Volkswagen Golf 2021 review | is the Mk 8 still the top small car? | Chasing Cars
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- We fully test the new Mk 8 Golf and see whether this is still the best small car.
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There is a lot riding on the shoulders of the new Golf Mk 8.
Every other small car is compared to the Volkswagen Golf for a reason: for decades, Golf has been synonymous for refinement and quality in the mainstream small car segment. But with Volkswagen lavishing attention on new projects like ID electric vehicles, autonomous driving and of course the ever-present burden of emissions regulations and penalties, is the new Golf still the focus for VW? Is the 2021 Golf as good as it can be?
We take a deep and critical look at the 2021 Golf Life in today’s video. Is the Mk 8 Golf still the small car that deserves your money? Does the new Mk 8 justify its increased prices across the range? And what is the best spec to buy from downsized range? We answer each of these questions.
Golf rivals include the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and Ford Focus.
In today’s video, Tom Baker takes a detailed look at the new Volkswagen Golf in mid-spec Life 1.4T FWD trim to give you detailed insights about this vehicle.
What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.
While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.
Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Golf Mk 8?
1:58 - Engine and transmission
3:08 - Interior
8:24 - Back seats
10:16 - Boot space
11:41 - Running costs
13:08 - Driving
20:53 - Should you buy the new Golf? - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Is the new Golf on your shortlist?
No I have already bought one 😃. Ive just took delivery of mk8 life on the weekend.
No. I just don’t like the styling (never have).
Definitely its a great car and makes the A class look over priced - hanging out for the new A3 on this platform :)
Mmmmm yes, but it’s not at the top. Drove one and it’s BEAUTIFUL, however the $46,000 R-Line has NO power drivers seat with memory. Not really good enough for that price in my view…
Former MK7.5 R owner here. I’m going to test drive the MK8 R, but I don’t think I’m going to buy one.
Another wicked review, thank you!
The whole piano black plastic touchscreen and instrument cluster surround looks cheap and nasty. The lack of physical controls is a deal breaker.
Agreed!
Tom, I really enjoy your reviews. You've quickly become my favourite car reviewer. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
I have a Mk7 and thought that the sliders are a bad idea - until I realise I mostly use the steering wheel for audio volume - probably the same here, does the steering wheel have volume control as up/down buttons or are they sliders too?
I think in some markets its price is just too close to the BMW 1er which is undeniably much better. But the Golf has its charms that no other has.
118i three pot + DCT isn’t quite as polished, I must say, and you certainly don’t get as much safety kit. Pleasant enough chassis in the 1er though.
I'd rather pay more for its audi brother. Such a higher tier design for so little money.
@@chasingcars Thanks Tom. I've been really enjoying this very detailed reviews, been awesome to watch on the tv too.
I personally picked up the 120d instead. Costs quite a bit more in my market but I have it on a future value deal.
The touchscreen controls on the Golf 8 are a dealbreaker for me. Knobs and buttons are so much easier (and safer) to use for basic functions like aircon and volume.
I love my current Golf 7 and was looking forward to the next generation. But I refuse to deal with that ridiculous digital dashboard. It’s such a shame. I hope VW brings back real knobs and buttons for the Golf 9.
Funnily enough, the ID.3 has knobs and buttons if you want that car - VW's idea of upselling!
I own a Golf 8, the 1.5L 150PS DSG. Honestly, i could care less about knobs and buttons. I set up the infotainment system before i begin my trip. Once i get going, the car feels so well balanced and fast, so far i never bothered looking at the screen while driving. It drives really great and it easily goes beyuond 230kph, which is more than enough for anyone. Its sticks on the road on corners as if its an AWD car when it isnt, and its really comfortable to sit in. The touch screen doesnt bother me. We are in living in the 21st century, many things use touch screens, you cant seriously compain about a touch screen, when the car is sporty as heck.
@@Tomoyo0827 It’s common behaviour for people to adjust the climate controls when they are driving. Same with the volume of the radio. We humans like to adjust our environment.
