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The Volkswagen Golf is already 50 years old, and the eighth generation of this iconic compact sedan even has a special Edition 50 series. We tested it in a mild hybrid variant, as well as a standard plug-in hybrid version.
10 days, 2 Golfs. This was my driver’s program to discover this legendary Volkswagen celebrating a redesign of its 8th generation and its 50th anniversary. The first was a special Edition 50 series with the petrol engine assisted by a 48 V 1.5 eTSI mild hybridization displaying 116 hp and the second, the eHybrid rechargeable hybrid of 150 hp. The fundamental difference is of course the acceleration and driving in electric mode. The eTSI simply cuts the engine during deceleration and gives a boost to recovery. The eHybrid is equipped with a 19.7 kWh battery, enough to drive nearly 100 km in 100% electric!
Consumption at 48 V
Clearly designed for calm drivers, the 116 hp Golf eTSI is smooth to drive in the city. It also keeps up the pace on national roads thanks to the electric bonus and the DSG robotized gearbox. On the highway, it’s a little less fun, the 15-cent can run out of steam. You might as well do things delicately so as not to rush it and everything will go well. Especially at the tank level, by releasing the gas at the right time, the mild hybridization with 48 V alternator starter will allow the car to maintain its speed without consuming a drop of oil. In the end, by driving comfortably without forcing the machine frivolously, it is possible to stay under 6 l/100 km.
Hybridization
The pace can be more energetic with the plug-in hybrid under the hood. Still as serene in and out of cities, on the highway, it is much livelier. The electric autonomy also brings the possibility of making the daily round trips almost without burning gasoline. On condition, of course, to plug in the Golf as soon as necessary. Once the battery is empty, the car still works like a classic hybrid by using electricity when (re)starting and restarting. The average consumption can obviously vary depending on the routes and recharges. But with the battery dry, it remains at acceptable levels in almost 100% thermal, that is to say around 6 liters.
Divot
But what is most pleasant on board the revamped Golf VIII is the ergonomics. It is 50 years old and it has understood that all touch, even if it looks young, is not the best. On the steering wheel, the haptics have disappeared with the return of the classic button. The MIB4 system is also better thought out than its predecessor with shortcuts to the main menus, including the one to deactivate the annoying ISA speeding warning system that is as reliable as the sight of a mole in bright sunlight (a general problem not specific to VW). On the other hand, why didn’t our plug-in hybrid have the automatic switching system between dipped and main beam? Even without LED headlights, it is still more pleasant to let technology do its thing when returning home late at night than to have to leave your left hand always ready to press the switch… the old-fashioned way.
Albatross
3 strokes under par for consumption and regained ergonomics, the Volkswagen Golf has lost nothing in its healthy and predictable behavior. It is efficient and without any bad surprises, except for a slightly hard seat where the buttocks are very happy to find the clubhouse sofa at the end of the round. The modularity is typical of that of a sedan of this type, except that the cables of the plug-in hybrid phagocytize part of the trunk. In terms of price, VW has improved the standard equipment, despite some quibbles like the large automatic headlights. Volkswagen also has a catalog of engines as long as a giraffe’s neck, with still Diesel. This can start at less than €30,000/CHF for the entry-level gasoline model, at €50,000/CHF for the 150 hp plug-in hybrid, going through the 1.5 eTSI Style of 116 hp at more than €35,000/CHF. And by being tempted by the packs and options, you can quickly add several thousand euros or Swiss francs to the final bill. Not to mention the GTI and R sports cars, but that’s another story for a fifty-year-old who’s still a teenager in his head.
