2016 Volkswagen Golf Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
For more than four decades, the VW Golf has been among the top-selling cars in the world. The small hatchback’s roomy design and fun-to-drive character make it an excellent option. Although the top-of-the-line SEL model is a bit more expensive than the competition, its luxuriousness is well worth the extra money. A five-star safety rating makes the 2016 Volkswagen Golf a secure family hauler.
What’s new for 2016?
The Golf’s available technology has improved significantly for the 2016 model year. Not only does the base model feature a new touch-screen display, but all models come equipped with a USB port. More advanced safety technologies are available as well.
This year, all trim levels will be powered by the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.8-liter engine develops a satisfying 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Because of the engine’s strong output, the base Golf is one of the most potent cars in its price range. Drivers can expect to hit 60 mph in an impressive 7.7 seconds.
2) Solid Gas Mileage
Drivers will certainly appreciate the Golf’s good fuel economy. When fitted with a manual gearbox, the hatchback can return an outstanding 37 mpg on the open road. Luckily, the owner will not have to fork out extra money for premium fuel. The car’s good gas mileage is a key benefit for the families who do a lot of traveling.
3) Engaging Manual Transmission
The standard manual gearbox is very smooth and responsive. Unlike some stick-shift transmissions, the Golf’s manual transmission is very easy to shift. It is a good choice for teaching new drivers how to operate a manual clutch. When accelerating aggressively, car enthusiasts will love the gear shifter’s feel.
4) Fun to Drive
All versions of the 2016 VW Golf are fun to drive. When commuting on a daily basis, drivers are unlikely to grow bored while at the wheel. Although the Golf is not available with a sports-tuned suspension, it still delivers a fairly nimble performance on the road. The steering system provides a great deal of feedback. Its punchy engine adds to the degree of driving excitement.
5) Roomy Interior
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf provides just as much room as a traditional sedan. Even tall drivers will find the front seat to be very accommodating. The four-door version is especially family-friendly. There is also around 23 cubic feet of cargo space in the back. When it comes time to take a road trip, the Golf will prove to be a capable long-distance cruiser.
6) The Base Model is a Good Value
The base two-door model has a starting price of around $18,495. Buyers will be provided with quite a few nice components. Featuring a total of eight speakers, the standard audio system offers impressive sound quality. The cooled glove compartment is great for keeping beverages and snacks fresh. Some of the other standard items include a touch-screen display, cruise control, heated mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity.
7) Refined Appearance
The VW Golf’s narrow grill and stylish headlights give it a sporty look. It is certainly among the most attractive hatchbacks on the market. Equipped with 18-inch wheels, the SEL trim has an athletic stance that onlookers are destined to notice. Some of the flashier paint colors include Tornado Red, Silk Blue, Platinum Gray, and Night Blue.
8) Comfortable Ride
After riding in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, most people immediately compliment the hatchback on its outstanding comfort. The Golf’s luxury sedan-like ride quality gives it a big advantage over its competition. If the driver encounters a rough patch of asphalt, the suspension should keep vibrations from entering the cabin.
9) Driver Assistance Package
Aside from its five-star safety rating, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is available with several advanced technologies. The Driver Assistance package eliminates the need for buyers to choose different safety equipment. While the parking sensors help out in congested areas, the blind-spot monitor is a must for highway traveling.
10) Car-Net Emergency Telematics
The available Car-Net offers around-the-clock roadside assistance. In the event of a crash, the system will automatically contact the emergency services. Parents can also set limits for their teen drivers.
Although the automatic transmission has received high marks, some drivers are likely to prefer a manual gearbox on the higher trim levels. Unfortunately, they are out of luck.
2) A Tad Costlier Than Some Competitors
The luxurious SEL trim can cost more than $27,000. By comparison, the top-of-the-line Ford Focus hatchback costs less than $24,000.
3) No Sports-Tuned Suspension Available
While the 2016 Volkswagen Golf offers a comfy ride, a stiffer suspension would appeal to some people. Drivers who want a sportier hatchback will have to opt for the high-performance VW Golf R or the VW GTI.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the main rivals include the hatchback versions of the Ford Focus, the Mazda3, and the Kia Forte. The 2016 Volkswagen Golf offers noticeably more rear-seat legroom than the Mazda3 and the Ford Focus. None of these vehicles offer a more refined interior than the new Golf.
Conclusion:
The VW Golf remains a practical vehicle that offers style and performance. Because of the hatchback’s extended list of safety features, it has become an even more suitable family vehicle. Unlike some modern vehicles, the new Golf’s refined styling will help it to age very gracefully.