@@Tomoyo0827 i adjust those controls numerous times nearly every time I drive the car. Sometimes they're off, sometimes I just want fresh air, warmer, cooler, heated seats etc and adjust as the journey goes. Warmer air on the feet, AC on and air on the windscreen if it starts to fog up etc etc etc. Often I'll drive after exercise so want it cooler with the sunroof cracked open to start with (even in winter) and then warm it up as I cool down.
To be honest I didn’t understand why Volkswagen avoided the knobs, but I have to say that the “Hey Volkswagen” or the voice control does all the basic things and works really well
These are some of the best reviews!! I put Tom right up there with Throttle House up here in Canada! Thanks! 🇨🇦
I've seen european reviews where the steering wheel controls are capacitive touch {which is unloved from what i saw}, is that on the higher model or is Australia not getting that and how far behind is the wagon version?
That kind of steering wheel is normaly available on the R-line version. But I'm not sure whether the Australian version will have that.
Very professional review. Knowledgeable and unpretentious. Thankyou.
Tom, your glasses are really cool. Please please please what brand/model are they? I need them hahaha!!!!
Love the videos!!
Id like to see some additional areas covered.
Cabin noise with an objective tool.
Reliability data.
Average service cost over 5 years.
Awesome review...👍👍👍
Really like your presentation skills and you have covered all points very well.
Cheers...😎😎
Thanks!
Hi Tom, Thanks for the review, long waited but great as always! Would you recommend a T-Roc 140 TSI or a Gold Mk8 given the price now overlaps. Thank you!
That's a tough question. I think I'll say Golf, because it's more refined. That said, the T-Roc 140TSI is a right laugh with plenty of torque + AWD. The T-Roc has lower-rent plastics but easier cabin controls. As I said, it's hard to say! Test drive both and buy what you like.
@@chasingcars Thanks Tom. The price is just too high atm for the Gollf Mk8 due to the shortage($45k driveaway for a loaded up golf). I actually got a deal for a base model BMW 118i ($48k driveway). The price of these two cars almost match now. Which one would you recommend?
how can SKODA Australia have the 1.5 with DSG ?
Great review! Wanted to ask about the quality of the interior plastics compared to the Mk 7/7.5 Golf?
Check Autogefuhl. Loads of reviews where it is mentioned.
Mentioned when I was talking about back seat space - some plastics “more malleable” and therefore more easily marked. Not a huge change to Mk 7 in terms of amount of hard plastic, but some textures aren’t as good this time.
Another quality review! Thank you :)
My pleasure!
Apart from the annoying controls on the dash and steering wheel, don't see any of the mainstream rivals being definitely better.
That’s pretty much right.
The infotainment system starts very slow, however, the IQ DRIVE driver assistance system does a really good job which offers you a Tesla-like autopilot experience.
Have a r line on order, great dealer trade in on our 2014 Polo 81TSI, more than we paid for it secondhand some 3 years back.
I have driven half a dozen small SUVs recently and the Golf is by far the best drive- refined, great handling and ride. Have ordered R Line Moonstone Grey.
Good honest review. Golf mark 8 has been out over a year here in UK and in my opinion it is a step backwards. Design and quality not up to my mark 7. The heater controls are mirrored across VAG products. Why they do not stick to conventional rotary dials is a mystery. There must be production cost savings.
My mk7.5 R-line will likely be the last Golf I buy. This review car cost more than my fully loaded R-line. One of the reasons I paid more and bought the Golf over the rivals was the interior, which they’ve now ruined.
The 8 R-Line actually looks really good. Drives really nicely too.
Brilliant review, Tom 👍 Skoda here I come...unless I can track down a low km Golf Mk7.5!
Where is this location @16:30?
Infotainment and temp/climate controls would drive me crazy and for that price I’d want something less stress inducing
love the colour Tom good review,Skoda and Audi have the 1.5 with dsg.
