Volkswagen Golf Highline 2014 Review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

What is it?

Volkswagen’s practical Golf wagon in premium trim with a petrol engine. At 4657mm, it is 26mm longer than the previous model and 18mm wider, with a sportier more distinctive look (the old one looked kinda funny). 

How much?

$33,840 plus on-roads but that includes the 7-speed DSG auto. There’s also a diesel version for $36,340. Metallic paint adds $500, satnav another $950 not to mention the optional driver assistance package for $1300.

What are competitors?

Competitors are bit thin on the ground, especially for around this price. The small field includes Holden’s Cruze, Hyundai’s i30, Peugeot’s 308 or the Renault Megane - none of which arguably have quite the cache of the Golf.

What's under the bonnet?

The 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine produces  103kW and 250Nm of torque from a low 1500 revs. It’s teamed with a 7-speed DSG twin clutch style auto that delivers rapid changes and super economy. Auto stop-start is also standard and helps further reduce fuel consumption.

How does it go?

Better than the size of the engine might suggest. VW’s has really nailed these small force fed engines which produce plenty of power and are amazingly fuel efficient. 

Is it economical?

Rated at 5.2 it takes 95 strength premium unleaded. We were getting 6.0 litres/100km after 500km. These petrol engines are starting to challenge the kind of economy that we are used to getting out of turbo diesel.

Is it green?

Gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, with engine emissions of 121g/km of CO2 (benchmark Prius gets 5). 

Is it safe?

No worries here. Gets a full five stars for safety with seven airbags including a driver’s knee bag. The optional driver assistance package adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Proactive Occupant Protection System, Park Assist 2 and Driving Profile Selection - worth considering?

Is it comfortable?

Yes but in a firm sporty sort of way. This is not armchair comfort but the European utilitarian style of comfort. In terms of storage it offers 100 litres more luggage space than its predecessor.

What's it like to drive?

Refined and very competent, but the DSG still has its moments particularly in the cut and thrust of city traffic where it can become confused. They need to do something about the 5.8 inch satnav screen. It’s too small, too cluttered and the resolution too low and totally out of character with the rest of the car. The satnav by the way shows the current speed limit but does not warn of school zones or speed cameras.

Is it value for money?

Yes. Standard features include the multi-collision braking system, electronic parking brake, XDL diff lock, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB interface, a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, plus dual-zone climate air, suede and cloth trim, 17-inch alloys and Discover Media Satellite Navigation.

Would we buy one?

Maybe, but if we were hot for this car we’d first have a good long look at the larger Skoda Octavia wagon for around the same kind of money. You can even get an RS (GTI) version!