible panel illumination adjustment, are all well designed and lit at night.
Electronic connectivity: Compared with older VWs, the Golf's in-car electronics are many steps forward and a few steps back. Phone hookups and the touch-screen infotainment system are simple to master. Oddly, VW continues to avoid providing USB ports in its cars. Our Golf had Volkswagen's proprietary iPhone/iPod dongle, with adapters for various Apple devices. But that can be a problem if you share your vehicle with someone who uses a different device. Once you have the proper dongle, interfacing with a phone works well. The Media Device Interface (MDI) is conveniently located in the center stack.
Phone: It's easy to pair a phone, with on-screen directions to walk you through the process. Many of us liked that the system reminds you to take your phone when getting out of the car.
Volkswagen's Car-Net system allows you to control some functions through a smart-phone app, including locking and unlocking the doors remotely, calling for roadside or stolen car location assistance, setting speed and boundary alerts for younger drivers, and scheduling dealer visits. The system also sends an alert to support services when an air bag deploys, prompting a representative to call for help. Our favorite feature is being able to search for destinations on a smart phone and sending them to the car's navigation system.
Music: The TSI SE trim level gets you a cranking Fender 400-watt AM/FM audio system, which includes eight speakers and a subwoofer. You also get a CD player in the glove box. Volkswagen includes three months of complimentary satellite radio.
The Fender system puts out bold and brassy sound. You can boost the volume to antisocial levels without much distortion. However, adjusting tone settings requires wading through several menus. There isn't a source button on the steering wheel to switch between radio bands or Bluetooth audio. And unfortunately, the steering wheel radio controls only allow you advance to the next station instead of your next preset. Some of our drivers were annoyed that the radio turned off when the engine is shut down.
Voice command: Overall, the voice-command system worked well, but it was somewhat limited compared to many other manufacturers' offerings. Simple phone commands, such as "call home" worked without a hitch.
Navigation: Only top-of-the-line SEL versions come with nav. We evaluated this system in the last GTI we tested and found that it worked well, albeit with a particularly robotic-sounding voice. A handy feature is a pop-up message asking if you'd like directions to a gas station when the low-fuel light comes on.
Electronic amenities: In keeping with Volkswagen tradition, there is no USB port. You do get two SD memory card readers in the glove box.
Power sources: There is one 12-volt outlet in the console compartment and another in front of the center cup holders.
Climate features: Without the automatic dual-zone system standard on the top-level SEL trim line, the climate features on our Golf TSI SE were rated slightly above average. Standard equipment on the SE includes a manually adjusted A/C unit, heated mirrors, and three-stage heated seats. Kudos to VW for also including a cooled glove box and heated windshield washer nozzles -- premium touches that are rare in this segment. Everything worked well.
Cabin storage: Front passengers get a convenient, covered bin in front of the shifter to store a smart phone. The driver has a small, foldout drawer to the left of the steering column. The base of the driver's seat also includes an easy-to-miss small pullout drawer. There are also small slots to hold cards in front of the cup holders. The front doors have big map pockets. Last, the adjustable armrest between the front seats not only has a small storage space inside, it's a model of simple functionality that other carmakers would be well advised to have a look at.
Cup holders: The front center console has two cup holders. Rear-seat passengers get two cup holders in the fold-down center armrest.
Cargo area: The cargo opening is nice and square -- helpful when loading larger items. Folding the rear 60/40-split seatbacks expands the cargo area to make room for bikes or boxes. There is also a pass-through behind the center armrest for longer items like skis. With the rear seatbacks up, the Golf has room for two suitcases and a duffle bag behind the seats.
The VW emblem on the hatch doubles as a release, and it can be locked and unlocked using the key fob. The cargo area comes packed with great accessories, such as a 12-volt power supply, multiple bag hooks, tie-down loops two floor side bins, and a one-piece security cover. There are two hand pockets on the hatch to help close it.
Payload capacity is a generous 1,005 pounds. Trailer towing is not recommended.
Spare tire: Our vehicle came with a temporary spare tire.
Safety Notes
Safety belts: Front seat belts are equipped with adjustable upper anchors for a more comfortable and safe fit, along with pretensioners and force limiters to reduce belt slack in a crash.
Air bags: Standard safety equipment includes front and side air bags and curtain head-protection air bags that are long enough to protect both front and rear outboard occupants. The force of passenger air bag deployment is determined by crash severity, along with safety belt and seat sensors to determine the size of the passenger. If the sensing system detects that a child or small person is seated in the front passenger seat, the air bag is disabled.
Head restraints: Rear outboard head restraints are tall enough in the lowest position to protect passengers. The rear center restraint is not tall enough to provide adequate protection even when raised.
Crash-avoidance systems: A Driver Assistance Package is available on all trim lines and includes front and rear park distance control and forward-collision warning system.
Driving with kids: Forward-facing child seats should prove secure, but the center headrest may need to be removed for certain seats. Some of our infant child seats could not be secured in the rear seats using the belt, as the belts are anchored forward of the seatback, thereby preventing the child seat from being tightly secured. Also the front seatbacks may need to be moved forward to accommodate rear-facing seats behind them.
There are lower-LATCH anchors in the rear outboard seats that are easy to access in pockets at the rear of the seat cushions, and top-tether anchors on the rear seatbacks.
The center tether may be too close for some seats to get a tight strap.
Reliability
We do not have data to predict reliability, this model is new.
Tested model: 2015 SE 4-door hatchback, 1.8-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed automatic
Major options: None.
This road test applies to the current model year of this vehicle.