Volkswagen have been spinning this line about fuel quality while as you say, Skoda and Audi both offer the 1.5 tsi DSG combination here in Australia despite the poorer fuel.
Tom, would be nice to see what you think about the R-Line. I felt the pack makes the car much more special and elevates it beyond its direct rivals.
Thanks for the great review. It will be interesting to see what choices we'll have for cars in the future. We don't have quality petrol and we don't have an EV infrastructure or incentives. I'm seeing a lot more articles where cars are being revealed with no plans for them to come to Australia. On another note, how do Skoda bring the newer 1.5 engine in to Australia?
I have 'the newer' 1.5L engine ( it was actually introduced by VW in 2017) with dsg in my 2019 Skoda Karoq. Very happy with it. As for all Euros it requires 95 or 98 RON.
@@johngibson9463 Thanks friend... I'm seriously considering the the 1. Kamiq or new Fabia. Both have excellent review and with the 1.5, it should be pretty zippy too.
Hi Tom and Fellow TH-camrs,
Hoping if someone could please shed some light who the competitors are for this Golf Series 8?
Tom you’ve mentioned to do some test driving of other vehicles that are similar - curious to know which ones compare?
Thank you in advance :)
Great review. Strange that some Skodas in Australia get the newer 1.5 litre engine.....
It really is a brand by brand, factory by factory decision according to senior Volkswagen Group executives we have spoken with.
The Skoda plant in Boleslav Mlada assembles the engine for VW Group, makes sense they might have the power to elect which Skoda's can have it. No so for the Wolfsburg crew
Looks like its one to avoid purely on the gearbox once again. Is the Scala using the new 1.5?
Scala has 1.5 + dry DSG. Why? It's a brand-by-brand, factory-by-factory decision.
i still prefer physical buttons than touch screen but no problem when its for infortainment
The 1.5 was available for the MK7.5 in Europe, but complacency meant that we didn’t get it in Australia. The Golf already sold well, so VAG avoided the costs of introducing and supporting a new engine, which on paper didn’t offer any (marketable) benefits. My understanding is that this time around, VAG is prioritising the 1.5dsg combination for Europe where fuel consumption and emission standards have become more stringent. Which is why some Skoda models that had the 1.5 in Australia, have reverted back to the 1.4 in the recent MY upgrade.
Skoda Scala LaunchEd 36k vs RLine 43k vs Skoda Octavia Style (fully optioned) 46k? Thoughts🤔🤔🤔
Great review Tom. Thanks for continuing to tell it how it is. One point, however, has me puzzled. How is our sulphur-rich petrol related to the change from DSG to TC gearbox? I understand how this relates to the engine choice, but not the gearbox. Personally, I suspect it has more to do with VW wanting to eliminate dry clutch DSG's warranty costs.
No direct link to the gearbox - it’s that Volkswagen aren’t building the 1.4T + DSG combination for Golf anymore.
What warranty cost my understanding is those dsg like Nissan CVT failed around the 6to7 year mark thus no warranty .But to be fair the new dsg fitted current gen vag yes they can go wrong as there has been reported failures but not at the rate they use to
'dry clutch DSG's warranty costs.'. That boat sailed long ago. Who do you know who has had a dsg problem?
VW no longer offer the 1.4L / tc box in Europe. Transmission choice is manual or dsg. Australia is the only western country to use the older combination, along with Russia and China.
How does fuel quality(lower grade fuel with sulphur) affect the DSG gearbox? I believe it is the sulphur content in synthetic oil that is causing the DSG issues
It doesn’t. It’s simply that VW aren’t actually building a combination of the old 1.4T plus the DSG for the Golf now.
Wonderful review! Being in Europe though I looked at the Golf(15. Life with DSG) and I looked at it really seriously. I really hated the dashboard over the mark 7 sadly. I am afraid I ended up with BMW 1 series 118i. That is a shame as I'm a big VW fan . Voice control only works for the most basic of functions(in the real world - and I'd rather not use then at all).
