Photo: Volkswagen
The all-new Volkswagen Golf hatchback hasn't arrived in America yet, though the GTI is nicely lined up with a 241 horsepower 2-liter turbo. However, across the Atlantic, customers will have no trouble buying a basic Golf with exactly half that displacement.
The UK division of Volkswagen has just announced a new base version of the Golf 8 that's way more affordable, but also lacks the power you'd expect from a car in the compact class.
We're not sure which is the least powerful compact in America, but it's probably a hybrid with about 120-130 hp. The British Golf makes even less than that. With a 1-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder at its disposal, the hatchback will deliver 108 hp (110 PS).
The 0 to 62mph time of 10.2 seconds and 126 mph (202 kph) top speed confirm this 1.0 TSI is just barely enough for a car of this size. And because it's not a mild-hybrid engine, this is basically a carry-over from the previous generation.
With the standard six-speed manual equipped, this becomes the cheapest Golf in Britain at £23,300 ($28,750), but we prefer a cheaper-still Ford Focus ST-Line that's available from £22,940. It's even got more power (123 hp).
Volkswagen also plans to offer the Golf 1.0 TSI with a DSG. That will have the mild-hybrid technology as standard, although it should also cost about £2,500 more.
The standard equipment list for this base Golf Life trim includes twin 1-inch screens with sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane assist, 16-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors with memory feature, and keyless start.
“The Golf is one of the UK’s most popular cars, both for new- and used-car customers. One of the many reasons for its success is the way it offers compelling value for money, and this entry-point to the Golf 8 range is a great example,” said VW UK exec Dale Piper. “Featuring the latest technology and highest levels of quality – along with class-leading efficiency – this new 1.0-liter TSI 110 PS option brings the possibility of new Golf ownership to even more people.”
We're not sure which is the least powerful compact in America, but it's probably a hybrid with about 120-130 hp. The British Golf makes even less than that. With a 1-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder at its disposal, the hatchback will deliver 108 hp (110 PS).
The 0 to 62mph time of 10.2 seconds and 126 mph (202 kph) top speed confirm this 1.0 TSI is just barely enough for a car of this size. And because it's not a mild-hybrid engine, this is basically a carry-over from the previous generation.
With the standard six-speed manual equipped, this becomes the cheapest Golf in Britain at £23,300 ($28,750), but we prefer a cheaper-still Ford Focus ST-Line that's available from £22,940. It's even got more power (123 hp).
Volkswagen also plans to offer the Golf 1.0 TSI with a DSG. That will have the mild-hybrid technology as standard, although it should also cost about £2,500 more.
The standard equipment list for this base Golf Life trim includes twin 1-inch screens with sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane assist, 16-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors with memory feature, and keyless start.
“The Golf is one of the UK’s most popular cars, both for new- and used-car customers. One of the many reasons for its success is the way it offers compelling value for money, and this entry-point to the Golf 8 range is a great example,” said VW UK exec Dale Piper. “Featuring the latest technology and highest levels of quality – along with class-leading efficiency – this new 1.0-liter TSI 110 PS option brings the possibility of new Golf ownership to even more people.”
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