The popular Volkswagen Golf is offered in a 4-door hatchback form, with 2-door hatchback variants no longer produced. The Golf 1.4 T is powered by a 147-horsepower turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder. In the Golf hatchback, this is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Golf GTI comes with a potent turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is offered with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The all-electric e-Golf is powered by 35.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that runs a permanent-magnet AC electric motor. The output equivalent is 134 horsepower and 214pound-feet of torque. The car's range is 123 miles when fully charged, and a 240-volt dedicated in-home charger can recharge the battery in 5.3 hours. Using household 120-volt current takes 26 hours. The e-Golf offers three selectable driving modes: Normal, Eco and Eco+, which vary regenerative braking and throttle response to either maximize power or range.
The Golf 1.4T model is offered only in the TSI trim for 2020. Standard equipment on the Golf TSI includes a power tilting panoramic sunroof, rain sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, LED brake lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the TSI gets a leatherette wrapped steering wheel along with heated, power reclining front seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, keyless entry and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen. Safety items include a Pedestrian Monitoring System, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and a forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking.
GTIs come in S, SE and Autobahn trims. In S trim, the GTI offers LED fog lights, heated mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, while inside there's plaid cloth upholstery with heated front seats, a cooled glovebox, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth, the 6.5-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera.
In the GTI SE, there's a sunroof and leather upholstery. GTI Autobahn models add a Fender audio system, adaptive LED headlights and various performance upgrades like bigger brakes plus enhanced handling thanks to adaptive damping and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Dual-zone climate control, navigation and a 10-way power driver seat round out the selection.
All Golfs come with standard safety features that include anti-lock brakes, traction control and engine braking assist, plus a host of airbags to protect the cabin.
Practical And Spacious Hatchback Layout
Sharp Steering And Handling
Impressive Fuel Economy
Affordable Performance
Electric Option
For 2020, the Golf gets a new keyless access system and updates to their Car-Net app, which allows for remote locking and unlocking of the vehicle as well as a status display and the ability to interact with various equipped features on the car. Features such as the remote starter and the navigation system can all now be accessed via the owner's smartphone. A new Wi-Fi hotspot feature has also been added to all Golf models for 2020.
Few cars have the staying power or instant recognition of the Volkswagen Golf and the seventh-generation Golf picks up right where its predecessor left off--with even more to like. As a leader in the busy hatchback segment, the Golf is loaded with standard features, excellent ergonomics, and plenty of practical space for passengers and cargo. Turbocharged power gives the Golf just enough pep. The GTI is perennially lauded in the "hot hatch" segment. The all-electric e-Golf is as economical as they come. Overall, the VW Golf family offers tremendous value and flexibility for anyone interested in owning one.