Great review . Big fan here in S Africa 🇿🇦 where some of the VW product is made and exported to AU . The line up is fairly priced compared to 🇿🇦
Was interested in buying one to replace my 2018 Mazda3 SP25 Astina. However it is a real shame that VW no longer have a high spec regular Golf, as it currently means forgoing some features compared to the Mazda. Here’s hoping they introduce a higher spec version in a future update or an extra option package for the R-Line.
Have a look at Skoda instead - still a VW group vehicle, but priced competitively with Mazda
Superb review, once again - thank you. I'll stick with my 7.5 Highline - you made the decision so easy!
Thanks Michael. The Mk 7.5 Highline was a brilliant spec that has not been replaced.
I think you might have misinterpreted appreciating the seriousness of the task with boredom. With any review of a class benchmark you’ll be accused of bias if you don’t take an extremely dispassionate, objective approach - which I hope I’ve done.
@@chasingcars I watch all your reviews... Just sayin
Got one in 2020 November (lease)and ditched it in March 2021. I wished people knew how dangerous the touch screen is. There are also battery boxes under both seats which I found annoying - it also needed a new one of them which took 2 weeks and only came down from 5 when I complained to be and vwfs - fortunately the latter were very helpful
Yikes!
Lol did you forget about buttons on the steering wheel to control radio etc. sounds like you didn’t do enough due diligence before you even purchased the car.
When is the review will be made for the new Peugeot 2008 ??
Very shortly
Does anyone know if be golf will be a hybrid ?
ID.3 coming - ? next year ?
Very interesting review Tom - reflecting how the market is changing. My wife has the family SUV and due to a changed world I will now probably from home for the next few years. I just need a runabout and wonder what men buy these days if one isn't a hunting/fishing type gravitating towards dual cabs and it's not the main family transport. This VW Life is on my list - and I test drove the Corolla ZR today which is roughly the same price as this Golf. Interested in your views. I really enjoyed the Corolla but I accept I'll probably be happy with either.
Haha. Weirdly I’m in exactly the same boat. Interested in this answer. Looking at the Mazda 3 gt also.
Speaking personally, I’d closely consider Golf, Focus ST Line, i30 N Line, and Mazda 3 G25. Plus anything else you fancy - after all you have to be happy with the purchase.
I'm looking at the Focus St-line. Most reviewers have it as a better drive - just a pity that Ford's interiors are so crap compared to what you could get in a Mk 7.5 Golf
I guess the advice I'm getting, in this transitioning world where hatchbacks are becoming less common, is choose a car that makes you want to jump in and drive to the edge of land with a grin. And potentially the Toyota Corolla ZR may not be the poster boy for that...thank you all - much appreciated!
Fantastic review. Every question I had was addressed. Disappointed with the touch controls for climate. I think its a deal breaker. Otherwise it's a lovely car.
Wonder how long until governments mandate against touch controls, every reviewer seems to hate touch controls, yet manufacturers keep insisting.
The entire world seems to hate piano black plastic yet the manufacturers persist with it. Almost like they think they know better...
G'day
Thanks for the review, great stuff.
I am a golf fanatic and have had a mk 1, a mk3 and a mk 5 comfortline 2L diesel manual that I bought new and its the best mechanical thing I have ever bought.
I will be ordering a golf 8 life next year in the pomello yellow.
I have driven the golf 8 and I agree with your comments re the new 8 speed auto.
I was not a fan of the dsg but the version from 2018 to 2020 was great and finally sorted out.
I love the new yellow but I think the only drawback of golf's in last 8 years is vw Australia.
Other than the yellow the golf 8 has the most boring colours of any new car in Australia.
With the mk 5 and 6 you could pay extra a get any other colour the factory has.
Why not now, it's still money you would pay?.
I have visited the wulfsburg factory and there is 29 other colours to pick from.
