2015 Volkswagen Golf: The Seventh Generation has Finally Arrived

The word is out: The Golf, and its numerous variants, has finally made its way to North America. This follows its European launch, as Volkswagen Group’s strategy is to serve its more important markets first. They do this for each of their models, which is why the Golf always launches on the other side of the pond while the Jetta tends to debut in North America first. The delay in getting the Golf to North America is likely to decrease—or even disappear—however, as the models destined for our market are now being built in Puebla, Mexico. We’ll see how that evolves.

First to hit our market is the GTI. It rolled into the brand’s Canadian showrooms on May 16. The conventional Golf featuring a 1.8-litre TSI engine will follow in June, while the turbodiesel Golf TDI will be available in August.

• Also: Volkswagen: Fry Your Nerves With the 2015 Golf
• Also: The GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo is Unveiled

Bigger and more spacious

All versions of the Golf are built on the MQB modular platform, which is also used in other Volkswagen Group models, including the Audi A3. It’s all about economies of scale. Because of this new platform, the seventh generation Golf is longer and wider than before, in addition to resting a little lower. The wheelbase has increased, meaning that the model features a more spacious passenger compartment. This is particularly noticeable in terms of extra legroom for rear passengers. The interior presentation has also progressed, with the new Golf’s centre console angled slightly toward the driver. Moreover, we were impressed by the quality of assembly on the models we tested at this first introduction. The vehicle’s drag coefficient has been honed down from 0.32 to 0.29, a difference that makes the seventh generation Golf markedly better in this regard. The vehicle’s style, meanwhile, includes throwbacks to the first and fourth generations.

The GTI

As the first Golf model to show up in our neck of the woods, the seventh generation GTI defends the brand’s honour in the segment that it inaugurated. It stands in direct competition with the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX. It’s hard not to fall under the spell of this sporty vehicle, whose handling is both inspired and civilized. With an extra rigid body and suspension, the car hugs the asphalt with conviction without sacrificing too much passenger comfort. In corners, body roll is kept under control. The steering is quick and precise, though it is a tad light for sporty driving. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine allows the GTI to express itself energetically without causing torque steer in flat-out acceleration. The GTI is stable in all conditions. The DSG dual-clutch gearbox is responsive in normal driving and downshifts when you brake. It’s playful in manual mode when you get your kicks using the wheel-mounted paddles. The driving position is impeccable and the front seats hold you well in place. Using a GTI on a daily basis actually seems like a very nice proposition. The options include an adaptive suspension with adjustable damping and the Performance Package (whose price has yet to be released) that boosts engine output to 220 horsepower and adds more powerful brakes and a VAQ limited-slip differential (instead of the XDS+ system that equips the base model).

The three-door GTI with the six-speed manual gearbox runs at $27,995 while the version with the dual-clutch DSG transmission goes for $29,395. The three-door Autobahn versions equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon lights sell for $31,995 (manual) and $33,395 (DSG), while the five-door Autobahn models cost $32,895 (manual) and $34,295 (DSG).

The Golf TDI

High rollers will prefer the TDI whose engine delivers 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque for superior flexibility.

Even though some of that tell-tale diesel sound can be heard when you drive a Golf TDI, we still noticed that this engine has been fine-tuned and now does a better job controlling the vibrations typically associated with four-cylinder diesel engines. We should also mention that the TDI models come with a MacPherson strut suspension in back (and not an independent suspension) to protect the urea tank added to meet North American anti-pollution standards. All TDIs come with five doors and range from $23,095 for the manual Trendline to $32.395 for the Highline with DSG.

The 1.8-litre TSI engine

With its 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, the base trim of the Golf now features a suitable mill that is up to the task from a technical standpoint. It offers 170 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque for a lively ride and safe, predictable handling in all conditions. One of the vehicle’s shortcomings is the lack of a Start/Stop system on all Golf models, which is a real shame. A Golf equipped with the TSI engine varies in price from $18,995 (three-door, manual Trendline) to $29.895 (Highline with DSG).