The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf has been an fascinating chapter within the iconic German nameplate’s storied historical past. It’s been regarded extra as a ‘par’ than a ‘birdie’ or ‘gap in a single’ – forgive the pun.
After a surprising run with the Mk5, Mk6 and Mk7 generations, the Golf Mk8 was a fairly large departure from its predecessors in that it was nearly a revolution of the method fairly than a delicate evolution, as is extra customary.
Certain, the outside design didn’t actually rewrite historical past, however the method to inside minimalism and the sheer quantity of tech on provide was meant to essentially deliver the Golf into a brand new echelon.
As a substitute it’s been extra of a studying train, with information headlines together with software program points, high quality considerations and better pricing – the latter particularly so in Australia – and so the fashionable ‘folks’s automobile’ is now not the frequent sight on native roads it as soon as was.
There’s no query that its refined on-road manners and turbocharged efficiency are nonetheless sturdy factors, courtesy of that revised MQB evo platform, however the Mk8 by no means fairly resonated with consumers Down Underneath or around the globe just like the Mk7 did – actually, it misplaced its prime spot on the European gross sales charts for the primary time in 17 years.
Enter the upgraded 2025 Volkswagen Golf 8.5, a mid-life refresh of the eighth-gen hatchback (and wagon overseas) that goals to handle complaints concerning the Mk8 – extra user-friendly tech, improved ergonomics, and extra tech headline the modifications, in addition to a higher give attention to worth for the Australian lineup.
Key to the revised Golf vary is the brand new Model variant now we have on take a look at right here, pitched as one thing of an reasonably priced luxurious hatch that succeeds the plusher Highline variants provided beforehand. Is it the brand new choose of the vary?
How does the Volkswagen Golf examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volkswagen Golf in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Volkswagen
Golf
How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf value?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf Model sits between the entry-level Life and mid-range R-Line, priced from $43,690 earlier than on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf Life | $38,690 (-$500) |
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf Model | $43,690 (NEW) |
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf R-Line | $47,990 (+$5500) |
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI | $58,990 (+$2900) |
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf R | $70,990 (+$400) |
| 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version | $72,490 (NEW) |
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the Volkswagen Golf like on the within?
Delicate, however significant modifications have been made contained in the cabin of the Golf.
The brand new Model variant brings swish ArtVelours microfleece-lined ‘Consolation sport’ seats, which supply a massaging operate and electrical adjustment for the motive force – in addition to an extendable under-thigh cushion!
Whereas they could not look as extravagant because the R-Line’s sportier entrance buckets with built-in head restraints, the supple suede upholstery and splendidly supportive cushions make for a really, very snug driver’s perch.
Each entrance seats are heated additionally, although they miss out on the air flow operate of the R-Line’s perforated leather-clad sports activities buckets. The Model additionally provides gloss black trim on the centre console, which whereas fingerprint- and scratch-prone, is loads dressier than the austere matte gray plastic trim seen within the base automobile.
VW has introduced again laborious buttons because the norm on the Golf’s steering wheel, for all however the flagship R efficiency hero, and it’s all the higher for it. Whereas we nonetheless miss the chunky motion of VW’s switchgear on the dashboard, the multifunction steering wheel controls are clear and straightforward to make use of, with a satisfyingly strong motion when pressed.
The choice so as to add a beefy eight-speaker, 12-channel Harman Kardon premium sound system is worth it, which is bundled with a helpful projector-type head-up show and encompass cameras – which might have higher decision, for my part. No less than the non-obligatory sound system slaps, as the children say.
Whereas among the subbed-in trimmings go a great way to creating the Model much less Trendline and extra Highline, there haven’t been any wholesale modifications like within the associated Cupra Leon, for instance, which can obtain new padded and leather-lined surfaces alongside its centre console for a extra premium atmosphere.
Nonetheless, the Golf’s clear and screen-heavy atmosphere feels extra modern and upmarket than a whole lot of rival automobiles on this class – suppose Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 – although it doesn’t have the outright tactility and sophistication of, say, a Mazda 3.
The ten.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional driver’s instrument cluster has seen some minor revisions, but maintains a crisp readout with good configurability that’s solely actually bettered by the Volkswagen Group’s premium Audi model. My solely gripe was the shortcoming to have the gear and pace magnified throughout the dials like with shows previous – however this may very well be a person situation, fairly than the instruments.
Equally, the 12.9-inch central touchscreen will get the most recent interface in keeping with the model’s ID electrical fashions, and the IDA voice assistant is built-in, if with out the total net-connected and AI-powered performance of abroad fashions. It’s a splendidly clear and snappy show, bringing the appear and feel of the flagship Touareg to the compact class.
