Since the first-generation was launched in 1974, almost 2.3 million Golf models have found homes in the UK. Now, 50th birthday celebrations have coincided with a facelift of the current eighth-generation version, on-sale since 2019, which mostly centres on external design tweaks, updated infotainment, and more technology.
It doesn’t look much different to the outgoing pre-facelift version, but look closer, and from the front, there are newly designed LED headlights. To go with the new light design, there’s also a horizontal LED strip in the radiator grille, and for the first time, an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front.
At the back, the changes for the Golf mirror the front, as facelift cars can be optionally fitted with three-dimensional, and redesigned IQ.LIGHT clusters.
New infotainment system
Inside the facelifted Golf, Volkswagen tells us that the hardware and software for the infotainment system is completely new. In fact, they are now based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment system. They will also benefit from the IDA online voice assistant, with ChatGPT integration, for operation of equipment such as the radio, telephone, music, air conditioning, and the navigation.
The dashboard highlight is the arrival of this entirely new infotainment system – although it appears like the system fitted in the updated Volkswagen ID.4. All new Golfs are fitted with the same, but bigger, 12.9in touchscreen. Highlights include the fact that main climate control and heated seat buttons are permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen. This screen also seems more responsive, and whilst the touch bar for the interior temperature and volume is still there, it is at least now backlit so you can work them at night!
Large engine choice
The Golf is now offered with 113hp, 148hp, 201hp, and 268hp, standard, plus mild and plug-in hybrid versions of the 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. Plus, 113hp and 148hp versions of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Newly developed second-generation Volkswagen plug-in drive equals 201hp in the Golf Style eHybrid, however the sportier GTE has even more performance, with 268hp – which according to Volkswagen is the swiftest plug-in Golf ever offered.
Electric range also increases to 88 miles for the Style, with 82 miles for the GTE. More importantly, Style eHybrid and GTE models can now be quick-charged at DC stations with up to 40kW capacity. PHEV models are due in the UK later this year.
TSI engines are also more powerful, plus there are efficiency savings for eTSI petrol, and TDI diesel engines.
We got to try three of these engines that will be offered in the Golf – the new entry-level 113hp version of the 1.5-litre TSi, the 148hp version of the 1.5-litre eTSI, and the 113hp version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel. The entry-level petrol is powered by a detuned version of the 1.5 TSI, and with manual transmission, it feels torquey (162lb ft), but sometimes lacks welcome puff when pulling out of junctions or joining motorways. The 148hp version of the 1.5 eTSI is the bigger of the two, and as you’d expect feels more powerful, plus smoother with the seven-speed DSG auto that we tried it with.
Driving a diesel car almost seems an oddity these days, but despite being the smaller of the two versions, this 113hp version remains impressively torquey, tractable, and frugal.
Not much has changed in terms of the Golf’s ride and handling; all three cars we drove had precise steering, with generally tight body control in corners. On the road, Golfs fitted with the adaptive dampers are noticeably more comfortable.
The Golf continues to impress, being the default quality choice, when compared to our favourite, the Vauxhall Astra, and the Toyota Corolla in the family class. However, improvements to the infotainment and efficiency, make it stand out even more against rivals.
Positive: Updated infotainment is a big improvement, high quality feel, easy and refined to drive.
Negative: Hard to spot the styling tweaks on the outside, still not a cheap choice, infotainment still sometimes difficult to operate.
What’s new: Facelifted Volkswagen Golf versions driven in the UK.
Standard equipment: 16in alloy wheels, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, ‘Discover’ infotainment system, LED headlights and taillights.
| Model | Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSi 115PS Match |
| P11D | £26,935 |
| Residual value | 41% |
| Depreciation | £16,000 |
| Fuel | N/A |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,040 |
| Cost per mile | N/A |
| Fuel consumption | 51.2 mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 126g/km (30%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £140/£280 |
| Luggage capacity | 381 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/113hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
