- Vehicle Specification
| MODEL | VW Golf |
| Energy Type | GASOLINE |
| Driving Mode | FWD |
| Engine | 1.4T/2.0T |
| Length*Width*Height(mm) | 4296x1788x1471 |
| Number of Doors | 5 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
The new eighth-generation Golf scores well in plenty of areas, but it’s perhaps not as convincing as previous iterations. This family car motoring icon has long-reigned supreme, combining classy looks and practicality while also being good to drive. The Golf is still comfortable and a pleasant place to be, but chassis revisions have compromised the ride quality, particularly over poorer surfaces, and there’s intrusive road noise at speed. The new Golf is based on the Mk7’s MQB Evo platform, which is used across a variety of other VW Group cars including the SEAT Leon and Skoda Scala - direct rivals in the family hatchback class. Other mainstream competitors include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Astra, and Peugeot 308, while for those looking towards the premium end of the hatchback market, there’s the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series. In addition, buyers shouldn’t discount the much improved Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30. The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf is available in five-door hatchback and estate body styles, which also includes a more rugged all-wheel-drive Alltrack variant. Volkswagen has kept the Golf model range simple and easy to understand with three equipment levels covering the core of the range: Life, Style and R-Line. Entry-level Life trim offers generous amounts of kit and new on-board tech, including a digital instrument display, a 10-inch colour touchscreen and wireless smartphone charging as standard. Active specification no longer features on the Golf price list, although if you track down a used example you'll benefit from rear privacy glass, climate control and a heating function for the front seats and steering wheel.