The 2013 model year onwards Volkswagen Golf Mk7 changed that. This was a Golf that actually looked like a compact car again, and not a small delivery van. It was sleek as it had a lower roofline. The designers made it looks long, low and sleeker than any golf that had ever come along since the Golf Mk2 ages ago, which is still my favourite Golf ever made. This new one is a compact hatchback that is now something that looks good and drives extremely well especially the higher powered ones. It has been that way since 2013 and I am happy to announce that I have managed to finally have a go in the facelifted (since 2017) Volkswagen Golf. Not one, but all three of the current range of Golfs brought in by distributors Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
I had a go in all three of them on a media trip down south to Puteri Harbour, Johor and back to Kuala Lumpur – the 2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line, the 2018 Golf GTI and the immensely potent 2018 Golf R. I managed to try out the Golf GTI on the drive down to Johor, the Golf TSI R-Line on the trip back to Kuala Lumpur and the Golf R together with the GTI and the TSI R-Line at a specially prepared autocross track in a parking lot right beside the hotel we were put up in.
So this is just a first feel of the updated and refreshed facelifted Golf which Volkswagen themselves call it the ‘New Golf’ in its marketing pieces. We just like to call it the Mk7.5. Whatever the case the facelifted Golf gets some improvements over the one first revealed in 2012 (for the 2013 model year).
The things you notice externally are slightly different front and rear bumpers for all variants. All three get slightly different bumpers and add a slightly different air to the styling. All get LED headlights and tail lights which also come with animated signal indicators (which flows like the ones on higher end VW Group cars like the Audi).
The interior gets the focus of the upgrades in that Volkswagen has actually thrown in a lot more tech for the driver and passengers to fiddle around with. There are newer more premium materials used in the dashboard, door panels and centre console. In all the three models featured here there is the Active Information Display (AID) for the instrument cluster which is a fully animated digital readout and for the centre console infotainment display, things get even improved with a full touch screen, gesture-able wide screen unit that somehow helps lift the ambiance of a cabin that has been around since 2013 a notch higher.
The inside of this new Golf, even the Golf TSI R-Line feels premium these days. The only issue from this new and impressive looking (and functional cabin) is the fact that it only comes with one dedicated USB port up front. It is located beside the 12V socket (which you can buy a USB adapter to add USB ports) and basically suits the people up front and not the rear. I personally think that this is the only thing lacking in these New Golf variant’s interior. This is the only thing from 2013 actually, a lack of dedicated USB ports.
Technology includes a lot more active safety systems and advanced driver features. The New Golf also features upgraded power outputs from the 1.4 TSI, 2.0 GTI and 2.0 R engines as well as other upgrades to the dual clutch (DSG) transmissions to improve real world emissions, drivability, reliability and even rolling resistance. As for the Malaysian specced cars, we get the Dynamic Chassis Control on the Golf GTI and the Golf R too which allows engine mapping, suspension damping, steering weighting to be changed. This allows the driver to change the settings of the car to suit their driving needs. These models also get XDS or Volkswagen's electronically control differential lock. The TSI R-Line and the GTI gets the XDS whilst the Golf R gets the XDS Plus version of it for its haldex based all-wheel drive system.
So yes, the New Golf gets cosmetic and connectivity upgrades as its main priority and some mechanical tweaks to keep things current.
Let’s start with the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI first.
This was the one I shared with another motoring journalist for the drive to Johor. The The Golf GTI features a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) powering the front wheels. Power is 230PS with 350Nm torque between 1,500 to 4,600rpm.
In terms of upgrades, there is a 10PS increase in power. Now, the Golf GTI gets the XDS electronic limited slip differential. This computer controlled differential is set up to provide more neutral and agile handling. It will actually lock up the inner front wheel mid-corner (or when required), slowing it down whilst the power is more freely applied by the transmission to the outer wheel. What this does is that the turning radius is tightened and the GTI will actually corner faster through corners.
It was quite a while since I had driven any of the Golf Mk 7 variants. The last one was the Golf R and this New Golf GTI feels the same in many ways. It may have less power than the R, but 230PS does not make it a slouch in any way. The extra 10PS is not really felt in day to day driving as torque levels are the same. Torque is what counts in acceleration and it basically feels the same as below. This extra grunt will mainly be felt at higher up the rev range as well as higher up the speedometer numbers. But it does make great coffee-shop talk among friends and previous GTI owners.
The 2.0liter TSI engine feels strong when pulling from a stand still. It has a mid-6 seconds 0-100kmh but I feel the strength in the New Golf GTI is the mid-range pull. The DSG has spot on gearing for this and that smooth acceleration from a 90kmh kickdown to about 200kmh is intoxicatingly smooth as it is rapid.
