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Volkswagen
Golf Hatchback

Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG Review

Category: Family car

Section: Version review

Fuel type:
petrol
Gearbox:
semi-auto
Doors:
5 doors
Volkswagen Golf 2021 Mk8 front tracking
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  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 Mk8 front tracking
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  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 dashboard
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 rear seats
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD infotainment
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 rear cornering
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD front left tracking
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  • Volkswagen Golf 2020 RHD front end detail
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  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD dashboard detail
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD instrument cluster
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD boot open
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 Mk8 front tracking
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 rear panning
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 dashboard
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 rear seats
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD infotainment
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 rear cornering
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD front left tracking
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD left panning
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD front right static
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD rear right static
  • Volkswagen Golf 2020 RHD front end detail
  • Volkswagen Golf 2020 RHD rear end detail
  • Volkswagen Golf 2020 RHD steering wheel detail
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD dashboard detail
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD instrument cluster
  • Volkswagen Golf 2021 RHD boot open
RRP £26,390What Car? Target Price£25,305
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Review

The model

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There’s no doubt that the VW Golf is still a highly recommendable option in the family car class, thanks in part to its solid blend of ride and handling and the frugality promised by its petrol engines, especially the 1.5 TSI 150. But there are cheaper rivals that are more spacious inside and better to drive, such as the Ford Focus and Seat Leon, and premium rivals with better infotainment systems and higher-grade interiors, like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A Class.

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The trim

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We'd stick with this entry-level trim. It comes with pretty much all you really need, including single-zone climate control, 16in alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a digital Active Info Display, 10-colour interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, front and rear centre armrests, front-seat adjustable lumbar support, and a 10.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and a DAB radio.

The engine

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The 128bhp 1.5 eTSI 130 petrol is fine if you're looking to keep the price down, but its performance, outside of town driving, is noticeably less spirited than the TSI 150 (0-62mph takes around nine and a half seconds) when you work it hard. It's also quite noisy when you rev it out and barely any cheaper, so we wouldn't bother with it.

Key information

Doors5
Seats5
0-62 MPH9.4 seconds
Fuel TypePetrol
GearboxSEMI-AUTO
MPGOfficial overall fuel economy figure

51.4

Boot CapacityHow much space is there?

380

litres

EmissionsOfficial emissions rating

124

g/km

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