Mobility

The Volkswagen Golf is 50 years old. The eighth generation of this iconic compact saloon model even has a special Edition 50 series. We tested it in a mild hybrid variant, as well as a standard plug-in hybrid version.

10 days, 2 Golfs. That was my driver's programme to discover this legendary Volkswagen on occassion of celebrating a redesign of its 8th generation and its 50th anniversary. The first was a special Edition 50 series with a petrol engine assisted by a 48 V 1.5 eTSI mild hybridisation displaying 116 hp and the second, the eHybrid plug-in hybrid of 150 hp. The fundamental difference is of course its acceleration and driving in electric mode. The eTSI simply cuts the engine when decelerating and gives a helping hand when restarting. The eHybrid is equipped with a 19.7 kWh battery, enough to drive nearly 100km in 100% electric!

Consumption in 48 V

Clearly designed for calm drivers, the 116 hp Golf eTSI is easy to drive in the city. It also keeps up the pace on national roads thanks to the electric bonus and the DSG robotized gearbox. On the highway, it's a little less fun as the 15-cent can runs out of steam. You might as well do things delicately so as not to rush it and hence, everything goes smoothly. Especially at the tank level, by releasing the gas at the right time, the mild hybridization with the 48 V alternator starter allows the car to maintain its speed without consuming a drop of oil. In the end, by driving comfortably without forcing the machine frivolously, it's possible to stay under 6l/100 km.

Hybridization

The pace can be more energetic with the plug-in hybrid under the hood. Still as serene in and out of cities, on the highway, it's much livelier. The electric autonomy also brings the possibility of making daily round trips almost without burning any gasoline. On condition, of course, to plug the Golf in as soon as necessary. Once the battery is empty, the car still works like a classic hybrid by using electricity when starting and restarting. The average consumption can obviously vary depending on routes and recharges. But with the battery dry, it remains at acceptable levels in almost 100% thermal, that is to say around 6 liters.

Divot

But what is most pleasant on board the revamped Golf VIII is the ergonomics. It's 50 years old and it has understood that the all-touch, even if it seems young, is not the best. On the steering wheel, the haptics have disappeared with the return of the more classic buttons. The MIB4 system is also better thought out than its predecessor with shortcuts to the main menus, including the one to deactivate the annoying ISA speeding warning system that is as reliable as the sight of a mole in bright sunlight (a general problem not specific to VW). On the other hand, why didn't our plug-in hybrid have an automatic switching system between dipped and main beam headlights? Even without LED headlights, it's still more pleasant to let the technology do its thing when returning late at night than having to leave your left hand always ready to press the switch... the old-fashioned way.

Albatros

3 shots under par for fuel consumption and restored ergonomics, the Volkswagen Golf has lost nothing in its healthy and predictable behavior. It's efficient and without any unpleasant surprises, apart from a slightly hard seat where the buttocks are very happy to find the clubhouse sofa at the end of a ride. The modularity is typical of a saloon of this type, except that the cables of the plug-in hybrid take up part of the trunk. In terms of price, VW has improved the standard equipment, despite a few quibbles like the large automatic headlights. Volkswagen also has a catalog of engines as long as a giraffe's neck, even with Diesel. It can start at less than €30,000/CHF for the entry-level petrol model, at €50,000/CHF for the 150 hp plug-in hybrid, going through the 1.5 eTSI Style of 116 hp at more than €35,000/CHF. And being tempted by the packs and options, you can quickly add several thousand euros or Swiss francs to the final bill. Not to mention the GTI and R sports cars, but that's another story for a fifty-year-old who has remained a teenager in his head.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Volkswagen – D’Ieteren – Picture: © Olivier Duquesne)