Now Australian customers have to order the car 6 mths + in advance and there's the world 'order'.
If we order the car how come we can't order a colour?.
Australians also can't order a manual in the golf life or R and can only get the gti in a dsg.
Thanks vw Australia.
I will still buy a golf but for gods sake stop being a Scrooge.
Thanks.
Grant.
How do you rate it vs the Scala?
Scala is fun to drive and good value, but it doesn't ride as well, and it's noisier, too - those are the tradeoffs as the Skoda uses the cheaper MQB-A0 platform with torsion beam rear suspension.
The gearbox change is weird to me given that it was available and fine Mk7 but whatever I guess, I’ve grown used to the new face, it’s more modern the the old car but no better looking accept for the GTi one might argue it’s more dynamic than the previous version but the R is certainly a better looking car in the Mk8, would go as far the say from what I’ve seen is it’s a real looker.
I agree the new user interface is a step backwards but there are some user hacks that aren’t obvious that can improve the experience but it’s still behind the Mk7.
Another clear and thorough review. 👍🏼
Still effortlessly classy whereas most of the rivals just look try-hard. Just hope VW recovers from this whole diesel gate and go back to being the quality leader.
Leader with this design? I dont think so
@@nikchris69 How does design relate to quality?
And this stupid touch controls everywhere is not "try hard"?
@@angeltodorov5918 I suppose looking back and after spending some time with the current Golf, I'd completely agree that's it's awful and try hard. The car literally feels like a fake version of what the previous was.
I think the Ford Focus has an 8 speed torque converter as well .This segment are pretty competitive.
The EA288 is a Diesel engine, EA211 is the carried over 1.4 Petrol engine from 7
That interior and touchscreen heavy controls is a big deal breaker for me.
Great review Tom but did you know that there are a number of shortcuts that can be programmed into the dash system to make it more intuitive and simpler to operate? Also good to know that the Government is spending big $$$ to upgrade our petrol and ensure security of supply. This decision has been bright forward a couple of years so we should soon have petrol which won’t have a high sulphur content. Standard safety systems and a great drive still make this Golf the one to buy.
Tom - we do get a VW group 1.5 TSI engine in the Skoda Scala and Audi A1 mid spec so if they can get this engine why cant the Golf? In those its paired with the DSG although I think it does demand 98 RON fuel. I was detailing my sister in laws '09 A3 1.8 TFSI today which is a great solid car and the DSG on an inclined drive gets quickly confused on light throttle reversing and rolls forward alarmingly when trying to reverse - which most drivers dont understand coming from a typical auto box. So pleased the mk8 is here finally and hanging out for you to review the new GTI soon please :)
My understanding - having asked the question of senior VW Group folks here - is these decisions really are factory by factory and brand by brand. Audi have been given a 1.5 TSI without PPF for Australia - and they’re also phasing in PPF on some engines (see new SQ2 with PPF) despite the sulphuric fuel. Where PPF is used 98 RON is absolutely critical. The vibe is that the Golf, as a mass market car, a rental car in some places, can’t be expected to be filled with 98.
Also worth noting the dry DSG of 2009 is unrecognisable compared to the upgraded DQ250s used these days.
Totally agree Tom - ‘09 7 sp DSG has updated mechatronic due to recall and is really a great gearbox for its era as so fuel efficient and the snappy shifts are a delight - only a bit clunky at parking speed and linked to the 118kw and 250 nm old vw engine it’s fun. I’d love to see the 1.5 tse here as an option with DSG maybe in a high line spec as I love the newest DSG and drivetrain as I think it makes the Golf stand way above others - Scala and A1 have torsion beam rear unfortunately.
What the engine like against Japanese engine? Any good
Significantly more sophisticated than some
Does the Golf 8 have less road noise than the Golf 7 at highway speeds?