The wi-fi Apple CarPlay typically labored with out fault when paired with my iPhone 16 Professional Max, save for the odd dropout when passing underneath considered one of Victoria’s toll cubicles.
Earlier gripes across the contact sliders for temperature and quantity have been considerably addressed with illumination, which helps with useability in low-light conditions whereas additionally wanting extra subtle, whereas the laborious toolbar on the base of the display screen makes it simpler to toggle HVAC capabilities in addition to the heated entrance seats.
The second row stays one of many strongest within the class, with greater than sufficient room for 2 adults to take a seat behind two adults. Head, knee and leg room are all good for the phase, even behind a taller driver like 6’1″ me.
I’m a fan of the ArtVelours microfleece trim and leather-look accents, and there are niceties like a 3rd zone of local weather management with directional vents on the rear of the centre console. Additional, the flock-line door bins proceed within the rear to cease bottles rattling round, and there’s a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
You additionally get the requisite ISOFIX baby seat anchor factors on the outboard seats, and top-tethers throughout all three. Moreover, there’s a helpful ski port – fairly European – in case you’re needing to stow longer gadgets by from the boot.
Talking of, there’s 374 litres of cargo capability with the rear seats in play, increasing to 1230 litres with them folded. There’s an adjustable boot flooring to make a load space flat if wanted, and there’s a space-saver spare wheel underneath the boot flooring of all fashions.
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GTI
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Model |
|---|---|
| Size | 4282mm |
| Width | 1789mm |
| Top | 1480mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631mm |
| Cargo capability | 374-1230 litres |
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The core Golf Mk8.5 vary in Australia carries over the 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Mk8, teamed with an eight-speed computerized transmission equipped by Japan’s Aisin.
| Specs | Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Model |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 110kW at 6000rpm |
| Torque | 250Nm at 1500-4000rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1345kg – tare |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 6.3L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 7.3L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 50 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 143g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
Whereas there are a variety of newer, extra environment friendly powertrains obtainable within the Golf abroad, Australia is lumped with different markets that haven’t but absolutely moved to the Euro 6 emissions commonplace and aren’t given precedence entry to electrified fashions.
The equal powertrain within the European and UK lineups is the 1.5 eTSI, which is successfully the newer model of the 1.4 underneath the bonnet of native fashions. Geared up with a 48V mild-hybrid and cylinder-on-demand applied sciences, the Golf eTSI can run as a two-cylinder underneath low engine hundreds and shut off the engine whereas coasting or coming to a cease.
Even underneath the extra stringent WLTP take a look at regime in Europe, the equal Golf 1.5 eTSI with 110kW quotes the equal of 5.1L/100km on the mixed cycle, which is greater than 1.0L/100km lower than the engine used domestically – thoughts you, Australian gasoline figures are additionally decided by the extra lenient and outdated NEDC take a look at cycle.
Past that, you even have the Golf eHybrid, which is VW-speak for PHEV. Utilizing the aforementioned 1.5 TSI as its base, the usual eHybrid makes 150kW, whereas the GTE model makes 200kW. Each can drive over 130km on electrical energy alone.
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Volkswagen Golf drive?
Our native launch drive of the up to date Golf took in a return journey from Marysville in Victoria’s far east, again to Melbourne. We spent most of our time within the Model, but additionally piloted the R-Line with the identical driveline.
Having spent day one of many Australian media launch within the wonderful new GTI, the Model’s character is sort of distinct from the Golf sizzling hatch, even there are a variety of similarities.
The 1.4 TSI has been in service within the Golf for a decade or so in Australia, the place it was provided in numerous states of tune within the Mk7 and Mk7.5 generations, although the Mk8 reverted from VW’s common dual-clutch Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) auto to an eight-speed torque converter computerized equipped by Aisin.
Primarily, this driveline is equipped to Australia resulting from our nation’s hitherto lax emissions laws. Regardless of the upcoming New Automobile Effectivity Commonplace mandating fleet-average emissions targets to encourage the import of extra environment friendly and electrified automobiles, Australia’s baseline emissions commonplace stays Euro 5 – which was succeeded by Euro 6 in Europe approach again in 2014.
It means in case you’re a Mk6 or Mk7 proprietor and have turn into accustomed to the traits of Volkswagen’s DSG, regardless of their quirks, the Mk8 and eight.5 have a distinctly completely different character behind the wheel.