High speed cruising on highways is also effortless in the Golf GTI. This is achieved because that engine and DSG combo works so well with the chassis. You get more than enough grunt to hold a high speed cruise (circa 200kmh in Comfort mode dialled down on the Dynamic Chassic Control - if traffic conditions allow) with ease. I have to say this was one of those cars I have experienced that actually allowed me to have a normal conversation with my co-driver feeling relaxed at those speeds on the highway. Some premium sedans priced slightly higher than this felt a little twitchier than this hatchback. This had rock solid tracking at close to full chat on the highway.
In terms of outright handling in the corners, the car is forgiving. It corners with a more neutral to a slightly rearward balance in terms of overall cornering attitude even though it is a front wheel drive. This is the XDS working its magic as it allows power to be channelled to where it is needed the most during cornering. Couple this with other stability controls and the GTI corner well indeed. The steering is fast enough for mid-corner correction and in tight corners; you feel the car working with you with the tail assisting you through the corners. I would actually suggest taking a more out-in to the apex-out type of cornering on a tight hillside road rather than keeping to the middle lines as the car does have a looser rear end than you might expect. This actually means that this is a traditional driver’s car in this aspect.
In short, there are no major faults in terms of the New Golf GTI’s outright pace and performance. But I have to add that if you are already a Golf GTI Mk7 owner you don’t really need to buy this as you only get some bits which you don’t really need unless you like some higher specced infotainment inside. The rest are changes which will not make this extra investment worthwhile. This is for those who clamour for a GTI and do not have one yet. It is also for those who are using earlier GTIs and want an upgrade.
As it is, the car may have no direct competitors at this price. Renault does not have its latest Megane RS here yet. The current Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line is actually on its way out as the new generation one has recently been launched overseas, but it does not work as well as the GTI overall. Honda has forsaken this hot hatch category for the hyper hatch category. Subaru has gone fully sedan with the current WRX and STI. Mitsubishi now sells SUVs only.
So the Golf GTI could actually be the best of the lot in terms of price, performance and that driver’s experience as well as being refined for the daily commute. And it also still looks good after all these years with its little bit of red highlights here and there.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line
The Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line is the better looking of the two entry level Golfs sold in Malaysia. There is the plain Jane Golf TSI Sportline with its smaller wheels, more basic headlights and has no dynamic indicators. This R-Line gets larger 17 inch 225/45/17 tyres and wheels, a bodykit, LED lights with dynamic indicators and also XDS electronic diff lock to name a few. You pay RM159,888 for it compared to RM146,888 for the Sportline.
I must say in this case I would actually put my money down for the extra bits of the R-Line. The wheels and XDS (Extended Differential Lock) system actually make the Golf TSI a much more interesting drive if you’re really pushing it. It also looks so much better than the plain Jane Golf TSI. Make-up is good. Lots of women attest to this simple fact. Add the bright yellow paintjob that our test car had and the TSI R-Line is interesting to look at.
Anyway, it is fun to drive. Not as powerful as the GTI or R, but it still brought a lot to the plate. Things do not feel as tied down as the GTI but its all good. On the autocross course Volkswagen Malaysia put together in Puteri Harbour, it was all smooth flowing through the corners and braked well too.
It may only have 150PS and 250Nm torque from the 1.4liter turbocharged engine, but it is actually enough to have a bit of fun inside the TSI R-Line. There is a nice balance in terms of tyre size and performance. You get a decent amount of traction and it works well for high speed stability over the smaller tyres you get in the Sportline. I remember trying out the pre-facelifted 1.4 TSI on the smaller 16inch wheels and whilst it was good, this one is much better in terms of its overall balance. The ride does not seem to suffer too.
It is no slouch on the highway too. The 1.4 engine allowed this not-hot hatchback to keep up with cars of higher engine capacity. More importantly, it felt really stable at up to 190kmh. Not far behind the GTI actually. It just won’t reach those speeds as fast as the GTI, mind you.
Aside from the smaller engine in the Golf TSI R-Line, the only other big difference is the DSG transmission fitted to it. It is a 7 speed dry clutch variant instead of the wet clutch ones in the more powerful Golfs. This latest iteration of the transmission unit that is used in entry level models. In this Golf TSI R-Line, initial acceleration is quite smooth but you can feel a bit more refined in the wet clutch one in the GTI. It has been improved a fair bit since the original Mk7 Golf and works well overall.
Other than that, equipment levels are similar to the Golf GTI which means that if you just want to look good, this would do just fine. If you want to do the poseur bit a little more, get GTI wheels and a ‘GTI’ badge to get a little more of that original vibe. But personally, you don’t need to do so. The Golf TSI R-Line stands tall on its own.
