Golf, sebuah kereta kompak ikonik, kini merayakan ulang tahun ke-50 dengan pelancaran fasa evolusi terkini penjual terbaik di Eropah ini. Dengan lebih daripada 37 juta unit terjual di seluruh dunia, Golf telah menjadi salah satu kereta paling berjaya secara global sejak kemunculannya pada tahun 1974. Untuk menyambut capaian ini, Volkswagen memperkenalkan pra-jualan model-model Golf dan Golf Variant baru, yang menampilkan banyak penambahbaikan dan sistem hiburan terkini generasi seterusnya.
Model-model Golf dan Golf Variant baru ini mempunyai bahagian hadapan yang diubahsuai dengan lampu hadapan LED yang baru direka, termasuk lampu hadapan matriks LED IQ.LIGHT teratas dengan cahaya jauh yang diperbaiki. Selain itu, kluster lampu belakang LED 3D IQ.LIGHT turut menerima reka bentuk baru. Di dalam, generasi baharu sistem hiburan dengan pemproses yang lebih pantas dan skrin sentuh bebas (12.9 inci) diperkenalkan. Dalaman ini juga mempunyai penggera sentuhan yang diterangi untuk kawalan suhu dan volume, instrumen digital terkini (Digital Cockpit Pro), stereng multifunctional, dan pembantu suara IDA, yang kini menyatukan ChatGPT untuk pelbagai keupayaan perbualan.
Dari segi varian, Golf dan Golf Variant awalnya tersedia dalam lima pilihan kelengkapan dan empat pilihan sistem penggerak. Ini termasuk enjin petrol turbo (TSI) manual dengan output 115PS dan 150PS, serta enjin petrol turbo hibrid ringan 48 V (eTSI) dengan output 115PS dan 150PS, dilengkapi dengan kotak gear 7-kelajuan (DSG).
Model khas Golf Edition 50, berdasarkan Golf Style, menawarkan ciri-ciri tambahan seperti rim aloi 18 inci, tingkap belakang tinted, jalur gril radiator mendatar yang diterangi, dan logo Edition 50. Ia juga termasuk sistem hiburan “Discover” teratas yang baru, sistem permulaan tanpa kunci dan kunci, pemilihan profil pemanduan, dan banyak lagi.
Golf Edition 50 akan tersedia dengan pelbagai versi penggerak, bermula dengan Golf Edition 50 1.5 TSI dengan 150PS dan kotak gear manual, berharga 36,820 euro (RM189,891). Pakej Plus tambahan juga tersedia, menawarkan ciri-ciri tambahan seperti sunroof panoramik, lampu hadapan matriks LED IQ.LIGHT, dan head-up display.
The Golf, an iconic compact car, is celebrating its 50th birthday with the launch of the latest evolutionary stage of the bestseller in Europe. With more than 37 million units sold worldwide, the Golf has become one of the most successful cars globally since its debut in 1974. To mark this milestone, Volkswagen is introducing pre-sales of the new Golf and Golf Variant models, which feature numerous enhancements and a next-generation infotainment system.
The new Golf and Golf Variant models boast a modified front end with newly designed LED headlights, including the top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with an enhanced main beam. Additionally, the IQ.LIGHT 3D LED tail light clusters have received a new design. Inside, a brand new generation of infotainment system with a faster processor and a free-standing touchscreen (12.9 inches) is introduced. The interior also features illuminated touch sliders for temperature and volume control, the latest digital instruments (Digital Cockpit Pro), a multifunction steering wheel, and the IDA voice assistant, which now integrates ChatGPT for a wide range of conversational capabilities.
In terms of variants, the Golf and Golf Variant are initially available in five equipment and four drive system options. These include manual turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) with outputs of 115PS and 150PS, as well as 48 V mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines (eTSI) with outputs of 115PS and 150PS, equipped with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The special Golf Edition 50 model, based on the Golf Style, offers additional features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, an illuminated horizontal radiator grille strip, and Edition 50 logos in the interior. It also includes the new top-of-the-range “Discover” infotainment system, keyless start and locking system, driving profile selection, and more.
The Golf Edition 50 will be available with different drive versions, starting with the Golf Edition 50 1.5 TSI with 150PS and a manual gearbox, priced at 36,820 euros (RM189,891). An optional Plus package is also available, offering additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights, and a head-up display.
Sebagai penghormatan kepada 50 tahun Golf yang ikonik, Volkswagen memperkenalkan versi yang dikemaskinikan dari model paling larisnya, menjanjikan pelbagai penambahbaikan untuk pelanggan. Siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan ini mempunyai pelbagai ciri, termasuk reka bentuk hadapan yang direka semula, sistem hiburan terkini, dan sistem pemanduan yang memberi tumpuan pada kecekapan.
