Since it was introduced in 1974 as a replacement for the legendary Beetle, the Golf has earned a historical status no less significant and, over eight generations, has become the standard by which competitors measure themselves. Its commercial success (37 million units sold) came quickly, along with the conservatism that became an integral part of this car’s automotive DNA. Now, the latest version of the car is arriving in Israel, which can be called Generation 8.5 and, perhaps more importantly, is likely the last before this car transitions to all-electric versions.
The exterior design maintains the familiar look, with the most noticeable change being the lighting units, now Matrix LED (the light beam consists of dozens of LEDs allowing selective illumination of the road), a light strip across the front, and an illuminated manufacturer’s logo. The more significant changes are in the passenger cabin. The 10.25-inch dashboard retains its size but gets new graphics, and the multimedia screen has grown from 8 to 12.9 inches, with connectivity to Apple and Android. After receiving criticism, Volkswagen has reverted to physical buttons on the steering wheel instead of touchpads and added illumination for the climate control and volume controls.
The car will be marketed in two trim levels:
"Life" (starting at 170,000 NIS): Compared to the previous entry-level version, it adds keyless entry and start, the larger multimedia screen, Matrix LED lighting, three-zone climate control, and heated front seats. It also includes 16-inch light alloy wheels.
"Style" (178,000 NIS): Adds 360-degree cameras, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon sound system, a heads-up display, and 17-inch wheels.
"Life Plus" (starting at 190,000 NIS): Increases the wheel size to 18 inches and adds a sunroof and tinted rear windows.
Advanced safety systems include automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection with lane-keeping, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Regarding powertrains, the 1.0-liter engine is no longer sold in Israel, and the 204 hp plug-in hybrid version with an electric range of about 100 km remains abroad.
In Israel, the 1.5-liter turbo engine will be available, now paired with a mild hybrid system and offering two power levels: 116 hp with 22.4 kgm torque or 150 hp with 25.5 kgm torque. The more powerful version is paired with the higher trim level. As before, the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Performance is 9.9 seconds to 100 km/h for the weaker version and 8.4 seconds for the stronger one. The declared fuel consumption is a respectable 19.2 km/l for the 116 hp engine, 18.5 km/l for the 150 hp engine with 17-inch wheels, and 18.2 km/l with 18-inch wheels.
The Golf, which has never been considered a cheap car, continues this tradition, and with the diminishing competition in the compact family car segment, there’s little incentive to change that. However, its price is similar to that of family cars like the Hyundai Elantra (starting at 175,000 NIS) but more expensive than the Skoda Octavia, with which it shares many components (starting at 161,000 NIS), and which is expected to arrive in Israel soon after a similar facelift.