Off the road response is of course a lot sharper and extra pure in comparison with a dual-clutch transmission, however actually aside from that the Mk8.5’s driveline looks like one thing of a sideways and even backwards step.
Regardless of their low-speed niggles, Volkswagen DSGs – even the dry-clutch ones in regular Golfs – provide extremely sharp and snappy efficiency on the transfer, and have a definite feeling of rolling athleticism and a unique character to torque converter ‘containers provided by largely Asian rivals.
That kind of disappears with this newest Golf. Sure the 1.4 TSI is tremendous torquey and punches above its weight by way of shifting the Golf’s 1.3-tonne mass, however it’s not a very participating or pleasurable drivetrain to dwell with.
Shifts from first into second can really feel somewhat elastic, and at occasions the auto actually slurs by ratios to the purpose it nearly makes the engine sound prefer it’s hooked up to a repeatedly variable transmission (or CVT). The steps between ratios aren’t tremendous sharp or distinct, and at occasions it could actually really feel prefer it has one or two too many ratios to play with.
In regular driving it’s much less of a problem, however once you need to dial issues up somewhat – which you’ll be tempted to do in an R-Line, for instance, it begins to really feel somewhat out of its depth.
Even after flicking the transmission into ‘S’, the eight-speed auto struggles to precisely gauge once you need it to downshift. Usually there’s a one- or two-second pause earlier than it flicks down a cog or two to place you within the torque band. As somebody who’s used to the sharp response from my Mk7.5 GTI DSG, it grates on me fairly a bit personally.
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R-Line
It’s actually fairly a disgrace given the remainder of the Golf’s on-road traits are, put merely, wonderful. The Model rides superbly on its commonplace 18-inch alloys, putting a near-perfect stability between consolation and dynamism.
Steering is on the lighter facet however provides good really feel and suggestions to speak what’s taking place beneath you, whereas the eager chassis means even the usual Golf corners with verve and precision.
Piloting the Model by Victoria’s well-known Black Spur was a stunning revelation that showcased the automobile’s cornering skills, although it additionally exacerbated my gripes with the drivetrain.
The R-Line provides sports activities suspension and a ‘Progressive’ variable steering rack, making it really feel one thing like a ‘GTI-Lite’, however appears much more let down by an uninspiring driveline.
The R-Line feels that little extra hunkered down and purposeful, and the addition of selectable drive modes means that you can sharpen issues up in a single hit through the ‘Sport’ mode. It’s a disgrace a higher-performance engine and transmission mixture wasn’t utilized right here, as a result of it feels prefer it’s lacking one thing to go together with the sportier look.
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R-Line
The R-Line additionally rides somewhat extra firmly than the Model, as you’d count on, making it much less snug and refined general, and due to this fact much less appropriate as a each day than the Model.
Actually, the Model feels extra like what a typical Golf ought to really feel like, in that it’s somewhat posh and splendid with out overtly presenting so. I’d additionally argue the Model is somewhat quieter within the cabin, and the softer controls make it nicer to pilot in on a regular basis eventualities.
We didn’t get to strive the bottom Golf Life on its smaller wheels, however it shouldn’t be all that completely different to the Model, aside from its extra economy-class inside trimmings.
In any other case, the suite of IQ Drive help and security capabilities do an ideal job of preserving you out of bother on the highway, with VW’s intuitive Journey Help semi-autonomous cruise management system remaining top-of-the-line within the enterprise.
The best way it so deftly retains you centred in your lane with out feeling too intrusive, whereas additionally preserving a secure hole from the car in entrance, makes this tech a benchmark for programs of its sort.
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LIfe
Additionally commonplace are useful options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic help, which complement the Golf’s already excellent outward visibility. The previous additionally brakes to keep away from collisions in reverse.
Talking of parking manoeuvres, the common Golf vary comes as commonplace with a semi-autonomous Park Help operate, which can management steering to assist information you into each parallel and perpendicular parking bays. Sadly, Park Help Plus, which provides automated help for the accelerator, brake and equipment choice, is reserved for the GTI sizzling hatch.
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
The Model sits above the entry-level Life however beneath the R-Line, which tops the core Golf vary.