What’s new for 2016?
The Golf’s available technology has improved significantly for the 2016 model year. Not only does the base model feature a new touch-screen display, but all models come equipped with a USB port. More advanced safety technologies are available as well.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Volkswagen Golf – The Pros
1) Strong Standard EngineThis year, all trim levels will be powered by the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.8-liter engine develops a satisfying 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Because of the engine’s strong output, the base Golf is one of the most potent cars in its price range. Drivers can expect to hit 60 mph in an impressive 7.7 seconds.
2) Solid Gas Mileage
Drivers will certainly appreciate the Golf’s good fuel economy. When fitted with a manual gearbox, the hatchback can return an outstanding 37 mpg on the open road. Luckily, the owner will not have to fork out extra money for premium fuel. The car’s good gas mileage is a key benefit for the families who do a lot of traveling.
3) Engaging Manual Transmission
The standard manual gearbox is very smooth and responsive. Unlike some stick-shift transmissions, the Golf’s manual transmission is very easy to shift. It is a good choice for teaching new drivers how to operate a manual clutch. When accelerating aggressively, car enthusiasts will love the gear shifter’s feel.
4) Fun to Drive
All versions of the 2016 VW Golf are fun to drive. When commuting on a daily basis, drivers are unlikely to grow bored while at the wheel. Although the Golf is not available with a sports-tuned suspension, it still delivers a fairly nimble performance on the road. The steering system provides a great deal of feedback. Its punchy engine adds to the degree of driving excitement.
5) Roomy Interior
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf provides just as much room as a traditional sedan. Even tall drivers will find the front seat to be very accommodating. The four-door version is especially family-friendly. There is also around 23 cubic feet of cargo space in the back. When it comes time to take a road trip, the Golf will prove to be a capable long-distance cruiser.
6) The Base Model is a Good Value
The base two-door model has a starting price of around $18,495. Buyers will be provided with quite a few nice components. Featuring a total of eight speakers, the standard audio system offers impressive sound quality. The cooled glove compartment is great for keeping beverages and snacks fresh. Some of the other standard items include a touch-screen display, cruise control, heated mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity.
7) Refined Appearance
The VW Golf’s narrow grill and stylish headlights give it a sporty look. It is certainly among the most attractive hatchbacks on the market. Equipped with 18-inch wheels, the SEL trim has an athletic stance that onlookers are destined to notice. Some of the flashier paint colors include Tornado Red, Silk Blue, Platinum Gray, and Night Blue.
8) Comfortable Ride
After riding in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, most people immediately compliment the hatchback on its outstanding comfort. The Golf’s luxury sedan-like ride quality gives it a big advantage over its competition. If the driver encounters a rough patch of asphalt, the suspension should keep vibrations from entering the cabin.
9) Driver Assistance Package
Aside from its five-star safety rating, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is available with several advanced technologies. The Driver Assistance package eliminates the need for buyers to choose different safety equipment. While the parking sensors help out in congested areas, the blind-spot monitor is a must for highway traveling.
10) Car-Net Emergency Telematics
The available Car-Net offers around-the-clock roadside assistance. In the event of a crash, the system will automatically contact the emergency services. Parents can also set limits for their teen drivers.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Volkswagen Golf – The Cons
1) Top Trims Don’t Offer a Manual TransmissionAlthough the automatic transmission has received high marks, some drivers are likely to prefer a manual gearbox on the higher trim levels. Unfortunately, they are out of luck.
2) A Tad Costlier Than Some Competitors
The luxurious SEL trim can cost more than $27,000. By comparison, the top-of-the-line Ford Focus hatchback costs less than $24,000.
3) No Sports-Tuned Suspension Available
While the 2016 Volkswagen Golf offers a comfy ride, a stiffer suspension would appeal to some people. Drivers who want a sportier hatchback will have to opt for the high-performance VW Golf R or the VW GTI.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the main rivals include the hatchback versions of the Ford Focus, the Mazda3, and the Kia Forte. The 2016 Volkswagen Golf offers noticeably more rear-seat legroom than the Mazda3 and the Ford Focus. None of these vehicles offer a more refined interior than the new Golf.
Conclusion:
The VW Golf remains a practical vehicle that offers style and performance. Because of the hatchback’s extended list of safety features, it has become an even more suitable family vehicle. Unlike some modern vehicles, the new Golf’s refined styling will help it to age very gracefully.
2016 Volkswagen Buying Guides:
