We analyse the range of the new Volkswagen Golf: which one is best?

Alvaro Avilés 5 November 2019 4 min.

We analyse the range of the new Volkswagen Golf: which one is best?

We have carefully analysed all the trim levels in the range of the new Volkswagen Golf, a compact that promises generous equipment from the most basic versions

A few days ago we got to know one of the most anticipated new releases of the year: the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. The new model has sought to keep the practicality and well-established engineering that took previous generations to the top, but with a more sober and modern look.

The Volkswagen Golf MK8 had to have a much more technological image, so the people in Wolfsburg had to set it apart from the rest in every possible respect, which is why we can say that the new Volkswagen Golf is more modern and more intelligent. It is true that the exterior design, despite showing changes, is fairly continuous, so when seen in profile it looks like we are facing an MK7.

How is the range divided in the new Volkswagen Golf?

To make things different, Volkswagen has made some changes, starting with the names of its equipment levels. The now-retired Trendline, Comfortline and Highline have given way to the new Golf, Life and Style. The sportiest trim in the range does remain, and its name is still R-Line. Let us present them in more depth so you can learn more about the range:

Golf

The most basic variant and entry point to the range of the new Volkswagen Golf is called Golf. Yes, you can say you have a Volkswagen Golf Golf without people thinking you have a stutter. Although it is the most affordable option, the German compact comes with generous standard equipment.

It therefore already includes elements such as Full LED headlights with daytime running lights at the front and rear. Once we open the cabin door, we find a multifunction steering wheel, keyless start or automatic air conditioning. In addition, screens are not missing: there is a digital cockpit with a 10.5-inch touchscreen and a central 8.25-inch screen.

As for driving assistance, there are systems such as lane keeping assist, WeConnect online services, emergency brake assist or a predictive pedestrian detection system.

All of these systems may already be available in its closest rivals. However, the new Volkswagen Golf has gone a step further by fitting them from the most basic model.

Life

The second equipment level adds elements such as 16-inch alloy wheels or an exterior lighting system that switches on when we open the car. In addition, its interior also gains some gadgets to set it apart from the more “basic” variant.

It therefore comes with standard equipment that includes a wireless smartphone charging system, ambient lighting in ten different shades, or an armrest between the seats.

In addition to the assistance systems included in the Golf version, the Volkswagen Golf Life also offers ParkPilot parking assistance and automatic light assist.

Style

This is one of the top trims in the Volkswagen Golf range. The wheels now grow to 17 inches, and the window trims and exhaust outlets are finished in chrome. The Full LED headlights also feature cornering function, and the rear lights incorporate dynamic indicators.

It also includes electrically adjustable sports seats, mirrors with memory function, 32 colour options for the ambient lighting and a 3-zone automatic climate control.

R-Line

The R-Line trim is the sportiest in the new Volkswagen Golf range, adding various sporty elements to distinguish it from its siblings. To start with, it gets new specific 17-inch wheels and new bumpers with a more aggressive design. It also adds a rear diffuser and black trim.

The cabin of the new Volkswagen Golf R-Line features new sports seats with the trim’s emblem and contrast stitching, a black roof, aluminium pedals, a sportier-feeling steering and a driving mode selector.

There will also be a Volkswagen Golf GTE

The plug-in hybrid version of the new Volkswagen Golf will come in one variant with a 204 hp combustion engine and a more powerful one with 245 hp, the latter being the heart of the new Volkswagen Golf GTE.

The GTE is clearly oriented towards sportiness, so it features distinctive styling elements such as even sportier bumpers, new 17-inch wheels, red brake calipers and the classic GTE badge on the front grille. You will also find sports seats, an eHybrid driving mode button and ambient lighting that in this case reaches 30 available colours.