2018 Volkswagen Golf Road Test and Review

2018 Golf Hero ・ Photo by Volkswagen

Volkswagen has always done small cars right. Although the German brand is finally figuring out the SUV market — introducing two new larger people-movers this year, the Atlas and an all-new Tiguan — it’s still defined by its small, fun and more fuel efficient products like the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.

Now in its seventh generation, dating back to the 1974 VW Rabbit, the 2018 Golf is available in an expansive lineup with two body styles and six different models including an all-electric version. Each delivers a unique and affordable combination of style, luxury and performance.

Sold around the world, the popular VW Golf is a consistent favorite in the compact hatchback and wagon segments. In the U.S., it successfully competes against such models as the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla iM, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte.

Available as a Hatchback or Wagon

Volkswagen offers the 2018 Golf as a four-door hatchback and a wagon. Mainstream versions are available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. Prices start around $21,000 for the Golf S hatchback including an $820 destination charge, while the base price of the Golf SportWagen is about $22,500. The Golf Alltrack, like our test vehicle, is a SportWagen with SUV-like looks and features including a slightly raised suspension, black lower body panels and standard all-wheel drive with an off-road mode. It’s similar in concept to other popular off-road-themed wagons like the Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad.

All of these models are powered by a smooth 170-hp turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is also available across the board, but a five-speed manual transmission is also offered on some trim levels and a six-speed manual is available on the SportWagen and Alltrack.

VW also offers an all-electric Golf hatchback called the e-Golf. Unfortunately, its 125 miles of range is lower than the new 2018 Nissan LEAF and far beyond the Chevrolet Bolt. Prices start just over $30,000 before a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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Enthusiast Drivers want the GTI or the Golf R

Volkswagen practically invented small-car performance with the original Rabbit GTI model in the 1970s. That model is considered the first hot rod hatchback, or hot hatch, so it’s no surprise Volkswagen offers two performance variants of the 2018 Golf hatchback: the front-wheel drive Golf GTI and all-wheel drive Golf R. These models are popular with enthusiast drivers looking for more power, handling and image.

Under the hood of the GTI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder cranking out 220 hp. Three trim levels are available, with prices starting around $26,500, which is about $1,000 more than the 252-hp Ford Focus ST and about $2,000 above the 205-hp Honda Civic Si. The Golf R competes with the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R, although its 292 hp is light compared to the 350-hp Ford and the 305-hp Honda. Both also undercut the Golf R’s $40,000 starting price by thousands. Like the GTI, the Golf R is available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

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Sophisticated Design

Throughout its seven generations, the Golf has always been a style leader in the compact segment. The original Rabbit was crafted by legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also styled supercars like the original Lotus Esprit and the DeLorean DMC12 of "Back to the Future" fame.

The 2018 Golf lives up to that legacy. VW hasn’t spoiled its silhouette with juvenile jewelry like scoops and wings. Its design is simple, attractive and modern with an upscale flair that gives it the presence of a more expensive ride. Even the GTI and Golf R models are styled with a rare sophistication for the class.  

Tweaks for 2018 include LED taillights, and our loaded Golf Alltrack SEL test vehicle looked every bit as impressive as my neighbor’s Audi A4 Allroad. Its understated lines, aggressive stance and large 18-inch wheels backed up its $35,000 sticker price. And you have to love how the rearview camera pops out from behind the VW badge on the hatch. Clever.

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High-Quality Interior

If you like the Golf’s sophisticated and sporty exterior, you’ll love its interior, which features the high build quality we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen. The layout is dynamic and modern without feeling complicated, and the heated front seats in our test vehicle were extremely comfortable. Visibility is excellent, the materials feel expensive, and the three dials that control the heat and air conditioning turn feel substantial. 

Although the base 6.5-inch infotainment screen seems a bit small, for 2018 a larger 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the SE and SEL trim levels. Our test vehicle’s navigation system was easy to use, and its graphics are better than you’ll find in many other cars in the class. Bluetooth as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, although onboard Wi-Fi is not available.

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Versatile Cargo Space

Hatchbacks and wagons are all about cargo space and the 2018 VW Golf is quite versatile. The Golf hatchback offers 22.8 cubic feet of space behind its rear seat. The rear bench is split 60/40 and when it’s folded there’s 52.7 cubic feet of space. That should fit your mountain bike.

Of course, the Golf SportWagen and Alltrack models offer even more. There’s 30.4 cubic feet of space behind it split rear seat and 66.5 cubic feet with its rear seat folded flat. Although that’s probably more than enough for your weekend camping gear, the larger Subaru Outback does offer more space.

Storage inside the VW’s interior is also sufficient and thought out well. The felt-lined center console bin is large enough and the sizable door pockets have slots for water bottles.

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Family-Friendly Features

Golfs are best as four-seaters, but five will fit if the ride is short. The Golf’s two front cupholders are large and well-placed so tall drinks don’t interfere with any of the switchgear, and they accommodate cups with handles. The two rear cupholders are part of a center pull-down armrest.

Younger families will appreciate the Golf’s easy-to-reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats and three easily accessed upper tether anchors. Furthermore, the Golf earned an overall rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

VW also offers a long list of valuable active safety systems on the Golf. Our Alltrack test vehicle was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance and Lighting Package, which is good value for $1,995. It adds lane assist, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights and park assist, which will actually steer the Golf into and out of parallel parking spaces for you.

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Fun to Drive

The 2018 Golf is attractive, comfortable and practical, but it’s the way it drives that really makes it so appealing. This is a refined little car, with strong performance and an overall driving experience that makes us smile. Around town, the Golf is quick and athletic, with plenty of horsepower and communicative steering. Although its soft brake pedal takes a little getting used to, our Alltrack’s sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels provided precise handling and a comfortable ride. Out on the highway at 75 mph, it’s compliant, comfortable and quiet.

The VW’s six-speed automatic transmission is a good match for the turbocharged engine. Gearchanges are smooth and the Alltrack’s paddle shifters give you manual control of the gear selection. The combination offers plenty of acceleration. The Golf accelerates to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is over a second quicker than the Ford Focus.

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Impressive Fuel Economy

Even with its powerful turbocharged engine, the 2018 Golf hatchback delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual transmission, while the automatic transmission drops the highway rating to 35 mpg. A number of competitors, including the Mazda3 and Honda Civic, get better mileage.

The larger Golf SportWagen is rated at 22 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. Our Golf Alltrack test vehicle was rated for 22 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway. I averaged 25 mpg during a week of mixed driving in and around Los Angeles.

The Golf’s performance models can also stretch a gallon of gas. The GTI is rated 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and the EPA rates the manual-equipped Golf R at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

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An Overall Favorite

Although the Golf hatchback competes with some of the best-selling small cars in the country, it’s still one of our favorites — it is comfortable, performs well and is certainly fun to drive. It’s also beautifully appointed and it offers a long list of optional safety features.

It’s also easy to recommend the Golf SportWagen and Alltrack models. Although they’re smaller than the Subaru Outback, the Volkswagens cost a heck of a lot less than wagons from Audi and BMW. If you’re looking for a sporty small hatchback or wagon, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is a very desirable overall choice.

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