It’s as if it’s
Christmas again.
·
Design
& Engineering:
The Volkswagen
Golf has always been one of VW’s most successful and appealing models. After 5
years of the previous Golf, the new Mark 7 has made its debut—promising even
more than its predecessor. From the front, the Golf sports that prominent VW
face—doing so with a bit more flair than the Mark 6 though. Furthermore,
redesigned xenon headlamps with avant-garde LED styling make their presence
known on the roads. From the side, it is clear that VW has optimized the Golf’s
wheelbase to the max, pushing everything forward or backward in order to create
a bigger vehicle on the inside. Also, styling is more aerodynamic. From the
rear, that is where I truly begin to see changes in the new Golf. For instance,
it alleviates the car’s social status, making it seem more grown up, and
futuristic. With credit to the newly designed rear lights, I’d say that the
Golf looks at its best from the back.
·
Interior:
Clearly, Volkswagen
produces mass-market vehicles—hence its “das auto” labeling. Being a parent
company of Audi (which produces the world’s best
mass-produced interiors), Lamborghini, and Bentley, one can expect a certain
level of quality in the Mark 7’s interior. Upon gliding into the vehicle, it is
clear that build quality and use of materials has shifted upwards. From the
driver’s perspective, the beautifully crafted steering wheel provides one with
a sense of luxury and maturity—usually found on more expensive models. Coupled
with an array of multi-function buttons, paddle shifters and the sort, one
finds it relatively easy to live with the Golf, as the whole picture melds
together for seamless use. With the dashboard, it’s the same deal as with the
current Passat—clear and easy to read dials, with the key details of the
vehicle displayed in clear and simple manners. Moving on to the… center
console. Without a doubt, the new center console is probably the Golf’s selling
point. If it doesn’t appeal to you, it sure does to me! The new multi-function
8-inch high colour screen (dubbed ‘Discover Pro’ by VW) provides you with a
futuristic yet intuitive touch to modern technology. Bluetooth, GPS, etc. come
standard. For instance, one can see the vehicle status vis-à-vis a diagram of
the vehicle, and can select driving modes, via the screen. A cool feature comes
with the option to zoom in and out on the graphic GPS map, just as one would
naturally do on say, an iPad. Classy piano black plastic finish lines the
doorsills, further alleviating the mood of the cabin. Naturally, rear air
conditioning comes as standard. To sum it up, I’d say that the boffins in
Germany have outdone themselves—again.
·
Ride & Handlings
Powering the Mark
7 is a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine, churning out 140 BHP, which gets the
Golf from a standstill to the century point at around 8.4 seconds. With credit
towards space saving methods and a DSG gearbox, driving the Golf is a breeze,
as power comes easily, along with comfort. For serious drivers, the paddle
shifters (especially in sport mode) do make for a promising drive. As for the
eco-friendly human, an Eco mode comes along as well, featuring VW’s BlueMotion
technology. Sadly, once the hood is opened, the Golf starts to lose marks, as
it is a sheer mess under the bonnet. Unlike competition, wires are astray,
creating a myriad of ‘mess’. Tsk-tsk.
·
Verdict
Expensive looks. Expensive
interior. Cheap looking engine, but cheap price as well. There’s your answer.
o Pictures from:
