Volkswagen Golf

Inside, it features a five-seat layout with well-spaced seats, good enough to accommodate five occupants. The rear seat is good enough to seat three full-size adults. It has an upscale interior featuring top-notch quality material; the fit and finish is also premium. On the feature front, heated front seats and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces are available only with the SE grade. Front seats with six-way partially power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel are standard across line-up. A 6.4-inch colour display is specific to S grade and the larger 8-inch unit with additional media touchscreen sound system comes with the SE. Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect is common in both the variants, however, the keyless access with push-button start is missing in the base S trim. Other connectivity features such as Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming for compatible devices, USB port, voice control, SirusXM ALL Access, Keyless access with push-button start are also part of the pack.  

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf measures 167.6 inches long, 70.8-inch wide and 58.2-inches high. Styling is in tandem with other VW models with the quintessential petite grille featuring VW’s logo in front. The headlamps sport a mundane design, and the minimal chrome work on face goes well with the elementary design. A thin chrome strip runs between the fog lamps, just above the air-intakes. Moving to the sides, it sports subtle lines that define its elegant character. The LED lighting package comprises of LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lamps, etc. A power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof and 16-inch alloys are available only with the top-spec SE variant; while the15-inch units come with the base S trim. Both variants can be availed in seven colour options including Tornado red, pure white, silk blue metallic, night blue metallic, platinum grey metallic, tungsten silver metallic and deep black pearl. 

Talking of the suspension set-up, it gets MacPherson struts at the front and fully independent 4-link units at the back. Handling is smooth mostly, while some bumps penetrate through to the cabin. The compact hatchback remains stable and agile around turns, though the steering wheel is irresponsive at times. 

The Volkswagen Golf specifications include a single 1.4-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This unit makes top power of 147 hp along with 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an eight-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic and Sport mode is optional. 

The standard safety kit on the Golf includes rearview camera system, lower anchors and tethers for child seat points, electronic stability control, electronic differential lock, anti-slip regulation, and engine brake assist. It also comes packed with forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (front assist), high beam control, rear traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control. 

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a practical compact hatchback with solid value and punchy performance. With prices starting as low as $ 21, 145 (MSRP), it makes for an affordable option in the segment. However, the interior needs some improvement; also the infotainment system is a bit dated compared to rivals in the segment. 

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a practical compact hatchback with solid value and punchy performance. With prices starting as low as $ 21, 145 (MSRP), it makes for an affordable option in the segment. However, the interior needs some improvement; also the infotainment system is a bit dated compared to rivals in the segment.