2025 Volkswagen Golf Life tools tools highlights:
- 17-inch Nottingham alloy wheels
- LED headlights – reflector sort
- Mild Help – auto high-beam
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry incl. alarm
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional
- 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
- 6-speaker audio
- DAB+ radio
- Wi-fi App-Join
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- 5yr GoConnect subscription
- Local weather management
- Leather-based multifunction steering wheel
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- 10-colour ambient lighting
Golf Model provides:
- 18-inch Catania alloy wheels
- LED Plus headlights – projector sort
- Rear privateness glass
- 12.9-inch navigation system
- IDA voice assistant
- 7-speaker audio – incl. centre
- Tri-zone local weather management
- ArtVelours microfleece upholstery
- ErgoActive 14-way electrical driver’s seat
- Driver reminiscence operate – 2-position
- Driver therapeutic massage operate
- 30-colour ambient lighting
Golf R-Line provides:
- 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels
- R-line exterior, inside styling
- Driving profile choice
- Entrance sports activities seats
- Driver reminiscence operate – 3-position
- Vienna leather-based upholstery
- Heated, ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Progressive steering – variable ratio
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Choices
A handful of choices and packages can be found throughout the lineup.
Sound and Imaginative and prescient Package deal: $2000 (Model, R-Line, GTI)
- 12-channel Harman Kardon premium audio
- Space View encompass cameras
- Head-up show
Vienna Leather-based Package deal: $3900 (GTI)
- Vienna leather-based upholstery
- Energy-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated, ventilated entrance seats
- 12-channel Harman Kardon premium audio
- Head-up show
Standalone choices:
- Panoramic sunroof: $1900
- Metallic paint: $800 (Life, Model, R-Line)
- Premium metallic paint: $300 (GTI)
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Volkswagen Golf secure?
The Volkswagen Golf has a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on 2019 Euro NCAP testing.
| Class | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 95 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 76 per cent |
| Security help | 80 per cent |
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- 9 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross-traffic alert – entrance, rear
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Emergency Help
- Multi-collision brake
- Lane Help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Park Help
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Reversing digicam
- Protected exit warning
- Journey Help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Adaptive lane steering – centring
Golf GTI provides:
- Park Help Plus
- Steering help
- Gear choice help
- Accelerator, brake help
Golf R provides:
- Space View encompass cameras
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf value to run?
As with the broader vary, the Golf is roofed by Volkswagen Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Model |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months – commonplace 12 months – service activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year Care Plan |
| Complete capped-price service value | $2950 – Golf Mk8 |
To see how the Volkswagen Golf traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Golf
The introduction of the Model grade sees the non-performance Golf return to type.
Commonplace variations of the Golf had been meant to really feel fairly plush and upmarket, even with their most elementary trimmings, and whereas the preliminary Mk8 vary arguably did not ship on some fronts, this revised lineup does a way more convincing job of being a premi-ish ‘Folks’s Automotive’.
Followers of the outdated Golf Highline specifically lastly have a worthy successor, and it sits in a value band that is still attainable and aggressive with its rivals, even when it’s a must to spend up for the Sound and Imaginative and prescient Package deal to get a head-up show and premium audio.
The Model additionally drives like a Golf ought to, drawing upon succesful underpinnings shared with premium-badged merchandise to offer a drive expertise that’s typically extra snug and refined than key rivals from the likes of Toyota, Hyundai and Mazda. It’s additionally good to see enhancements which might be direct responses to buyer suggestions.
However… that’s to not say there aren’t nonetheless issues that may be improved upon to essentially make the Golf a winner. It’s lacking engine choices and tech options obtainable in different markets, and regardless of a extra standard transmission it’s probably not any cheaper to service than it has been beforehand.
For me, the drivetrain is a sticking level – Australians merely aren’t getting the most effective of what the Golf has to supply. Whereas the venerable 1.4 TSI is a good little engine, it’s hamstrung by a dopey and uninspiring eight-speed computerized that lacks the crispness and decisiveness of VW’s signature DSG shifters, even when it’s somewhat faster off the road.
No mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid choices for Australia additionally appears to be a misstep given rising demand for extra environment friendly and electrified drivetrains in Australia. Tangible effectivity positive aspects from the MHEV tech in addition to 100km-plus of EV vary within the PHEVs would give the Golf an actual level of distinction out there, and their absence appears much more of a disgrace when different manufacturers underneath the VW Group umbrella have entry domestically.
We’d additionally prefer to see the extra premium options and tech that’s obtainable abroad provided domestically, like Matrix LED headlights (given you will get them on a Polo), an prolonged vary of paint choices (together with two-tone), the lighter Mistral Gray inside for the Model, in addition to Park Help Plus. All of those might flip the Golf right into a correctly premium compact, even when they had been solely obtainable as choices.
Regardless, the Volkswagen Golf stays a powerful contender within the small automobile phase. In case you’re not dashing to get a hybrid or EV, there’s nonetheless a lot to love about this understated German hatchback.
Occupied with shopping for a Volkswagen Golf? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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