Fit continentals and new door seals and road noise is significantly reduced
@@joebloggs5833 Thanks Joe
Thank you Tom, a great and honest review as always! I am glad that I bought the Skoda Scala Monte Carlo couple months a go and didn’t wait for the Golf MK8. The Skoda Scala may not have the same ride quality as the Golf but with the adaptive suspension in sport mode, fully loaded gear and the newer 1.5 engine with DSG, it is definite more enjoyable to drive and more value for money :)
When's the facelift Cerato gt review coming!? 😁
Very soon!
@@chasingcars Woooooohooo - hopefully a little comparision to the golf in there so we get an idea of pro/cons between the two
Will the GTI come with a torque converter and mk7 engine too? 😳
GTI has kept wet clutch DSG
@@chasingcars Ooh yes, I've just sussed their site
+ 2.0 litre TSI @180 kW is a bonus
Any chance releasing some bloopers during filming?
Maybe a Christmas / End of Year special?
Fixed servicing is cheaper than doing it a la carte. A wonderful turn of phrase that makes CC reviews the absolute best.
With a self-imposed upper limit of $50k DA for my daily driver it looks like replacing my Mk7.5 GTI with a Mk8 / Mk8.5 GTI is no longer an option. Pity, as I've been driving Golfs since 2011 (Mk6), and have enjoyed them thoroughly. The jump from R-Line to GTI is now $16k and that's without options... $16k - $20k for the upgrade to GTI is a bit rich. More like Audi pricing. Looking forward to your reviews of the GTI / S3 and 2022 Polo GTI.
That 5 year service plan has actually increased over the Mk 7.5 - so looks like the switch in gearbox didn't help service cost.
Had mine (GTI) for 3 weeks. Love it.
Nice. Colour and spec?
how’s the nvh compared audi a3?
@@chasingcars top spec in moonstone grey.
The fuel economy is offset by the fact that you have to use 95 Octane fuel which can be anywhere between 10-20% more expensive than 91 RON.
I am intriged that you felt this was better than the i30 N Line which is a more powerful engine and will be interested in seeing what you think of this vs the new Cerato GT Line.....both much cheaper than the Golf (purchase cost, servicing, and I suspect insurance as well)
Making touch screen control is much cheaper to produce than making the physical buttons.. and it looks like the trend among all car brands at the moment..
The 7sp dry clutch DSG is absolutely brilliant…. Until it’s got some kms on it and then it’s the same jerky and rough old dog it always has been. I’m thrilled it’s gone
As a rusted on VW guy i hate to say this but VW's worst quality is infotainment. Has been for years. Mk5 Golf "where is my bluetooth"... continuing into mk6.. still no bluetooth across the board. Mk5/6 had great HVAC controls though i must say. Continued on into mk7 without too much change.. bluetooth finally arrived when everyone else was adding DAB+ (still absent i must note..). Big mistake to go to such a heavy reliance on touch control but they're not the only ones doing it (Subaru Outback i drove recently was the same.. everyone wants to be Tesla).
My biggest gripe is the price. I paid $45,600 for my white Mk7 GTI with leather, drive away (mind you, i got one cheap, bought most of my VW's new and this means a great relationship with a dealer..). I'd be up for 10k + more for this generation of GTI and in my opinion the car isn't a great leap forward (like the Mk7 was). Its too much.
Interior controls would drive me crazy (and probably into the car in front of me)
Why does Australia have bad quality fuel, bad roads, bad infrastructure,bad airports, bad internet so on, I was under the impression it’s a rich country.
Ignorance and Apathy
Have you ever been to the third world? Australia is pretty good overall, except they just patch up holes where they should re-do whole sections.
Murdoch
Because politicians only think in 3 year election cycles. Big thinking like fibre broadband, infrastructure and fuel quality require big 10 year plans. Much easier to come up with catchy slogans than do the sort of bold thinking that got us the Snowy River scheme, medicare and superannuation.
I like that you're into neon colors.
