Published:
29 July 2024With such a wide choice of powertrains that has been tried and tested in numerous other Volkswagen Group models, there isn’t really a bad choice here, but some are better than others. We reckon the sweet spot is a 150PS (148bhp) petrol automatic.
The new 115PS (113bhp) entry-level model, which uses a downtuned version of the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder, replaces the 1.0-litre three-cylinder. It has enough usable torque but feels marginal when you’re merging onto a motorway or going for an overtake, whereas the 150PS just has that bit of extra poke.
You can have both of them either as a mild hybrid with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox or as pure petrol with a six-speed manual. The manual is fine, and it's pleasing to have the option, but it feels like the engine was tuned to work with the dual-clutch automatic and mild-hybrid assistance. Without them, it can feel a touch lazy, either when you get going or when you blip the throttle for a rev-matched downshift. The gearchange itself is just a touch long to be truly rewarding.
Volkswagen’s application of mild-hybrid tech is simply very impressive. If DSGs can feel hesitant at low speeds in some applications, that isn't the case in the Golf. It’s simply very smooth and responsive. It also lets the engine shut down when coasting and then re-engages drive seamlessly when you get back onto the throttle. It really does make a difference to the fuel economy (MPG figures in the high 50s are eminently doable) too.
