Sublime Volkswagen Golf TSI begs the question: Do you really need that SUV?
Image: Supplied
Following a hiatus of more than five years, the 'normal' Volkswagen Golf is finally available in Mzansi once again.
Initially, the eighth-generation hatchback was released in GTI and R formats, but with the facelifted performance models being delayed due to fuel quality concerns, VWSA decided to reintroduce the once-popular 1.4 TSI version.
The C-segment hatchback market has all but dried up in recent years as buyers flock to SUVs, but the new Golf 8.5 TSI has sold in semi-healthy numbers since its introduction.
In the past three months, Volkswagen has sold an average of 130 Golfs per month, which is albeit still somewhat behind the Tiguan SUV's figure of 247 units.
Of course, the Golf is less practical than its SUV sibling, with relatively tight rear legroom by comparison and a smaller boot, at 381 litres versus 652, but at a push, the iconic hatchback can still pass muster as a small family vehicle if need be.
The Golf is somewhat cheaper too, with the base Life version starting at R580,900, stretching to R604,500 for the Life Plus, R660,000 for the R-Line, and R688,100 for the R-Line Plus. The Tiguan, by comparison, costs R664,500 in base form and R781,600 in R-Line form, while the slightly smaller T-Roc has bookends of R648,900 and R760,100, for what it's worth.
The R-Line Plus comes with a unique exterior package and 18-inch wheels.
Image: Supplied
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Not only is the Golf TSI cheaper than these SUVs that have taken the world by storm, but it's also more rewarding to drive.
As it's positioned lower to the ground, the Golf offers superior handling, and being lighter and more aerodynamic, it is faster and more fuel efficient. According to Volkswagen, the Golf TSI accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and sips 6.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, versus the Tiguan's 9.2 seconds to 100 and 7.6 l/100km consumption.
The Golf TSI's driving experience is sublime, to say the least. Though powered by the familiar 1.4–litre turbopetrol, which has been around for some time, acceleration is brisk and smooth, and certainly feels gutsier than its 100kW, 250Nm outputs suggest. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox changes on a dime and syncs perfectly with the turbocharged engine.
Handling. Tick. Steering feel. Tick. Ride quality. Tick. The Golf TSI excels in all parameters and is also impressively quiet and refined on the road, even at much higher highway speeds.
Looks-wise, the R-Line Plus model that we tested recently could almost pass for a GTI with its unique R-Line frontal treatment, Matrix LED headlights, and 18-inch 'Leeds' alloy wheels.
Cabin ergonomics are impressive for the most part.
Image: Supplied
Inside, it comes with brushed stainless steel pedals and Vienna leather seats, which are heated and cooled upfront, with electric adjustment for the driver.
Also part of the deal, and as per the regular R-Line version, is three-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Park Assist, heated steering wheel and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.
Interior functionality has improved with the Golf '8.5' facelift, and those awful touch sliders on the steering wheel have thankfully been replaced with physical buttons. I also really appreciate the fact that the start button, gear selector, and electronic handbrake are all located in close proximity on the centre console.
The only downside, ergonomically, is that the climate functions are still controlled via the touchscreen, but this has become the norm nowadays and there is at least a shortcut button for this function.
VERDICT
If you don't really need an SUV (honestly, you probably don't) and you can live without the GTI's performance, the Golf 1.4 TSI marks a welcome return to the well-balanced C-segment hatchback that the Golf always was. It's not cheap necessarily, but certainly better than ever, and with a Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line now costing half a million, the Golf could well be worth the extra outlay.
IOL Motoring
The Golf TSI is back, and better than ever!
Image: Supplied
Cabin ergonomics are impressive for the most part.
Image: Supplied
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