As a mk7 owner myself, the mk8 makes me sad.
love that yellow
It stands out!
test drove this on the weekend and while it was a zippy and planted drive, the infotainment was a deal breaker. Even the dealer said "yeah this isn't great". You'd potentially get used to the on screen climate controls but the laggy and non-responsive screen is an absolute flop. What do you think is the likelihood of a processor upgrade? I haven't seen a single car reviewer say anything positive about it.
Both the polarising technology and supply constraints must combine to account for an almost total absence of Mk 8's in this city a year after release.
@@johngibson9463 I think I've seen 3 or 4 max
Waiting for vw to sort out the (numerous) issues in a 8.5 midlife facelift.
Climate dials, gas bonnet struts and faster infotainment hardware/software are all on santa's list...
This has been in the overseas market for over a year- Australia was very late in getting the mK8. A refresh is not even on the cards. It’s here to stay as is for quite sometime.
I would not buy it mostly because of the dash and controls (or lack of). Not a fan of the front end, either. I regret not buying a Mk5 GTI. Stunning car. Whenever I see a Mk5 on the road I just say, you lucky so-and-so.
I don’t like the drooping front or the touch controls inside. Otherwise I think it’s a super-looking car.
Front looks like previous generation of toyota corolla
Damn, can't unsee it now!
Interesting take. Toyota did a colour like this, too.
Now I can't un-see that when I look at this Golf Mk8!!!! Thank you Kevin
R line is $42,500 drive away, registration etc included.
Without options, yes.
When reviewers recall when they first started reviewing cars… the realise of the Golf VI… oh I am getting old…
Wow that touch panel and lag is really sub par. Surprised that passed QA. Oh and those piano black plastics surrounding the screen and driver display look cheap.
Get a Rolls Royce
@@kensouza9239 appropriate response. The internet is indeed undefeated.
👍🏽VW should have replaced the manual adjustable seats with the new technology though🔥🇿🇦
No comments about deemed reliability
In my view the fact that it now DOES NOT HAVE a DSG gearbox is a benefit. Also terrific that a manual is available. This would tempt me to buy one if I was in the market. A Mk 4 that I used to own looked better, especially the front end which in this model looks, err, weird. High quality review as always Tom, but they're getting too long.
That's fair enough - if you prefer the new gearbox that is totally fine. As for length - my reason for a long 22min runtime here is that when reviewing a benchmark car like Golf you really do have to address all the positives and negatives to ensure both objectivity and the image of objectivity. Sometimes difficult to shorten these cornerstone reviews. Just my 2c!
@@chasingcars Sure thing. It's good to be thorough. I like the fact that you mentioned those controls on the dash NOT being lit at night. Even most 70's cars had that feature!
Pity the 1.5 eTSI version isn’t available in Australia. Tested it in Singapore and the fuel saving potential is enormous. The car can cruise on the mild hybrid system and has the cylinder deactivation feature. But the interior is pretty poor quality to be honest.
That version could arrive in the next couple of years now that Australia appears to be bringing forward the fuel standards improvements originally slated for 2027 to 2024.
@@chasingcars I love new engine tech - it's a shame that AU is missing out on new mild hybrid tech from Europe on so many models especially as city traffic is slowly ramping back up to carpark speeds
Tom Baker. Telling it as it is.
I was looking forward to seeing this video all day and you didn’t disappoint.
Like you, I’m disappointed with the lack of leather seats which currently are only offered in the overpriced GTI.
You mention that the torque converter gearbox has some shortcomings but I’m my opinion, I’d choose that over the dry-clutch DSG any day of the week. Wet clutch is another proposition.
The Mark 8 Golf is definitely on my shopping list but I’m just waiting on some shortcomings to hopefully be addressed.
Thanks for an awesome review. Looking forward to you driving the GTI.
Thank goodness for the gearbox change I absolutely HATE DSG
Golf is always better in the eye as GTI / R / R-Line hence VW South Africa is to start with GTI / R models. Anyway, on our roads, there are more than 50% of GTI / R than standard golf.
