Volkswagen Golf Life Review 2024
The Volkswagen Golf, Australia's most basic, is an excellent choice for those looking for a premium car with some great standard equipment.
merit
- Enjoyable driving experience
- Powerful power system for the base model
- No annoying active safety technology
shortcoming
- Media control takes some learning
- It is loud when driving on rough roads
- Traditional cars are not as flexible as DSGs
The much-regarded Volkswagen Golf is still one of the best small cars money can buy – sadly, it costs a lot more money to buy a Golf now than it did in years past.
The 'base' model tested here costs just under $40,000 (excluding on-road fees) and slightly more to get it into the driveway.
In fact, at launch, the 2024 Golf 110TSI Life was priced at $41,990, and we even have a white model without any options, so this is exactly what you're getting at a promotional price.
So, in a world where you can buy an all-electric hatchback for less, or opt for a petrol-electric hybrid, can the Volkswagen Golf still be competitive?
Of course it is – read on to find out why.
How much does Volkswagen Golf cost?
Here is the entry-level Golf Life tested – currently priced at $41,990.
| Model variants | Suggested retail price |
| 2024 Volkswagen Golf 110TSI LIVE | $39,190或$41,990 D/A |
| 2024 款大众高尔夫 110TSI R-Line | $42,290 |
| 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI | $56,090或$59,990 D/A |
| 2024 Volkswagen Golf R | $70,590 |
What about the interior of the Volkswagen Golf?
Classic Volkswagen Golf. Upscale, elegant and minimalist.
Well, aside from the media system, even after a few years of exposure to this setting, I'm still having a hard time getting to grips with it.
As with most people who have driven a current golf cart, some of the features to learn include haptic volume and temperature controls, and irritatingly, there are no dials or buttons for controlling the fan speed (if you're a fan lover like me, you'll hate that).
You can access the climate screen using the small temperature display or by tapping the "climate" control button below the screen – but the buttons and dials in the previous generation do a better job.
At least there is an actual set of buttons on the steering wheel, not tactile buttons. These are very popular!
In addition to the less-than-perfect controls, there are plenty of menus and information panels on the screen, including built-in satellite navigation, as well as multiple displays to adjust settings and driving functions.
There's also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even this base model comes with a wireless phone charger.
In addition, there is a fully digital dashboard, which is clear and looks smart, and can be managed and controlled by the steering wheel buttons.
There is good storage space at the front of the cabin, including a pair of cup holders between the seats (which can be adjusted into open storage holes if you prefer) and a small storage pocket under the center armrest.
The front door has large pockets with bottle sleeves embedded in the pockets and is lined to ensure noise-free driving.
The seats are great. Super comfortable and supportive, although it is manual and has no heating, the height and cushions are fully adjustable.
It's a strange comment, but I've also reported this issue to Volkswagen executives before – my mom has really short legs and she feels the seat base is too long and uncomfortable to sit on. If you're over 4 feet 11 inches tall (just under 150 cm), this may or may not influence your decision!
There's enough space in the back seat for two adults, and it's more than enough to squeeze in three. This is mainly due to the huge drive tunnel encroaching on footroom, which would otherwise be enough for three normal-sized adults.
I can sit behind the driver's seat of my 182cm/6ft tall, but my knees touch the seat in front of me and I have limited footroom.
I think it's fantastic that Volkswagen offers three-zone climate control in this entry-level model, as well as directional vents for rear passengers. Of course, there are also ISOFIX points and three top straps on the window seats.
The rear storage is impressive, with map pockets on both seat backs and a pair of upper pockets for equipment, tissue bags or lollipops – great!
Even on the basic model, there is a lined door box for bottles, a reversible handrail with cup holders, and a ski port!
Some of the rear door plastic is stiffer than the front door's, but at least the ambient light strip can flow to the second row.
For a small car, the trunk is the right size, offering a cargo capacity of 374 litres when the seat is raised and expandable to 1230 litres when the seat is folded.
They are not completely flat, but when the trunk floor is at its highest position, there will be enough flat space for IKEA items, or if you use the rear seat, you can lower the trunk floor to maximize the use of space.
There is a space-saving spare tire under the floor of the luggage compartment, as well as a shopping bag hook to prevent items from flying around the luggage compartment.
| direction | Volkswagen Golf 110TSI LIVE |
| length | 4284 mm |
| width | 1789 mm |
| altitude | 1456 mm |
| wheelbase | 2636 mm |
| Tail box capacity | 374-1230 liters |
What's under the hood?
The entry-level Golf is powered by a 110TSI powertrain, in this case a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
As you might have guessed, the output is 110kW (5000rpm) and the torque is 250Nm (1500-4000rpm). The model is equipped with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while other Golf models have a dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. It is front-wheel drive.
