I loved the old 2.5L 5-cylinder engine in the Volkswagen parts bin. Used to motivate the Golf, Jetta, and other models, the old 2.5 offered up a very distinct sound while also giving you a little kick of torque to the backside. After all, it isn’t horsepower you feel from a standing start.
Unfortunately, the 2.5 five-pot wasn’t very fuel efficient, and having a 5-cyl engine in a compact car these days is a bit overkill when you can make the same power with turbocharging.
From the death of the 5-cylinder comes life with a new engine -- the 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder VW calls the TSI -- and with it a little more smile-inducing torque.
What is the Volkswagen Golf 1.8 TSI?
The Golf is now in its seventh generation, making it the MkVII Golf if you’re a Volkswagen fanboy (*cough* MATT ST-PIERRE *cough*). It’s also the first Golf to sit atop the new MQB platform used by the Audi A3 and other Volkswagen Group models.
The new 1.8 TSI is now the base engine for all Golf models -- with 170 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque -- and improves performance of the Golf over the outgoing 2.5L 5-cylinder.
Prices for the Golf, in 3-door guise, start at $18,995. Adding two more doors brings the base price up $1,000 to five dollars shy of $20,000. While the Golf 3-door is only available in Trendline trim with the 1.8 TSI, 5-door models are available in Trendline, Comfortline ($22,895), and Highline ($28,495) trims that are all equipped with the 1.8 TSI and 5-speed manual transmission as standard. You can add a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic for $1,400.
Golf 5-door TDI models go for $23,095 (Trendline), $25,395 (Comfortline), and Highline ($32,395 with 6-speed DSG). If you’d like the DSG dual-clutch automatic on the Trendline and Comfortline models, add $1,400.
My tester -- a 2015 Golf 1.8 TSI Comfortline with 5-speed manual transmission and Convenience Package -- rings in at $24,590 before freight and taxes.
Driving the 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8 TSI
While the Golf shape looks very similar to the old model, the seventh-generation rides on Volkswagen’s new MQB modular platform. With it comes numerous positives for Volkswagen from engineering and manufacturing perspectives, but it also gives the Golf a new feel for the better.
For one, the ride quality is quite good considering what else is available in the compact car segment as a whole. The Golf irons out bumps in the road with relative ease and gives you the feeling it’s a much bigger car with a longer wheelbase. It does this without losing its nimbleness, something that’s been a long-standing Golf trait.
Handling does suffer slightly due to the softer ride, but if you want something with racecar-like handling, you can go up to the GTI. That being said, steering is weighted well, if just a tad bit light, and the Golf is quite responsive.
But, the true gem is the new turbocharged mill paired with the 5-speed manual gearbox.
The engine revs easily, but you don’t need to bring it up to redline to access peak torque thanks to turbocharging. The 1.8 TSI’s torque is incredibly fulfilling, especially when you shift around 1,000 rpm before the rev-limiter. The 5-speed manual, while lacking a gear offered by many competitors, is notch-y and solid with incredible feedback. While the manual transmission in the Ford Fiesta may be great for everyone thanks to light throws -- one of my favourite manual boxes -- the Golf 5-speed rewards drivers with precision.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8 TSI
Beige. I hate beige. And the Volkswagen Golf I tested was filled with the colour of boredom. It makes the Golf look like a rental car. Sorry, even if the quality is good, it looks horrible.
Another thing: Volkswagen, there’s this thing called a USB port. Most of us use it these days. The Golf still uses a proprietary port for iPods with an adapter. It’s annoying and useless and it needs to go away, ASAP.
With those two foibles out of the way, the rest of the interior in the 2015 Golf is fantastic. The seats are supportive. Guys and gals who are on the tall side can get the seat low enough to feel comfortable. Also, the steering wheel feels good in your hands.
The base infotainment system is competent, but not stellar. It is designed with function in mind yet doesn’t look the best versus competitors.
Outside, it looks like a Golf. One great trick it has is the backup camera hidden behind the VW badge so it isn’t covered in dirt, ice, and snow. I like that a lot. The rest of it; meh, it reminds me more of a Golf City of yore than a brand new Volkswagen hatchback.
Comparing the 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8 TSI
The Golf 5-door competes in an ocean of choice. The Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5, Mazda3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Subaru Imperza, and Toyota Matrix all offer four doors and a rear hatch.