VW have to be kidding themselves, a 20% price increase over the previous model, visable cost savings, interior plastics, manual bonnet rod, the underside of the bonnet doesnt even appear to get painted body colour , with the new pricing, VW will no doubt lose customers with buyers looking elsewhere purley from a value proposition, nearing on $40k for a base model Golf auto drive away?....what a joke, VW will want to have some serious discounting / drive away deals. Great review as always Tom, btw the engine is a EA211 .
12:12 Servicing cost is even higher than JCW? How?
Front looks like previous gen corolla
My mk7 DSG lasted 35,000 kms before leaking oil. Audi had a recall in Australia for the same gearbox, but not VW. DSG or not, I’ll never buy another VAG vehicle.
You didn't run it in properly in the first few hundred km
@@joebloggs5833 You’re the service manager at the dealer aren’t you?! I can tell by how deftly you ignore the product deficiencies, dodge your warranty obligations, and even find a unique angle to blame the customer! 😄 I’ve missed speaking to you on a half yearly basis!!
@@speedymini998
Haha if only you had done your due diligence before perting with your cash, but in saying that my car never goes back into a VW dealer anymore, they broke more than they fixed - I just had the ability to rectify it myself or find someone else who could. Beautiful car never any problems but I keep my finger on the pulse, as all drivers of any make should!
First few hundred km critical to safeguard from oil leaks. on the highway take it from 2000rpm to 3000rpm in hard acceleration in high gear, allow to compression brake back to normal speed, do this 10x and you'll find no oil leak for hundreds of thousands of km because the piston rings bed hard against the cylinder wall, prohibiting (until wear catches up) the oil from getting past. even a partial of one drop is many litres of oil to top up regularly.
@@joebloggs5833 the dealer scratched my car, twice. Once on delivery they gouged the bumper installing the new number plate, the second time when it was in for a warranty claim due to a coolant leak from the inlet manifold (known problem due to a faulty o-ring). So yes, you’re better off not taking it to the dealer.
Every TH-cam reviews complain about there is no physical button. on the console. Touchscreen is the cheapest way to design and make the car.
Hoping that colour looks better in real life.
It does, though I’d go for the navy blue
👍🏻👍🏻
I like the exterior more that the Mk6 and Mk7, both of which saw VW head down the angular, anti-coefficient, 1970s, angry-looking path. This is a softer, more modern design IMO. Not thrilled about electronic dash. Horrid design. Any Apple/Android onboard or are VW wasting gazillions reinventing this aspect also? If I was in the market for one, the answer would be no. Too few improvements in areas I care about, and too expensive. Thanks for the quality review.
Quality review as always. Thank you.
Particularly appreciate the comment RE: gearbox. DSG is fantastic. It’s a shame too many (lazy) reviewers are stuck with decades old pre-conceptions.
No worries. It’s night and day compared to a decade ago… speaking as a past owner of a 2011 Golf 90TSI with dry DSG. Reliable over a decade of ownership, but you certainly had to drive around its quirks. These days they’re a lot more forgiving, and the software tune is superior to the TC used here.
It’s still the benchmark hatch, however, as a previous 2 time Golf owner my previous ownership experiences were not good. On this basis alone I will not be considering one.
My first golf was good, second 2018 diesel has had a few issues from new that are not yet resolved. Great to drive but concerned about longevity and looking for alternatives.
@@stephenmuller5098 I jumped back into a daggy Japanese hatch and after 8 years no issues.
I think big thing for me is price. Can get a Mazda 3 driveway for $30k nowdays
It’s absolutely a factor
Base 3 has plastic steering wheel and no rear air vents plus torsion rear suspension.
Or the Skoda cousins with the same spec (or better) for less.
@@stephengriffin4990 I meant the evolve...can easily negotiate $30k driveway. Whereas VW dealers would never do that with a life model
But exactly as said you mostly get what you pay for.. Mazda 3 or I30 = cheap beam rear suspension as an example