Ciri yang menonjol menandakan peristiwa bersejarah ini ialah logo Volkswagen yang menyala, membuat penampilan sulungnya pada Golf. Lampu hadapan LED dan lampu belakang LED IQ.Light 3D yang dihasilkan semula menyumbang kepada penampilan luar yang segar, memberikan penampilan moden dan dinamik. Dalaman juga sama hebatnya, menampilkan sistem hiburan yang intuitif dengan touchscreen (diagonal skrin sehingga 12 inci), bersama dengan penggeser sentuhan untuk kawalan suhu dan volume.
Menambah daya tarikan, pembantu suara IDA yang baharu mengambil peranan utama, menawarkan interaksi bahasa semulajadi untuk mengawal pelbagai fungsi dalam kereta, mengakses maklumat dalam talian, dan memintegrasikan chatbot inovatif ChatGPT, yang dipamerkan di CES 2024.
Siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan memperkenalkan sistem bantuan baharu, seperti Park Assist Plus yang diperkemaskan, yang menyederhanakan manuver letak kereta dengan mengesan tempat yang sesuai dan memulakan proses letak kereta. Park Assist Pro kini membolehkan pemandu memandu kereta mereka masuk dan keluar dari tempat letak kereta menggunakan telefon pintar mereka, menambah dimensi baru kepada keselesaan.
Penambahan teknologi yang signifikan adalah sistem Area View, menyediakan pandangan menyeluruh 360 darjah dengan menggabungkan imej dari empat kamera, meningkatkan ketelitian dan kemudahan letak kereta.
Di bawah penutup enjin, Volkswagen membawa pelbagai sistem pemanduan yang dikemaskinikan kepada Golf. Pemanduan plug-in hybrid kini menawarkan kuasa yang lebih tinggi dan julat elektrik yang diperluas kira-kira 100 km. Selain itu, model-model ini dilengkapi dengan ffungsi pengecasan pantas DC, menekankan komitmen Volkswagen terhadap mobiliti yang cekap dan mampan.
Fasa pelancaran akan menyaksikan keseluruhan sembilan pilihan yang berbeza, termasuk hibrid ringan, hibrid plug-in, petrol turbo, dan diesel turbo, memenuhi pelbagai citarasa. Golf GTI, yang terkenal dengan prestasi sporty, telah mengalami penambahbaikan untuk kuasa yang lebih besar berbanding pendahulunya.
Model Golf baru dijangka akan tersedia untuk pesanan dalam beberapa minggu akan datang, membolehkan pelanggan merasai evolusi model ikonik ini. Dengan Volkswagen terus mendorong batasan inovasi, siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan ini memberikan penghormatan kepada sejarahnya yang kaya sambil merangkul masa depan teknologi automotif.
In a tribute to five decades of the iconic Golf, Volkswagen is set to unveil an upgraded version of its bestseller, promising an array of advancements for customers. The enhanced Golf series boasts a host of features, including a redesigned front end, next-generation infotainment system, and efficiency-focused drive systems.
A standout feature marking this milestone is the illuminated Volkswagen logo, making its debut on the Golf. The LED headlights and reimagined IQ.Light 3D LED tail lights contribute to the refreshed exterior, providing a modern and dynamic appearance. The interior is equally impressive, featuring an intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly touchscreen (screen diagonal up to 12 inches), along with touch sliders for temperature and volume control, creating an immersive driving experience.
Adding to the allure, the new IDA voice assistant takes centre stage, offering natural language interaction for controlling various in-car functions, accessing online information, and integrating the innovative ChatGPT chatbot, showcased at CES 2024.
The enhanced Golf series introduces new assist systems, such as the upgraded Park Assist Plus, which simplifies parking manoeuvres by detecting suitable spaces and initiating the parking process. Park Assist Pro now allows drivers to guide their cars in and out of parking spaces using their smartphones, adding a new dimension to convenience.
A significant technological addition is the Area View system, providing a comprehensive 360-degree all-around view by merging images from four cameras, enhancing visibility and ease of parking.
Under the hood, Volkswagen is bringing an array of updated drive systems to the Golf. The plug-in hybrid drives now offer increased power and an extended electric range of approximately 100 km. Additionally, these models are equipped with a DC quick-charging function, emphasising Volkswagen’s commitment to efficient and sustainable mobility.
The launch phase will witness a total of nine diverse options, including mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, turbocharged petrol, and turbocharged diesel, catering to various preferences. The Golf GTI, known for its sporty performance, has undergone enhancements for even more power compared to its predecessor.
