Volkswagen Golf VII 2.0 TDI 150 CV DSG, road test (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue with the road test of the Volkswagen Golf VII, one of the benchmarks in the compact segment and one that stands out from the competition thanks to the abundant equipment it can be fitted with, much of which is optional and must be paid for separately.

In the first part of the test we gave you all the details about its dynamic response and its 2.0 TDI 150 CV diesel engine, which delivers excellent performance. Now it is time to analyse its exterior and interior design and its finishes.

Exterior design

Although to an untrained eye it may be hard to tell the Golf VII apart from the Golf VI and there may seem to be few changes in the overall look of the car, there are many variations that make this compact a more modern and attractive model.

Completely well proportioned, it has smooth lines overall, which are contrasted with the edges and creases of the bonnet and doors. The front recalls that of the previous model, it is true, but now the bumper has an intermediate crease running along the lower part and the headlights have a different design, with LED daytime running lights in a ‘U’ shape.

One of the main differences is at the rear, where the tailgate has a more pronounced straight line joining both tail lights. These, split in two by the cut of the tailgate, have a less rounded shape. The bumper and reflectors also change, and are larger.

Our test unit had the ‘Sport’ trim level. It featured 18-inch alloy wheels with ten spokes and twin exhaust outlets on the left side of the rear bumper. Optionally you can choose the ‘R-Line’ sport package, with design elements exclusive to the exterior and interior that give it a more radical look.

Interior design, living space and finishes

When you enter the cabin of the Golf VII you irremediably get the impression of being in a familiar place. Overall, the look deeply recalls that of the Golf VI, although there are new materials, better coverings and different controls. In any case, the perceived sense of quality is maintained in all the elements that make up the interior, which gives the Golf a certain aura of exclusivity.

The dashboard and centre console are designed with clean lines and are finished with care and quality materials. All the controls are within the driver’s reach and are very comfortable to operate. Whoever sits at the controls of the Golf will be able to operate several devices and access endless information through the buttons on the steering wheel. Those on the left side control the active cruise control (‘ACC’) and the volume of the audio system, while those on the right allow you to scroll through the different data shown on the screen in the centre of the instrument cluster. Also on the right is the key to answer a phone call and to activate voice commands.

The instrument cluster is easy to read and provides a lot of information, especially the screen located between the two main dials. This is complemented by the screen of the multimedia system, located at the top of the centre console. It gives access to six functions: audio system, multimedia connections, phone, voice commands, navigation, traffic information, menu and certain configurable car settings.

Our test unit was equipped with the most expensive optional navigation system (‘Discover Pro’ navigation) with an eight-inch touchscreen, through which you can also access other devices such as the audio system, the configuration of the Bluetooth hands-free system and voice commands, the menu for customising certain settings and the information from the driver assistance systems, also optional. This touchscreen, which also shows the image from the reversing camera, works very well as it responds perfectly to any subtle command executed with the fingers. The navigation information bar at the bottom, showing the itinerary, route or settings, normally stays hidden and only appears when you bring your finger close, without touching the screen.

The 2.0 TDI 150 CV Golf we tested had a high-quality mixed fabric-leather upholstery. The seats are very comfortable and provide good support when driving at high speed on roads with many bends. They allow you to travel many kilometres without becoming overly tired.

The interior space of the compact is more than enough for four adults to travel comfortably. It is somewhat roomier than, for example, a Mercedes-Benz A-Class. As is the case in most cars of its size, the rear centre seat is narrower, harder and less comfortable than the other two. Thanks to the wide opening angle of the doors, getting into the Golf’s cabin is easy.

Storage and boot

Everything we normally carry and want to leave behind before setting off in the Golf will have its place, as the number of storage spaces for small items is high. The driver and passengers have four generous storage spaces in the doors and two compartments next to the gear lever, one at the front and one at the rear. In addition there is the generous glovebox, the small drawer to the left of the steering column, the space for a pair of glasses in the roof and the internal compartment of the front centre armrest.

With 380 litres of boot capacity, the Golf sits in the middle of its segment, with a volume equal to that of an Audi A3 Sportback (380 litres), close to that of a BMW 1 Series (360 litres) and greater than that of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class (341 litres). One of the best five-door compacts in terms of boot capacity is the Citroën C4 with 408 litres available.

In the third part of the test of the new Volkswagen Golf we will describe the many equipment possibilities it offers, detail the safety features it includes as standard and as options, and show the prices of all the versions on sale in Spain. We will finish the test with our own assessment of this seventh generation of the German compact.

Photos | Jaime Arruz and test team

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €