2012 Volkswagen Golf Review

Detailed Review

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car with five seats that has been produced for eight generations from 1974 to the present. It is not as popular on the Kenyan market as some of its Japanese competitors due to specific local preferences that favor Japanese brands, but it still has a substantial following.

The VW Golf comes with petrol and diesel engines.

Petrol
1. The 1.2 Litre TSI Engines (85 PS and 105 PS)
2. The 1.4 Litre TSI Engines (122 PS and 140 PS)
3. The 2.0 Litre TSI Engines (220 PS, 230 PS and 300 PS)
Diesel
1. The 1.6 Litre TDI Engines (90 PS, 105 PS and 110 PS)
2. The 2.0 Litre TDI Engines (105 PS, 150 PS and 184 PS)

2012 VW Golf Grades

1. VW Golf S – This is the base grade that comes with a choice of either the 1.2L TSI, the 1.4L TSI or the 1.6 TDI engines plus start/stop function, battery regeneration, 15-Inch alloy rims, manual AC, Bluetooth, plain steering wheel and halogen clear headlights.
2. VW Golf Blue Motion – This is similar to the S grade and comes with the 1.4L 110 PS TDI engine, start/stop function, battery regeneration, 15-Inch alloy rims, manual AC, Bluetooth, plain steering wheel and halogen clear headlights.
3. VW Golf SE – This is a mid-luxury grade that comes with either the 1.4L TSI, the 1.6L TDI or the 2.0L TDI engine plus start/stop function, battery regeneration, 16-Inch alloy rims, automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System and Front Assist.
4. VW Golf GT – This is a sports grade that comes with either the 1.4L 140 PS TSI or the 2.0L 150 PS TDI engine, a sports suspension lowered by approx. 10mm, Alcantara seats, 17-Inch alloy rims, automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, Front Assist, Ambient lighting, parking sensors and adaptive fog lights.
5. VW Golf GTD – This is a sports grade and the most powerful diesel variant that comes with the 2.0L 184 PS TDI engine, sports suspension, Alcantara seats, 18-Inch alloy rims, 2 Zone automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, Front Assist, Ambient lighting, parking sensors, adaptive fog lights, chrome twin exhaust and stainless steel pedals.
6. VW Golf GTI – This is a sports grade that comes with the 2.0L 220 PS TSI engine, sports suspension, Alcantara seats, 18-Inch alloy rims, 2 Zone automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, Front Assist, Ambient lighting, parking sensors, adaptive fog lights, chrome twin exhaust, stainless steel pedals, LED daytime running lights and GTI badging.
7. VW Golf R – This is a performance sports grade that comes with the 2.0L 300 PS TSI engine, R sports suspension, 18-Inch alloy rims, 2 Zone automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, Front Assist, Ambient lighting, parking sensors, adaptive fog lights, chrome twin exhaust, stainless steel pedals, U shaped LED daytime running lights, ‘Black’ brake calipers, rear diffuser and R badging.

VW Golf Interior
Legroom & Space

The 2012 VW Golf is a spacious and comfortable car with austere functionality. In the first row, there’s is sufficient legroom for both driver and passenger with enough space to recline as desired. In the second row, the legroom is similarly good with padded seats that are well elevated and comfortable.

Cabin Storage
In the first row, there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a cubby box and a glovebox. In the second row, there are 2 cup-holders in the armrest compartment and storage pockets on the front seats.

2012 VW Golf Boot Space
The boot is sizable enough to carry luggage for a family of five. The rear seats can also fold down to create extra space when needed.

Safety Features: SRS airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control and Counter Support(ASR), 3 Point seat belts with ELR, Electronic stability control(ESC), Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Alert System.

2012 VW Golf Exterior

The 2012 VW Golf has a stylish and sporty exterior. The headlights are sharp and modern with daylight running lights on the higher grades. A highly defined character line extends from the top of the front fender blister to the upper taillight element, giving the rear fenders a shoulder-like appearance. Wheel wells wrap the tires with the smallest of gaps, visually lowering the vehicle to the ground. Handles on minimalist doorknobs are too small for gloves larger than medium size. The pencil-thin gaps between body panels indicate high-quality craftsmanship. All grades come with alloy rims ranging from 15-Inch to 18-Inch.

2012 VW Golf Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters

2012 VW Golf Fuel Consumption
2012 VW Golf 1.2L TSI fuel consumption: 24.0km/litre
2012 VW Golf 1.4L TSI fuel consumption: 21.7km/litre
2012 VW Golf 2.0L TSI fuel consumption: 17.2km/litre
2012 VW Golf 1.6L TDI fuel consumption: 30km/litre
2012 VW Golf 2.0L TDI fuel consumption: 25km/liter

2013 VW Golf Acceleration
2012 VW Golf 1.2L TSI S accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.7
2012 VW Golf 1.4L TSI GT accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.3
2012 VW Golf 2.0L TSI GTI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.4
2012 VW Golf 2.0L TSI R accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.3
2012 VW Golf 1.6L TDI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.7 secs
2012 VW Golf 2.0L GTD accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 secs

2012 VW Golf Ground Clearance
The VW Golf has a ground clearance of 5.4 inches(137mm) which is below the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

2012 VW Golf Stability and Handling

When it comes to stability and handling, this is an area where the VW Golf excels. Unlike most of its Japanese rivals which feel light at high speed, the Golf can hit speeds above 200 km/h and still feel solid on the road. The acceleration is brisk and effortless even for the mild-powered 1.2L engine. On the other hand, the spot’s grades starting from GT and above are quick and the lowered suspension gives them a firmer grip on the road.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly priced and shared with other VWs so availability is good. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from specialist shops in Nairobi.

Resale Value: Average

VW Golf Competitors: Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Mazda Axela, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Auris and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Sportback

What we like about the 2012 VW Golf

1. Excellent build quality
2. Comfortable ride

What we don’t
Low ground clearance

Conclusion

The VW Golf is a superb car that is engineered with precision and quality that translates to a performance capability that is unrivaled by its Japanese competitors. The Volkswagen Golf is a comfort to drive due to its excellent ride and handling, as well as its elegant cabin. There are many concerns in Kenya, especially with the DSG gearbox, and a lot of misguided opinions which can be confusing and disconcerting to potential buyers. Of course, the VW Golf is not your average Japanese automobile that can withstand brutal abuse and poor maintenance. It requires a high degree of care and maintenance that is not very common in Kenya. With proper maintenance, however, the VW Golf is a reliable car that can run for many years without problems.

Where to Buy the 2012 VW Golf in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the VW Golf locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.

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