It has been my fortunate lot to have test driven each version of the evergreen Golf since I was allowed to enjoy many miles in a Mk I GTI, one of the finest GTIs to come from any European stable.
Golf will run and run, with production figures being the envy of competitors
The enjoyment factor is still alive and well with the latest upgrade, version, call it what you will. The eye immediately assimilates the fact that this car is quite stunning to look at.
The Germanic thrust, the ultimate in Teutonic engineering wizardry ensures that the car is not only superbly put together, with each panel fitting to perfection and doors, engine cover and boot all closing with the ultimate in non-dramatic effort, but the engine, the obvious heart and lungs of any vehicle, has been refined to a state bordering on perfection in this class of car.
We must never forget that Golf will run and run, with production figures being the envy of nearly every competitor. But we must also remember that VW is chasing its German brethren on a day-by-day basis. Germany produces some of the most desirable, well-engineered motorcars that is possible to contemplate.
The Golf is absolutely abreast of what the owner should expect from a name that has been alive for over 30 years. Any niggling faults were ironed out while the competition was deciding on a suitable platform and suspension layout. As a result, once the driver has got comfortable, pumped the seat, adjusted the steering for height and reach and generally become familiar with the cockpit controls, the car is ready to go.
This car is one of a heady bunch that appears more than willing to lift her skirts and go. So a 0-100 km time of 10.7 seconds is not particularly quick, but the effortless way the car accelerates, responds to throttle and then comes down to a crawl, with all four disc brakes doing their thing, makes for the realisation that this car has been fine-tuned over many generations.
The modern touches are present with an engine stop/start facility and an electrically operated parking brake plus, on the test car, a rear-facing camera which really does make it easy to park in restricted, or apparently impossible, areas.
Cruise Control, which is standard, was a bit of a no-no on this test run, as was the Driver Alert System, never needed on a local test drive, as any new car brings the test driver to a remarkable state of alertness and well-being.
The dual clutch, seven-speed automatic was as interesting as expected, not needed locally unless the driver was attempting to nudge the car into an ever higher gear at a minimum sort of engine speed. Then, when the spirit so moved us, the accelerator was floored and, at the legal maximum, we appeared to still be in second gear.
If a manual change is opted for, the pilot has six speeds to play with. More than most will use in Malta but, as is being gently suggested, the new Golf will be the ideal five-seat family carrier for trips to Sicily, an island that has become increasingly popular with local drivers. Or, of course the Golf will be entirely at home blasting up to the Dolomites or up the Grossglockner for a touch of the motoring exotic.
Obviously, the car comes with a full Electronic Stabilisation programme that is designed to prevent the vehicle breaking away in critical driving situations by targeted intervention in the brake and engine management.
It also comes with frontal airbags with de-activation possibilities on the passenger side, curtain airbags for both rows of seats as well as standard side airbags and belt tensioners for the front seat occupants.
The separate daytime running lights, rear fog light, front fog lamp and cornering lamp are all standard, whether our vehicle regulations acknowledge this fact of modern motoring or not.
The front sport seats are marvellously gripping, in all the right places and at the right time. The brake pad wear indicator is a good idea, as too many local drivers spend an unnecessary time on the brakes, wearing them out at an unusual speed.
The 12v socket in the luggage compartment along with the two lights in the front foot area is most useful. The electro-mechanical speed-sensitive power steering works to perfection.
The air-conditioning worked as expected and the Blue Motion technology has a nameplate on the lid of the boot.
Long gone are the days of suspect steel in European cars and the final vindication is Golf carrying a five-year warranty on manufacturer’s defects and an astonishing 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
Verdict
Comfort
This is a real drivers’ car, so don’t expect to roll around on the bends.
Performance
A top speed of 197km/h and a rapid acceleration figure allows this car to maintain astonishing average speeds.
Cool
Always a dodgy word when describing a saloon VW. This is a great drivers’ car and a comfortable passenger machine, but is cool the right word?
At a glance
Top speed
197km/h.
0-100km
10.7 seconds.
Economy
Fuel consumption combined. 3.9 litres/100km.
C02
102g/km with dual clutch.
Engine
Four-cylinder Blue Motion technology, 1,598cc, common rail/ exhaust turbocharger. Euro 5.
Power
105bhp at 3,000-4,000rpm.
Transmission
Seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Diesel sulphur-free.
Maximum torque
250Nm at 1,500-2,750rpm