The new Golf models are expected to be available for order in the coming weeks, allowing customers to experience the evolution of this iconic model. As Volkswagen continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the enhanced Golf series pays homage to its rich history while embracing the future of automotive technology.
There was a time when the Volkswagen Golf was the de facto go to car if you wanted something cheap and reliable as your daily runner.
Today though, the Golf is far from cheap (in Malaysia at least), but for some, it is still the ideal day to day companion.
Price & Competition:
At RM178,110, this Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line with Sound & Style package is punching above its weight; it is up against some of the finest from Europe and Japan.
Take the new Mazda CX-5 Turbo for example, it offers more living room, more power and comes with the decades old seal of Japanese reliability. A seal trusted by many.
Then there is the BMW 1-Series, the entry-level pawn to the world of Bavarian motoring. The Golf may better in some aspects, but let’s face it, in Malaysia, a BMW holds a lot more bling-factor than VW when arriving at a family dinner party. That’s just how we roll.
What is it like?
There are many other great options in the market too that would happily thumb their nose at the VW. So, what’s the case for the Golf then?
A lot actually. As I found out after a couple of days with one.
I like its size for one. It makes it easier to “kung-fu” your way around traffic jams and snug into parking lots.
I also like the interior and its fine quality, decent leg and shoulder space. Maybe not for the rear passengers though as it can get quite cramped back there.
It is also surprisingly quiet at all speeds, something that I think is extremely important in modern cars. Find a car with great insulation and you will be one step closer to finding the perfect car.
What we like about it:
Features like cruise control are nifty to have, but it is features like a Speed Limiter that make my list of must haves in a car. Why? Well, I spend a significant amount of time on highways, and I sometimes involuntarily creep into speeds that will amuse the “pak ciks” sitting beneath the overhead passes. They have sent me a couple of letters telling me how they are such big fans of my speeding habits.
These days I prefer to set the limit and just let my mind wander. Speed guns have nothing on a car with a speed limiter.
Friends say I’m getting dull, but I have come to appreciate regular, negligible features such as an auto dimming rear view mirror, rear air-conditioning vents, dual-zone temperature control. In fact I appreciate these features so much that anything lesser just doesn’t cut it anymore.
And there’s also features like the app-connect smartphone connectivity that launches either the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto applications, depending on which part of the never ending apple vs android war you are aligned to.
You access these apps via a 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen display that seems more like an on-board computer screen than an entertainment unit. Which is a good thing, simply because you spend so much time in a car that entertainment and the way you access it is important. You could have 500hp under your right foot, but when you’re stuck in traffic all that power is useless. A good entertainment system though goes a long way, traffic or not.
And this particular model with its sound and style package has quite a bit of entertainment to offer since it comes with a 300W Helix sound bar placed in the booth (seen below). This gives you rich bass that wouldn’t be out of place in a Dr Dre rap video, and makes you want to take the long way home since you would probably want to spend more time with your 90s hip-hop playlist.
The package also gives you aluminium sports pedal and side scuff plates, but the sound bar is easily the coolest part about this package. If you don’t mind the RM4,000 premium over the standard golf and don’t mind sacrificing some space in the booth, spend on the Sound & Style package.
Engine, Power and Performance:
When it comes to driving it, the Golf offers a plush ride, dull but precise handling and an aura that matches its expensive price tag. Of course not as indulging as its elder siblings, the GTI or the R, but there’s always a little hint that it wants to play behind all that vanilla character. Perhaps it is the R-line specific design with the rear spoiler, sill extension and 17-inch wheels, or perhaps it is the way it holds on to its gears in Sport mode, and lets you ride the wall of torque just the way a classic hot hatch would. Either way, there is a fun side to the Golf, but it runs out of breath pretty quickly.
That’s not to say that it is a sports car on a budget since the 1.4-litre TSI engine only makes 150PS (147hp) and 250Nm of torque. But to make it feel sportier than it really is, it offers three driving modes – Sports, Normal and Eco – and another called Individual that lets you customize how the steering feels, how quickly the throttle responds to your foot and how quickly the seven gears shift. It doesn’t do anything to the suspension though, so you could ask the car to be at its sportiest, but you can’t do anything about its softish suspension, which kinda takes the fun away.
Sportiness may not be part of this Golf though, but fuel economy definitely is. It’s 50-litre tank capable of taking you past the 600km mark depending on whether you tickled the pedal or consistently stomp the hell out it.
Should you buy it?
So why isn’t such a well-sorted car enjoying brisk-er sales in Malaysia?
