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Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr Review

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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.


1.5 TSI

Hatchback

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF

R-Line

1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

15-tsi-r-line-5dr

3 point height adj front seatbelts + pretensioners

Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay

Front and rear passengers curtain airbag system including front side airbags

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Alarm with interior protection and deactivation via infotainment system

Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors with memory feature

Dynamic chassis control (DCC) - variable suspension settings sport, comfort and normal

Park assist sensor controlled steering aid to assist parallel or bay parking features optical parking display via vehicle's infotainment system

Front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors, audible with audio volume reduction when activated + optical parking display via vehicles infotain system

Winter pack with heated rear seats - Golf

Winter pack - Golf R Line/GTE/GTD/GTI/GTI Clubsport/R/Alltrack

Volkswagen Golf

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.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

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Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr Review

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51.4

381

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124

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