I must say that in this 1.4 TSI form it still ticks that simple criteria I have for buying a car. I have slightly higher standards than usual. I usually buy a car if it can comfortably take me on a high speed dash from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore or from Kuala Lumpur to Penang in comfort, without the need for me to concentrate hard on driving. This Golf variant hits that spot perfectly and it does so with a more affordable entry price than the GTI or R. It will still cruise comfortably over the national speed limit and it will also do corners quite well. I personally won’t find it a problem if I had one for a lengthy period of time.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R & Autocrossing in All Three Golf Variants
I only managed to try out the New Golf R in Puteri Harbour at the autocross session organised by Volkswagen Malaysia for us. Short but still sweet. The New Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). It makes 290PS and 380Nm of torque between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. It has the XDS Plus system to make it corner even better.
This hotter than usual hot hatch is one of my favourite performance cars. Not many cars around the RM300,000 price range is actually this potent yet understated. It is faster than the Golf GTI by a fair bit (0-100kmh is under 6seconds) yet it only differs by a sutble bodykit change from the GTI. No red lipstick here but some ‘R’ badging and black alloy wheels. It does not need goalpost type spoilers or locomotive type splitters.
It is suitable for those that prefer a less showy car. Those that want to feel like watching a performance by something loud, shouty can opt for the Civic Type-R. I sure wouldn’t as I also like the air cushion soft ride this near 300PS hot hatch has. This is relatively ‘air cushion soft’ okay. It is still a performance hatchback of the highest order and it still rides firmly. When compared to the kidney bashing Civic Type-R, this rides like a Bentley. My co-driver for the trip mentioned that when he took over the Civic Type-R to his girlfriend’s place and took her for a drive, she said never pick her up in one again he still wants to go out with her. In comparison, the Golf R actually rides as good as the Golf GTI. This is very good for something multi-purpose.
Anyway, autocross performance in the Golf R was sublime with its all-wheel drive and XDS Plus systems. Add close to 300PS and it shines. The AWD system actually allows you to mash the throttle way earlier than the GTI could. In the GTI or the TSI R-Line you have to hold back a little and only power on right at the apex. With the Golf R, you actually start feeding the power just as soon after you tap the brakes to line up the car for the corner. It basically means you are already on the power before mid-corner. It is fabulously fast on the short course. The Golf R is still a marvellous drive.
In terms of fun factor, I think the other variants could be a little more fun. The thing with the Golf R is that it seems to be focused to making corners feel like straight lines with its grip and all. This is the ultimate point to point production Golf on sale today. It feels so tight and taut that you actually need to take it by it’s reins and drive like a total lunatic before things get fun. Or out of control. The grip limits of the Golf R are so high that when you drive ten tenths, the speeds are actually so much faster than you think they are. This is one heck of a car.
The GTI is the actual overall fun car here. It has that right mix of power and handling. Drive it hard and it will reward you as much as the Golf R. It also allows you to take some liberties if you like a little bit more tail-happy antics. The Golf R would need, what, 15kmh fast speeds to feel like you’re alive. But get it wrong on a road like Bukit Putus (where we drove up in the GTI on the way to Johor) you may end up as part of the scenery or in some ravine somewhere.
And in Conclusion...
So I liked driving all three variants. The Golf R is the one I’d like to have for all-weather performance driving. The Golf GTI is the one I’d buy for driving fun and the Golf TSI R-Line is the one I’d like for affordable driving pleasure (note that affordable here is subjective as I know some may think the Golf R will give him or her the same affordability as the R-Line).
These upgraded Golfs are fun cars. The new centre console infotainment unit and the AID instrument cluster sure does make the interior of these Golfs look and feel more premium than before. So whilst this may not seem like a major upgrade to most who just read spec sheets, it actually it quite an upgrade. These Volkswagen Golfs are hatchbacks that give you performance, tech and a lot of refinement for long drives.
Now that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is offering 3 years free maintenance and 5 years warranty, these cars seem quite a sensible purchase. If you’re worried about maintenance issues, remember that these cars pack a whole lot of tech and performance within them and even the TSI R-Line can actually cruise at higher speeds like an Audi A4 can do. How some expect high levels of performance to have super low ‘Japanese car-that cannot cruise comfortably at over 160kmh’ maintenance costs is beyond me.
The point here is that these cars offer you as much, or more performance than many premium sedans so buy one when you are truly sure of what you’re getting yourself into. Personally, these cars are still so darn interesting to drive and I enjoyed my experience with them.
Prices, Equipment, Specification and More Photos Below (Click on the brochures to enlarge):
PHOTOGRAPHS -
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
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