The Volkswagen Golf 7 remains one of the most popular C-segment hatchbacks in South Africa even following the arrival of new competitors such as the Opel Astra and facelifted Ford Focus. Since its introduction in 2013 a number of small tweaks have been made. The current model line-up looks as follows…

Engines and model line-up

The Golf 7line-up kicks off with the 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor with 81 kW and 175 Nm. It’s claimed to consume just 4.9 L / 100 km on the combined cycle and this engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Next up is the 1.4-litre TSI engine which develops 92 kW and 200 Nm of torque. In Highline specification, it pushes out 110 kW and 250 Nm, and power reaches the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is available for the Comfortline model. All the 1.4-litre-powered models are claimed to consume 5.0 L/100 km on the EU combined cycle. The 1.4 TSI Comfortline is the most popular (non-GTI) modelin the Golf 7 line-up.

See our comparative review of the Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline against the new Opel Astra 1.4T Sport here

For the diesel fans, there’s one engine offered in two states of tune. In Comfortline guise it delivers 81 kW and 250 Nm, while in Highline specification it pushes out 110 kW and 320 Nm. Both cars are economical with returns of 4.5 L / 100 km for the Comfortline, while the Highline consumes 4.6 L / 100km. The Comfortline has a five-speed manual, with the Highline sporting a six-speed manual.

Our choice:We believe the Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline (92 kW), equipped with the slick DSG transmission, to offer a highly desirable mix of comfort, refinement, performance, practicality and style.

What about GTI?

The Golf GTI (with DSG) is the top-selling Golf 7 derivative.

It may be hard to believe, but the most popular Golf 7 derivative of all is the GTI and the DSG-equipped model in particular. Marrying the Golf's traditional strengths of refinement, comfort and practicality with hot performance andentertaining dynamics have certainly found the GTI plenty of fans in this country.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine of the GTI delivers 162 kW and 350 Nm of torque, enough for a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.5 seconds (manual and DSG). A Performance Pack version of the GTI is also offered with slightly more power (169 kW) and a focus on sharper dynamics.

Of course, if a GTI is not quite hot enough, you may also be interested in the big daddy "R", powered by 206 kW/380 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo. It is serious fast, with a 0-100 kph time of 5.0 seconds for the DSG-equipped car (5.2 for the manual).

See the Golf 7 R take on the Subaru Impreza STI in a drag race here.

Features

Even years following its introduction the Golf 7 cabin remains a classy and comfortable place.

The Golf is available in three trim levels, namely Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Consult our useful Compare Tool to figure our which one suits your needs (and pocket) best. As is the case with most Volkswagens, the options list is quite long, so tick those boxes wisely. As standard, the Golf 7 centre console features either a 5- or 8-inch infotainment touch screen (depending on specification level).The Trendline and Comfortline derivatives are fitted with a ‘Composition Colour Radio’ (5-inch) and offers an SD slot, aux-in interface, two push dials and 8-speakers. The Highline derivative is fitted with a ‘Composition Media Radio’ (5.8-inch) and includes Bluetooth telephone preparation and a USB interface.

What's great about the Golf 7?

The Golf 7 has been around since 2013 and is around halfway through its lifecycle. That means a facelift can't be too far away… Read about what that may include by clicking here. But even in its current guise the Golf 7 continues to offer a tantalising combination of near-premium status and refinement, without sacrificing the versatility, fuel efficiency and comfort demanded of a daily runner. They're a fair bit more expensive to buy new than most of their direct rivals (spec for spec), but in the long term they're also likely to be easier to resell.

If you're wanting to go a bit faster, see which Volkswagen Golf GTI suits your needs

Volkswagen Golf 7 Price in South Africa

TSI BlueMotion 81kW Trendline Manual R309 500

TSI BlueMotion 92kW Trendline Manual R327 300

TSI BlueMotion 92kW Comfortline Manual R337 100

TSI BlueMotion 92kW Comfortline DSGR353 100

TDI 81kW Comfortline Manual R373 800

TSI BlueMotion 110kW Highline Manual R374 700

TDI BlueMotion 110kW Highline DSG R432 700

TSI 162kW GTI Manual R469 500

TSI 162kW GTI DSG R485 500

TSI GTI Clubsport R544 740

TSI 206kW R Manual R581 800

TSI 206kW R DSG R597 800

See our selection of used Volkswagen Golf vehicles here