Vehicle Overview
The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen’s performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.
(Skip to details on the: Golf GTI, Golf R, e-Golf)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.
A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking.
Significant Standard Features
- 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
- Heated side mirrors
- Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
- Heated front seats
- Fender premium stereo
- Navigation system
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power sunroof
Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.
What’s Special
- 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dual tailpipes
- Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
- Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
- Available adaptive suspension
- Backup camera now standard
Back to top
Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus ST and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf and Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s Special
- 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
- Quad exhaust pipes
- Adaptive suspension
Back to top
e-Golf
Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What’s Special
- New value-oriented SE trim level
- Unique grille with blue accents
- Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain’s operation
- 115-hp electric motor
- Lithium-ion battery pack that’s located in the floor under the seats
- Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
- Three regenerative-braking programs
