Volkswagen’s Golf has been a leading hatchback for decades. It combines sharp handling and an eager powertrain with surprising practicality. The VW Golf’s smart, modern interior looks high-quality with soft-touch materials. Its impressive sound system plays your music loud and clear. The Golf (and many other VW models) comes standard with VW Car-Net Security & Service features that add convenience and peace of mind.
Safety
If you’re looking for a hatchback compact car that has plenty of safety features to keep you secure on the road, look no further than the Volkswagen Golf. The standard Golf and the high-performance GTI both come equipped with a long list of driver-assist technologies that minimize the likelihood and impact of crashes. They’ve even earned the highest possible safety-car awards from the insurance industry-backed IIHS.
Some of the standout safety features available on the Golf include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. You’ll also find a blind-spot monitoring system, traffic sign recognition, and both parallel and perpendicular parking assistance. Most competitors require you to purchase an additional package to get any of these safety features, but the Golf comes with them as standard equipment. The 2022 Golf R also gets the “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS, thanks to its LED headlights that automatically switch between normal and high-beam modes. The top-spec Autobahn headlights on the R also receive an excellent rating for their pedestrian detection capabilities.
If you want more advanced safety features, the Golf 7.5 gets a forward collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, a traffic-jam assist feature that helps drivers steer clear of stationary objects when it detects a vehicle ahead, and a roadside assistance program that provides on-demand help in case of an accident or mechanical breakdown. It’s also easy to maintain your Golf’s safety with a routine oil change every 5,000 miles.
Technology
A lot of people think the Golf is a little old school because of its enduring popularity, but it has always been at the cutting edge of technology. The eighth-generation Golf carries that forward with its next generation infotainment system and efficient drive systems.
The Golf is the first compact car to offer Volkswagen’s Travel Assist feature, which uses a camera and radar sensors to help keep you in your lane and at a safe distance from vehicles ahead of you on long motorway drives. It can also automatically tighten your seatbelt and roll up the windows if it detects that you’ve been in a crash.
A touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and it offers fast response times. You can use gesture controls by karate-chopping the air to swipe through menus, or you can choose to control the system with physical knobs and buttons. There’s a six-speaker stereo as standard, and an upgraded 10-speaker Harman Kardon set is optional. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Golf’s infotainment system is starting to look dated by 2021 standards, and rivals offer features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. You can also add a blind-spot monitor and rear traffic alert to the list of safety features. The Golf Alltrack estate offers these features along with 4Motion all-wheel drive and a host of exterior upgrades.
Entertainment
The Golf may look unassuming on the outside, but it packs a hefty punch when it comes to features. This hatchback can do it all, from saving you fuel (by using eco mode) to giving you an adrenaline rush while zipping through the streets in race mode. With its smart packaging, nice driving manners, and strong performance, it’s no wonder the Golf has become a best-seller and an Editor’s Choice winner.
The latest Golf is built on Volkswagen’s MQB modular transverse architecture, with an exterior that’s designed for maximum airflow through the bodywork. From the front fender vents to the rear diffuser, each component is optimized for unrestricted airflow. There’s even a wing spoiler on the Golf R to help add downforce and improve handling. Other highlights include a premium 8-inch MIB3 infotainment display that’s Bluetooth compatible and features voice control. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to run select smartphone apps right on the screen. If you want to boost your entertainment options, you can also opt for a SiriusXM All Access subscription with a 3-month trial period.
Other standard convenience features include a power driver’s seat with three-position memory, heated outboard front seats, and a three-zone Climatronic automatic climate control system. You can also upgrade the Golf with available comfort and convenience options like front and rear parking sensors; a heated steering wheel; Volkswagen Car-Net security and assistance; and a panoramic sunroof.
Convenience
With the Volkswagen Golf, you get a smart, comfortable, reliable car with lots of convenience features that make your commute and road trips easier. The Golf also boasts a large cargo space, making it perfect for hauling all your gear. The Golf’s 6.5-inch infotainment system is a bit laggy with response to inputs, but the standard app integration and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility provide strong counterpoints. Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a small vehicle information display are also available. A SiriusXM All Access trial subscription is included.
Volkswagen’s Car-Net security and service features let you monitor your Golf’s location, track it from a remote location, and send destinations to your navigation system. You can also use the VW Car-Net app to unlock and start your car, check fuel levels, and more. A slew of driver-assistance tech is available on every Golf, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, a driver fatigue monitor, traffic sign recognition, and something called Car2X that shares info about the road ahead with other VW cars near you.
It’s a lot of kit for such a small car, though it comes with a few drawbacks. The rear seat is a little cramped, and the minimalist interior feels a bit underdone compared with competitors like the Ford Focus or Honda Civic. The lowered sports suspension that comes with the R-Line trim adds a weightier Sport mode, which helps make the Golf feel more keen to change direction in bends.
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