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June 25, 2021
The sense of luxury has been greatly enhanced—Test drive of the new Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf
Test Drive of the New Volkswagen Golf
Since its debut in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf has continued to evolve as the benchmark for two-box cars. We recently test drove the new, eighth-generation model.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
A Joy to Drive
The Volkswagen Golf has undergone a full model change to its eighth generation. Since the first model appeared in 1974, the Golf has maintained its position as a best-selling hatchback. Any car enthusiast, even if they haven't driven one, must have been interested in it at some point. The latest model, too, offers an impressive finish with a distinct, enjoyable driving character.
What's interesting is the fact that the Golf is so well-executed. That might sound like a strange thing to say, but Volkswagen is currently expanding its lineup of pure EVs called 'ID.' in Europe, proclaiming its future as an EV manufacturer.
Yet, they've produced such a fine gasoline-powered car. One might expect them to neglect their traditional engine cars while focusing on the pure EV shift. However, this Golf 8 is a joy to drive, allowing you to savor the appeal of its engine.
But the latest Golf is not a relic of the past. The biggest feature of the latest model is the mild-hybridization of its engine. Both the 999cc 3-cylinder and the 1497cc 4-cylinder gasoline engines are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor.
A mild hybrid system uses a small motor to supplement torque where it might feel slightly lacking, such as during acceleration from a standstill or gear changes. For example, when starting off, the motor engages to pull the car forward, followed by the engine taking over.
This mild hybrid system is a trend among European manufacturers. Thanks to the motor, less pressure is needed on the accelerator pedal, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Many manufacturers are rapidly adopting mild hybridization.
However, it generally increases the number of components and incurs costs. Therefore, it's often limited to premium series. Volkswagen has boldly implemented it in the Golf, priced around three million yen. This is also noteworthy.