Test drive Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI: Best or Nothing

Meeting with the eighth generation Golf in the version with a diesel engine and manual transmission

The new Golf is as traditional in terms of the range of features it offers as it is revolutionary in terms of how those features are operated. Generally, for Volkswagen, revolutionary technological changes are combined with elaborate evolutionary developments.

The model has slightly more pronounced edges, a more muscular line of the shoulders of the body, the height of the body is reduced, and the “look” of the headlights seems to be more concentrated. So golf is still easily recognizable as golf, which is good news.

However, under the packaging we find some rather radical innovations. The new ergonomic concept is based entirely on digitalisation, making the in-car experience significantly different from that of its predecessors. In fact, ditching most of the classic buttons and switches and replacing them with smooth, touch-sensitive surfaces creates a subjective feeling of greater airiness, lightness and space in the Golf.

Ergonomic concept focused on the generation of touchscreen technologies

Unsurprisingly, the changes have generated a lot of discussion - the new generation will probably appeal to the generation accustomed to smartphones and tablets, but older and more conservative people will take time to get used to it. Luckily, there is the possibility of gestures and voice commands, which makes it much easier to work with many menus.

For the better or not the new concept, time will tell. The thing is, if you're one of those who use smartphones, tablets, and other modern communication and entertainment devices in your sleep, you'll probably feel right at home right away. If not, you will need an adjustment period.

The car we tested came with lower Life equipment, which includes everything you really need, although it didn't rival the extravagance of the more expensive Style version.

Perhaps it is worth dispelling a fairly common misconception here - now Golf is not only not expensive, but even profitable - 26 USD for version 517 TDI Life - this is an absolutely reasonable price for a car of this class with good equipment and super economy.

Comfortable yet dynamic on the road

If we need to briefly describe, then this can be done with the words "at the best level for its class." Comfort is on top - the suspension literally absorbs all the bumps in the road. Even without the adaptive option, the model does an excellent job with a combination of good ride, stability and agility.

The Golf is no joke when it comes to dynamics, the car stays well-handled until late border duty, and the rear is expertly involved in achieving more agility. The stability of the track, in turn, clearly reminds us of the absence of speed limits on most German tracks - with this car at high speeds you feel as safe as with more expensive premium cars.

It's the same with the quality of soundproofing - at highway pace, the new Golf is just as quiet as we're used to being in much more expensive and upmarket models at least twice as expensive.

Diesel engine with good manners and extremely low fuel consumption

Overall, the Golf / diesel combination has long been synonymous with good performance, but frankly, the base version of the two-liter diesel, with 115 horsepower and only available with a manual transmission, has even surpassed expectations.

First of all, due to the fact that this engine is almost impossible to recognize by sound as a representative of self-igniting engines - from the driver's seat, its diesel nature can only be recognized in a standing car with the engine running or at very low speeds and a barely perceptible knock sounds where something around the car.

The driving manners are simply superb - undoubtedly, the already mentioned excellent sound insulation makes the main contribution to acoustic comfort, but this is not the only reason why this diesel is subjectively perceived more like a gasoline one.

The ease of acceleration is no less impressive than the powerful traction at almost every possible rpm - mentioning the value of the maximum torque of 300 Nm, available in a wide range between 1600 and 2500 rpm, is not really enough to describe the confidence with which the unit can accelerate the car in almost all possible driving situations.

In terms of fuel consumption, the performance is no less impressive - the car achieves an average consumption of less than five and a half liters per hundred kilometers - with about 50 km of city traffic and just over 700 km. on the highway at a speed of 90 km / h. With a perfectly normal style of driving on intercity roads, consumption is reduced to five percent, even less.

CONCLUSION

And in its eighth edition, Golf remains golf – in the best sense of the word. The car continues to excel at an unusually high level of quality in its class in terms of road handling, which combines impeccable stability with outstanding driving comfort.

Soundproofing is also on a level that models with a double or higher price can envy. The two-liter diesel in the basic version combines powerful traction with really low fuel consumption and at the same time incredibly accelerates.

In terms of assistance systems and infotainment technologies, the model leaves no unsatisfied desires. Only the ergonomic concept requires more conservative users to get used to, but the smartphone generation will surely like it. So, golf continues to be a measure of quality in its category.