2018 Volkswagen Golf Review

The MK1 marked the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf. It launched its production in 1974 and continued up to 1982. The second generation of the VW Golf was designated as MK2 and was in production from 1983 to 1990. From 1991 to 1997, MK3 the third iteration of the VW Golf was manufactured. The fourth generation codenamed MK4 debuted its production in 1998 and continued up to 2002. From 2003 to 2007 the MK5 was in production marking the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Golf. The sixth iteration of the Golf was manufactured from 2008 to 2011. The Mk7 marked the seventh generation of VW Golf and was in production from 2012 to 2019. The Volkswagen Golf is currently in its eighth iteration designated as MK8.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf comes with three engine options, a 1.2 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol, a 1.4 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol, and a 2.0 L TSI Turbocharged inline-four Petrol connected to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Grades

1. Volkswagen Golf TSI Comfortline- This grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system embedded with Apple Car Play & Android Auto, automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry & push-start button, and a rearview camera.
2. Volkswagen Golf TSI Highline- This grade features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats, Vienna leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a blind spot monitor, a lane-keep assist, and rain-sensing wipers.
3. Volkswagen Golf TSI GTI- This grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports-tuned suspension, GTI styling, aluminum pedals, adaptive dampers, large front disks, and a lane-keep assist.
4. Volkswagen Golf R- This grade is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, R-specific body kit, Alcantara upholstery, upgraded performance brakes, a launch control system, and adaptive cruise control.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has a simple cabin layout with a driver-centric cockpit. The windows allow natural light to flood into the cabin creating a calm sanctuary. Lower grades are adorned with cloth upholstery and the higher grades are fitted with leather upholstery or Alcantara. The dashboard layout is ergonomically arranged for ease of access and use. The first row has plenty of legroom and headroom. The second row offers ample headroom and knee-room.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf encompasses numerous storage compartments that are used to either keep or hold the gears of its occupants for ease of access and reach. The first row has a glove box, a center console, door panel storage, and two cupholders. The second row includes door pockets, two cupholders, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf offers 380 liters of boot space when all the seats are upright. The rear seats can be folded to create more space.

Exterior

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has a simple exterior styling that is not quite flashy yet appealing at the same time. While still retaining the iconic silhouette used by its predecessors, the Golf showcases Volkswagen’s commitment of evolution. Higher grades like the GTI and Golf R feature sporty styling elements and kits that enhance its overall appearance. The front grille is fitted with horizontal slats adorned with the VW badging to stamp its presence. Flanking the grille are LED headlights and daytime running lights that add a touch of modernity.

Subtle creases, clean lines, and well-balanced proportions neutralize the conservative appearance of the side profile. The alloy wheels which come in different sizes give the Golf a sporty appeal. The door handles and mirror caps are body-colored maintaining a cohesive and sleek design. Chrome accents around the windows inject sophistication.

The rear encompasses LED taillights and turn signals lending this compact hatchback an upmarket appeal. The exhaust outlets are integrated into the rear bumper maintaining the Golf’s clean, simple, and elegant look. Sportier grades like the GTI and Golf R are fitted with aggressive rear bumpers exuding their performance capabilities. A roof spoiler enhances the athletic appeal of the Volkswagen Golf.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Safety Features

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, a lane departure warning, a blind spot monitor, a rearview camera, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Isofix child seat anchors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Fuel Consumption

2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 19.5 km/l on average

2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 19.0km/l on average

2018 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 L Turbocharged Petrol engine consumption- 13.4km/l on average

2018 Volkswagen Golf Acceleration

2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.0 secs

2018 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 L Turbocharged Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.7 secs

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has a ground clearance of 5.4 inches

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

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

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts such as plugs, filters, brake pads, and shocks are widely available in Kenya. Body parts are available in major towns. Its spare parts are somewhat expensive compared to the spare parts of vehicles manufactured by Toyota.

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has a smooth and sturdy ride. The weight of the Golf is evenly distributed contributing to its balance and predicted handling. The suspension system cushions passengers from experiencing jarring movements. The steering wheel is light and has responsive feedback hence the vehicle adapts effectively to road curves. Due to its low ground clearance resulting in a low center of gravity, this car experiences minimal or even zero body rolls when cornering at high speed.

The Volkswagen Golf experiences minimal body rolls thanks to its low center of gravity. Its compactness enhances its agility, especially when driving in confined spaces. The alloy wheels which are available in different sizes have excellent grip on the road providing maximum traction especially when cruising on slippery surfaces. Other features incorporated in this car to improve its stability include adaptive cruise control, traction control, and electronic brake force distribution.

Reliability

Volkswagen has built a reputable track record of crafting durable, reliable, and high-quality vehicles. The Golf is a beneficiary of the German engineering. The powertrains under the hood have been used by its predecessors hence it is anticipated not to experience any reliability issues. However, due to the complexity of the DSG transmission, it is prone to issues that could sometimes be costly to repair depending on the damaged component. Regular service and maintenance are required to keep this car in optimal condition. Refer to the Volkswagen Golf’s buyer’s guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge you to always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Volkswagen Golf Competitors: Toyota Corolla hatchback, Mazda 3 hatchback, Honda Civic hatchback, Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed, Ford Focus, and Audi A3.

What we like about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf

• Good resale value
• Comfortable ride
• High-quality interior
• Refined driving experience

What we don’t

• High purchase price
• Costly to maintain

Conclusion

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a plethora of active and passive features that work in harmony ensuring its occupants enjoy a safe, secure, and serene ride. The exterior styling is very conservative yet it leaves an impression where it traverses as the cabin envelopes one in serene atmosphere that instills peace of mind. The powertrains strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its compactness enhances its agility and maneuverability when driving in confined spaces or even in traffic.

To buy/import the 2018 Volkswagen Golf, send your request to EMAIL info@topcar.co.ke OR you can CONTACT +254 722 469 360