When it comes to the asking price, the Golf sits in a rather awkward position. It sits in a spot where buyers who have the money are willing to pay the RM50,000 or so for a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW. Because that amount translates to just a few hundred Ringgit in monthly installments and just a few thousand more in downpayment. So why the hell not?
But that’s probably the only case against the Golf considering there really isn’t much not to like.
You could argue that its rather expensive for a hatchback, but that would be missing the point of a modern Golf. It may have been go-to car for cheap and cheerful cars once upon a time ago, but the Golf has grown up to be one that pampers and indulges your senses in a way only a continental car can. And that means forking out more money.
But then again, if you don’t give a damn about the brand like some of us and would get a Golf because you like well-engineered cars, I’d say hold back a little longer and go for the complete package instead – the GTI. That’s where things get serious very quickly.
Volkswagen has launched the new 8th generation Golf with digitisation as a key feature, most clearly demonstrated by the new Digital Cockpit. Though looking traditional at a glance, the dashboard is actually revolutionary and presents information in a clearer, neater way.
The Digital Cockpit, which will be standard across the range, includes the instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and a multifunction steering wheel. Together, these form the first functional level, in which virtually all of the displays and controls are digital.
Touch sliders enable quick and intuitive access to temperature and volume controls, while a touch island under the infotainment system also provides direct access to additional air conditioning functions, the assistance systems, and – depending on the equipment included – driving modes and parking assistants.
In a second touch island, the light and vision functions have also been repositioned and brought together: the light, along with the windscreen and rear window heating, is now operated using a digital panel arranged higher up on the dashboard to the left of the instruments, even further improving the brand’s characteristic straightforward drive experience.
Optional Innovision Cockpit
It’s possible to enhance the digital driver’s workplace even further; in combination with the 10-inch Discover Pro top navigation system, the Innovision Cockpit (which made its world debut in the third-generation Touareg) offers an even larger range of functions. On request, a windscreen head-up display will be added to create the ideal cockpit, with information such as speed, navigation information, etc. being projected into the driver’s field of vision.
This advanced functionality is also evident in the centre console and is now clearer than ever – particularly with the inclusion of the shift-by-wire gear knob for the automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG).
The theme continues to flow across the new roof console, where operation has also been digitalised. To tilt and slide the panoramic sunroof, for example, requires just a swipe of the finger back or forward over a slider, opening and closing the transparent roof.
Intuitive operation
Intuitive operation in the Golf can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying “Hello Volkswagen” or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as “Take me home” (navigation) or “I’m cold” (automatic air conditioner).
The new digital microphones mean that not only is voice recognition and voice quality (for phone calls) perfect, but they can also locate the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly, for example by identifying which interior zone’s temperature needs adjusting.
Digitalisation opens up the opportunity for each driver to adapt the Golf exactly to their own taste. The customised settings can be saved in the vehicle and in the cloud, so they are still available even with a change of driver or vehicle. These settings include the Digital Cockpit and Innovision Cockpit displays, the seat position, settings for exterior mirrors and air conditioning system, the practically stepless control of the ambient lighting (up to 30 colours) and the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting bookings for the new Volkswagen Golf variants at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. The Golf family consists of the Golf TSI in Sportline and R-Line, the iconic Golf GTI and performance-driven Golf R.
The new Golf family retains the charisma of past models with the unmistakeable design, and has been updated with details such as redesigned bumpers, new conceptualised headlights and LED tail lights. Here’s a quick 2-minute 360-degree video of the new Golf family:
Launched in 1974, the Golf is the Volkswagen brand’s most successful model, and has played a major role in the automotive industry by setting standards in the compact class and pioneering the advancement of leading vehicle technologies. It has won numerous awards, including “Compact Family Car of the Year” by UK’s Auto Express, and “Best Small Car” in the 2017 Daily News Autos Award.
Recognised the world over, the first Golf GTI invented the hot hatch category when it was launched. No surprise then that it was awarded as the “Most Influential Car of All Time” by UK motoring magazine Autocar UK.
The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world. On the road and track, its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded cars available in the market.
To date, more than 34 million units of the Golf in its different body variants have been produced and sold around the world. A new Golf was built, purchased and delivered every 40 seconds, on average, over the past four decades.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above & below) is confident that the new Golf family will be well-received in Malaysia as it already has a strong local following. “With the introduction of four variants, there is a Golf for everyone. We are certain that the range will fulfil the expectations and desires of Golf fans here in Malaysia” he added.
