The VW Golf is a model that has been in production for 44 years and we have seen 7 generations (we have owned at one time or another the 1st to the 5th generation). Now comes the VW Golf 7.5? A mid-life refresh to stay relevant against the Mercedes A-Class.
This much needed facelift starts with the Golf 1.8-liter, turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower. It is mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed DSG. The Golf is available in two trims – S and SE. The S gets 15-inch “Lyon” alloys while the SE gets 16-inch “Toronto” wheels. In addition to that, the SE also gets full LED lights, fog lights, and panoramic tilting sunroof over its sibling-counterpart.
The GTI comes with a 2.0-liter 220 horsepower engine, which is 10hp more than the earlier version. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG. The GTI comes in three trims – S, SE and Autobahn. All features that were in the Performance pack can now be seen in the SE and Autobahn models. The Golf GTI gets major updates in terms of safety. The SE and Autobahn get the VAQ Electronic Limited Slip Differential, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Over and above this, the Autobahn trim also gets Lane departure warning, High beam control, and updated maneuver braking.
The hottest of the lot, the Golf R comes with a 2.0-liter engine generating 292bhp. It is driven by a 7-speed DSG transmission along with the standard 6-speed manual. The Golf R features special LED headlights and 19-inch aluminum alloy rims called the “Englishtown” which are specially designed for enthusiasts. Apart from this, the Golf R also gets VW’s trademark DCC Adaptive Cruise Control with Navigation and 4Motion (All Wheel Drive). On the inside, the car gets the new 8-inch infotainment system with VW’s Digital Cockpit.