The towing capacity is 660 kg without braking and 1500 kg with braking, which is good for a small car like this (better than some small SUVs, in fact!). ）。
It requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol with an official integrated cycle fuel consumption of only 5.8 litres per 100 km.
In my tests, I saw an impressive return of 6.3L/100km, with a couple of longer highway drives showing fuel consumption dropping to 4.6L/100km, so it could be a good choice for long commuters.
What was the Volkswagen Golf driving experience like?
It was a very comfortable and stress-free driving experience.
Because this version of the Golf doesn't come with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, but instead with an eight-speed torque converter, it's less cumbersome to start from a standstill, so there's no need to worry about grabbing gaps in traffic.
The downside of this automatic transmission is that it can feel a bit confusing when you're demanding more from it on the open road. It's not scary, it's just that it's not as responsive as the DSG when you're overtaking or suddenly need more power from the powertrain. It also doesn't have an automatic parking button, so you'll have to put your foot on the brake when parking.
The engine is also good, with plenty of power and roar to make a family-full car run smoothly, and it's also very agile in city driving if you're alone.
While it may not be a GTI, it also has good road driving performance.
The suspension is finely tuned for a comfortable and controlled ride, and the predictable handling and precise steering make it an easy everyday car, and it handles well if you need or want a little more.
Even this base model has independent rear suspension so it can handle itself, and although the Nexen NFera Sport tires aren't the ultimate representation of performance rubber, they really are a predictable and enjoyable driving experience.
However, it may take a while for the brakes to get used to. The brakes are a bit jerky, and they're loud – for example, at low speeds, you can hear the sound of the brakes.
You only get a reversing camera, but it's a good camera and it also comes with a wide-angle display. In addition, front and rear parking sensors are standard, as well as an automatic parking system if you need one.
There's an excellent motorized braking system that detects obstacles or people and if the system thinks you can't brake, it will apply the brakes. It helped me do that when there were pedestrians passing by, and oh my god, it was such a relief.
Another advantage is that the car's safety aids are not overpowered, and there is no beep like other vehicles.
Adaptive cruise control is good, but if you're in the left or middle lane and trying to maintain speed, it's no faster than a car in the right lane, even if it's slow.
I understand that this technology has the good intentions of the Germans to "don't occupy the fast lane", but the reality is that lane discipline is not Australians' strong suit, and it can be frustrating because you can't turn off this "safety" feature.
Another common criticism of this generation of Golf models is that there is a lot of road noise on the highway, especially on rough roads.
What do you get?
The entry-level Golf 110TSI Life model tested here is the case.
Golf Life Highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electrically folding mirrors
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7-speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- Satellite navigation
- Three-zone climate control
- 10-color interior ambient lighting
- Keyless entry and start-up
- Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
- Upholstered in fabric
- Comfortable front seats with lumbar adjustment
- Luggage divider
- Ski port
- Space-saving spare tire
- Puddle lights
- Illuminated exterior doorknobs
Is Volkswagen Golf safe?
The Golf Series received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019 testing.
It scores 95% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 76% for vulnerable road user protection, and 80% for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 9 airbags, including the front center airbag
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) pedestrian and bicycle detection
- Multi-collision braking: Apply the brakes in the event of a collision to prevent further confusion
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Travel assistant
- Cross Traffic Alert ahead
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control with start-stop function
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Parking Assist
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- bailout
- Safety exit warning
How much does a Volkswagen Golf cost to run?
Like all Volkswagen models sold in Australia, the Golf model comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Log maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 km.
2024 Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Service Pricing:
| Service intervals | Price |
| 12 months / 15,000 km | $520 |
| 24 months / 30,000 km | $763 |
| 36 months / 45,000 km | $506 |
| 48 months / 60,000 km | $1176 |
| 60 months / 75,000 km | $506 |
This may seem a bit pricey, but Volkswagen offers a three- or five-year prepaid service package that can reduce the cost slightly. $1610 ($177 savings) for a three-year plan and $2950 ($518 savings) for a five-year plan.
Includes one year of free roadside assistance, which will be renewed when you use the brand for repairs. Additionally, if you're financing through Volkswagen Australia, you have the option to set a guaranteed future value for your car – which can be a good fallback if you're planning to take out a loan.
Perception of Volkswagen Golf
It may not be electric or even hybrid, but the Volkswagen Golf is still a modern and eye-catching option for buyers who want a hatchback that feels a little special on the inside and a very, very good driving experience.
Personally, I'd be willing to spend a little more on the R-Line, but if you like this more comfortable and less bold option, then I think you'll be happy with it.