Excellent review of one of VW’s best (petrol) cars. I’ve always loved driving VW Golfs, in the past in Australia and hired overseas. The newest base model version is likely the best buy of the current series. The screen and the buttons would be no issue at all to me. The new version appears to drive very well and the comfort levels sound great. Fuel consumption sounds pretty good. I’m a committed and very happy EV driver, but have great memories of past versions of the Golf, and thank you for this excellent and comprehensive review of the latest version!
As a volkswagen jetta owner in the united states, I wish we got this one. The powertrain, although incredibly gutless at low revs, is incredibly fuel efficient. I average 4.3l/100km on the highway, which is absolutely incredible for a non-hybrid car. And as it turns out, is the same powertrain as this golf. If you are considering one of these, know that the powertrain is very very good.
Heya Cam. See if you can sneak in and edit the video at the 59 second mark to show a 1.4 litre engine (not 2.0 litre) before anybody notices... 🙂 Other than that, your usual high standard of review. You've become a regular of mine now when you test a car I'm interested in with good, basic assessments, and without the hysteria. Keep doing what you do so well - I hope the channel keeps on growing exponentially for you.
A good review! The main concern (as you say)... is Volkswagens reputation for poor reliability. The most recent (American) Consumer Reports survey ranked Volkswagen as 27th out of 30 manufacturers for reliability. It was below Jeep (!!), and only beat Rivian, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. On the other hand, the top 10 brands for reliability included the usual suspects of Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda and Kia. When spending $42k, who wants to gamble on longevity/reliability?!
VW does have a patchy reputation for reliability and longevity. The current model Golf, T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Skoda Octavia all are on the same platform and use the same drivetrain. The EA211 engine has been around a while and is a reliable and sorted unit, the transmission is an ASIN unit used in Toyotas and Lexus models. If you change the engine oil frequently, replace the transmission fluid every 80,000kms then it should last. You also have to accept the costs of the euro spec brakes that wear fast, the plastic water pump that will leak before 60,000 kms and the need for a timing belt at around 100,000. They also suffer from feeble under bonnet plastics like the intake manifold. Are they terrible?.. I would say not. If you spend the money on maintenance, they should be fine. If you want a car that will last without this level of care, buy a Toyota. I would much rather drive this... it drives and feels so much nicer than most Asian brands.
The 1.4 has been in use for over a decade, it's probably the most reliable vw petrol engine since the (ancient) 1.8 turbo from the mk4 gti days. Always use premium fuel, service on time and they'll see 300k kms no problems
It's a fair point. VW backs it with a 5 year warranty and service plan too. But outside of that, you'd hope reliability has stepped up. But since these have only been out a short while now, it's hard to say what long term reliability for the Mk8 will be.
After a Jetta and 3 Golf's I gave up on VW Australia's shockingly poor service. Thought Skoda might be better. Same holding company, same disappointment. Need to look Non European I guess.
OOPS! Meant to be 1.4L not 2.0L as the graphic shows at 0:59
Pretty sure the base model comes with a 1.5L in the U.K.
wonder why you got the 1.4L 🤔
Picking up my new Golf this Friday. Can't wait!
Mind coming in 8 weeks, can’t wait 🎉👍🏻
Excellent review of one of VW’s best (petrol) cars. I’ve always loved driving VW Golfs, in the past in Australia and hired overseas. The newest base model version is likely the best buy of the current series. The screen and the buttons would be no issue at all to me. The new version appears to drive very well and the comfort levels sound great. Fuel consumption sounds pretty good. I’m a committed and very happy EV driver, but have great memories of past versions of the Golf, and thank you for this excellent and comprehensive review of the latest version!
Thank you for watching!
As a volkswagen jetta owner in the united states, I wish we got this one. The powertrain, although incredibly gutless at low revs, is incredibly fuel efficient. I average 4.3l/100km on the highway, which is absolutely incredible for a non-hybrid car. And as it turns out, is the same powertrain as this golf. If you are considering one of these, know that the powertrain is very very good.
It's not that exciting of a motor, but the fuel efficiency is crazy.
Heya Cam. See if you can sneak in and edit the video at the 59 second mark to show a 1.4 litre engine (not 2.0 litre) before anybody notices... 🙂 Other than that, your usual high standard of review. You've become a regular of mine now when you test a car I'm interested in with good, basic assessments, and without the hysteria. Keep doing what you do so well - I hope the channel keeps on growing exponentially for you.
Thank you! Have pinned a comment for correction as I can't edit it sadly :(
great review…
A good review! The main concern (as you say)... is Volkswagens reputation for poor reliability. The most recent (American) Consumer Reports survey ranked Volkswagen as 27th out of 30 manufacturers for reliability. It was below Jeep (!!), and only beat Rivian, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. On the other hand, the top 10 brands for reliability included the usual suspects of Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda and Kia. When spending $42k, who wants to gamble on longevity/reliability?!
VW does have a patchy reputation for reliability and longevity. The current model Golf, T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Skoda Octavia all are on the same platform and use the same drivetrain. The EA211 engine has been around a while and is a reliable and sorted unit, the transmission is an ASIN unit used in Toyotas and Lexus models. If you change the engine oil frequently, replace the transmission fluid every 80,000kms then it should last. You also have to accept the costs of the euro spec brakes that wear fast, the plastic water pump that will leak before 60,000 kms and the need for a timing belt at around 100,000. They also suffer from feeble under bonnet plastics like the intake manifold. Are they terrible?.. I would say not. If you spend the money on maintenance, they should be fine. If you want a car that will last without this level of care, buy a Toyota. I would much rather drive this... it drives and feels so much nicer than most Asian brands.
The 1.4 has been in use for over a decade, it's probably the most reliable vw petrol engine since the (ancient) 1.8 turbo from the mk4 gti days. Always use premium fuel, service on time and they'll see 300k kms no problems
It's a fair point. VW backs it with a 5 year warranty and service plan too. But outside of that, you'd hope reliability has stepped up. But since these have only been out a short while now, it's hard to say what long term reliability for the Mk8 will be.
I am picking my Golf 8.5 tomorow
niceeeee
It's extremely fuel efficient. I've seen as low as 4.1l/100 on 80kmph b roads
if only Germany can use DSG while playing Spain in Euro 24 quarter final yesterday.
After a Jetta and 3 Golf's I gave up on VW Australia's shockingly poor service. Thought Skoda might be better. Same holding company, same disappointment. Need to look Non European I guess.
Touch sensitive buttons that are not even back lit in a car??? Clearly a deliberate act by a disgruntled VW designer. Halerious!
Getting fixed in the new 8.5 update
According to youtube VW fanboiiiisss, base VWs dont exist, only GTI or higher
@@fale892 in North America. in the EU and Australia you can get a base golf