Why the VW Golf TSI proves legends never die: a timeless hatchback review

After testing a string of SUVs, when the 8.5-generation Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI arrived, I could not have been happier to get behind the wheel of the car that is such an integral part of the company’s DNA and has been putting smiles on people's faces for the past 50 years.

Just like the VW Beetle had a place in every family story generations ago, so too does the Golf since its local introduction in 1978 with the Mk1 (first generation), then assembled at the Volkswagen production plant in Kariega.

Top of the pile

Our test unit was the Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line Plus, which stands on top of the four-car lineup, the others being the entry-level Life, followed by the Life Plus and then the R-Line.

While hatchbacks continue to take a backseat to SUVs, Golf sales are ticking over in relatively healthy numbers, justifying VW’s decision to bring them to our shores.

I understand people’s preference for an SUV, but having spent a week with the Golf, I couldn’t help thinking that this is just so much more enjoyable as an overall experience, especially in the handling department.

Anyway, consumers have spoken, but it’s good to see that VW still sees the Golf very much as part of their offering.

Exterior

There’s no confusion about its design. Unlike many SUVs, if you had to remove the badging, it would be difficult to tell one from another.

At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s a GTI with its R-Line Plus front end fitted with IQ Matrix LED Headlights with a snazzy illuminated VW front logo and 18-inch ‘Leeds’ alloy rims.

Interior

Sliding in behind the steering wheel, the first impression is one of quality.

Soft-touch surfaces, stitching, door card fitment, and everything else pass close scrutiny with flying colours.

The multi-function steering wheel is heated and with enthusiastic driving you may accidentally push the button with your thumb, there are brushed stainless steel shifting paddles, heated and cooling front Vienna leather seats with power adjustable driver seat, three zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Park Assist with Park Distance Control, brushed stainless steel pedals and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.

The 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system works like a charm. It’s easy to reach, intuitive, with quick reaction and crisp graphics. 

Behind the wheel is VW’s 10-inch digital cockpit that can be set to your preferences with equally good graphics and display.

There’s also a hallelujah moment on entry with the previous generation’s haptic buttons on the steering wheel having been replaced with physical buttons at the behest of former VW South Africa MD and now CEO of Volkswagen passenger cars, Thomas Schäfer.

The interior is one of the most ergonomically perfect cars that I have experienced in a while.

Engine

The VW Golf is powered by its tried and tested 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 100kW and 250Nm, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s a fantastic combination of handling and speed, providing a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.

Driving

The R-Line is fitted with a sportier “Progressive” steering setup that is well-balanced and provides quick directional change, complemented with a sportier tuned suspension setup. It’s a bit firm on badly maintained roads, but on smooth tar it provides a sublime and compliant drive.

The throttle and the Tiptronic gearbox calibration are spot on, providing slick shifts exactly when needed, whether in Sport Mode or negotiating traffic in Normal or Eco Mode. 

It’s by no means a GTI or Golf-R and was never intended to be, but it's incredibly refined, and there’s enough there to provide an entertaining experience through the twisties before settling down to become a sedate and comfortable daily drive.

It’s frugal too, with an average consumption of 6.8l/100km in a combined cycle over the week that we tested it. 

There’s a lot to be said about 50 years of building a car, and it shows on the 8.5 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI.

They have perfected the art of building a car that doesn’t rely on huge swathes of glass, tons of technology and lists of features to impress and attract attention.

It’s a Golf. It does virtually everything perfectly, as it should.

It comes with a three-year /120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Pricing

• Golf 1.4l TSI Tiptronic Life: R580,900.
• Golf 1.4l TSI Tiptronic Life +: R604,500.
• Golf 1.4l TSI Tiptronic R-line: R660,000.
• Golf 1.4l TSI Tiptronic R-line +: R688,100.