VPCM is also offering Malaysians the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria. The contest is currently ongoing and will end on the 27th of March 2018. Details can be found at the Volkswagen Malaysia website.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the new Golf GTI and Golf R at the upcoming Volkswagen Tours. The GTI will be on display at AEON Bandar Dato Onn in Johor Bahru, on the 27th March till 1st April, while the Golf R will make its local debut at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 28 March till 1 April 2018.
Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my
More on the new Golf family…
First a quick interior video comparing the VW Golf R and the iconic VW Golf GTI! (individual models highlights, specs and price after the video)
Golf 1.4 TSI
Price: RM155,990 (Sportline)
Price: RM169,990 (R-Line)
The Golf 1.4 TSI is available in both Sportline and R-Line. Under the hood of both variants is a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 7-speed dry clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The Golf R-Line comes with ‘Vienna’ leather seats, 17” Singapore alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” composition media with App-Connect as well as LED headlights with Static and Dynamic Cornering Lights.
Golf GTI
Price: RM239,990
The ultimate hot hatch, the Golf GTI features a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Output is an impressive 230PS with torque of 350Nm between 1,500 to 4,600rpm. The Golf GTI comes with GTI ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 18” Milton Keynes alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” Discover Media with App-Connect, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with driving mode selection.
Golf R
Price: RM295,990
A true performance powerhouse, the Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and progressive steering.
Auto Trader, one of the UK’s biggest online marketplaces for new and used cars, has published a list of the top 10 most searched vehicles of this past year. The results were based on users who searched through Auto Trader’s online portal for their desired vehicles in 2017.
The results portray a very interesting story, and despite the unstable economic situation, Brexit and the dieselgate saga, premium vehicles are still in high demand. At the top of the list is the BMW 3 Series, thanks to youthful styling, peppy turbocharged engines and a slew of tech features, it was the most desired car of the year.
Finishing second, was the Volkswagen Golf. The Mack Daddy of family hatchbacks was very popular among visitors but not enough to be crowned king of the hill. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class came in a respectable third place, just edging out another stalwart, the Ford Focus.
Following is the top ten list of most searched vehicles:
1. BMW 3 SERIES
2. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
3. MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS
4. FORD FOCUS
5. BMW 1 SERIES
6. BMW 5 SERIES
7. FORD FIESTA
8. AUDI A3
9. MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS
10. VAUXHALL ASTRA
Ivan Aistrop, Road Test Editor at Auto Trader, said, “In fact, if you look at the list of most searched-for diesel cars, you’ll see it contains more premium products than for any other fuel type, suggesting that diesel cars are still desirable for buyers despite recent negative press coverage.”
Apart from this, Auto Trader also came out with a list of the most searched for electric cars. Dominating the list was Nissan’s Leaf due in part to its sensible styling, conventional knobs and switchgear as well as its ‘down to earth’ method of operation. Tesla’s Model S was placed much lower than expected, finishing in 9th place, just ahead of the Vauxhall Ampera.
The influx of efficient and advanced electric cars in the next few years, could mean that an EV, not a petrol or diesel car, will take the No.1 spot for next year’s Top 10. Overwhelming demand for vehicles like the newly launched Tesla Model 3 may relegate today’s most wanted petrol cars to the bottom section of the 2018 list.
Volkswagen has been named ‘Most Innovative Brand 2017’ by a panel of judges for the Plus X Award at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). It is one of the leading innovation awards worldwide for technology, sport and lifestyle.
Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, collected the top award on behalf of Volkswagen. Though not the only prize bagged by the brand, it is probably the most prominent of the lot.
The award is presented to brands in recognition of their products’
qualitative and innovative edge. Besides this, a number of VW models managed to win in their respective categories for the Plus X award. These vehicles include:
D.BUZZ as “Automotive Concept Vehicle of the Year 2017”
The Golf as “Compact Passenger Car of the Year 2017”
The Atlas as “SUV of the Year 2017”
The Arteon as “Saloon of the Year 2017”
In addition to picking up Saloon of the Year, the Arteon was also awarded the ‘Best of Best’ top ranking in the the categories “Exterior and Interior Volume Brand” in this year’s “Automotive Brand Contest”.
According to the jury that was responsible for handing VW the plethora of awards, “In the Arteon, the designers from Wolfsburg have embodied the shape of the future in a series production vehicle with exceptional aplomb.”
“They have combined the design elements of a traditional sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback while at the same time managing to incorporate many of the concept car’s innovative stylistic features and design details into the series production vehicle, ” they added.
Despite the dark clouds that have loomed overhead these past few years, Volkswagen seems to have pulled its act together and is on its way to better times. If the latest string of awards are any indication of the company’s future, it’s safe to say that VW is back on top.