2018 Volkswagen Golf Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2018?
For 2018, the Golf benefits from a new and improved infotainment system. You will also notice the hatchback’s sharper exterior styling. VW decided to update the Golf’s appearance by installing new bumpers and adding LED running lights.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Volkswagen Golf – The Pros
1. Easy on the Wallet
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf ranks among today’s best values. Prices start at slightly more than $20,000, which is a great deal for such a well-equipped ride. Strong fuel efficiency helps you to save even more money. According to the EPA, the new Golf will return 25 mpg in town an up to 36 mpg on the highway.
2. Loaded With Ample Standard Features
Even the least expensive version of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf boasts a number of standard features. This is great news for the drivers who hate paying extra. When heading out on a hot day, the Golf’s cooled glove compartment will enable you to keep a fresh beverage on hand. A backup camera, a touch-screen display, and Bluetooth technology also come standard.
3. Exhilarating Turbocharged Engine
All versions of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf are motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It pushes out a fulfilling 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Upon taking the new Golf for a test drive, you will immediately notice its lively acceleration. When tested, the Golf posted a rather quick 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds.
4. Great Transmissions
Whether you stick with the standard manual gearbox or opt for the six-speed automatic transmission, expect to be thoroughly satisfied. Both transmissions do an excellent job of transferring the available power to the wheels. While the automatic transmission gets high marks for its smoothness, the manual transmission will impress drivers with its easy shifting.
5. Premium Ride Quality
While behind the wheel of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf, you may forget that you are driving an inexpensive commuter car. It delivers the ride quality of a far more expensive automobile. Even when driving over potholes, the Golf’s ride remains smooth and balanced. It is the perfect hatchback for the drivers who plan to travel on a regular basis.
6. Family-Friendly Cabin
Don’t disregard the 2018 Volkswagen Golf as a capable family hauler. Although the Golf is compact in size, it boasts a remarkably spacious cabin. Like the front seats, the Golf’s backseat provides plenty of legroom. You can also take advantage of its versatile hatchback design. With more than 22 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, you will be able to easily pack extra stuff such as hiking gear and film equipment.
7. New Infotainment System
The new infotainment system is by far the biggest upgrade on the 2018 model. In comparison to the previous interface, the new system’s graphics are much sharper. It is also incredibly simple to use. Featuring a high-resolution display and gesture technology, the new Discover Pro interface is outstanding. You can also control the system using voice commands.
8. Impressive Standard Sound System
Music fans will love the 2018 Volkswagen Golf. An eight-speaker audio system comes standard. Expect it to deliver above-average sound quality. You can turn up the volume without experiencing any distortion. Most of the other base sound systems in this class deliver a less enjoyable music-listening experience.
9. Excellent Safety Scores
Outstanding crash-test scores enabled the Golf to earn a class-leading, five-star safety rating. The Golf also received high marks for its powerful braking system. While a backup camera comes standard, you can take advantage of VW’s optional driving aids. If you happen to lose focus on the road, the automatic braking system will help you to remain safe. Blind-spot detection is available as well.
10. Optional 18-Inch Wheels
The Golf’s standard 15-inch alloy wheels will get the job done. However, you can give the Golf a meaner look by opting for the available 18-inch wheels. They give the Golf a sporty stance that everyone on the road will notice.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Volkswagen Golf – The Cons
1. Doesn’t Offer Especially Sharp Handling
Interns of road handling, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is not as sharp as rivals such as the 2018 Honda Civic and the 2018 Mazda Mazda3. Although the Golf feels well-planted in most driving situations, there are more athletic hatchbacks on today’s market. If you prefer crisper handling, check out the sporty Volkswagen GTI.
2. So-So Performance in the Snow
When snowy weather arrives, the Golf may struggle at times. All versions of the hatchback come equipped with front-wheel drive. Although Volkswagen produces a high-performance Golf R model that provides four-wheel traction, it is in a different price class.
3. Boxy Styling May Not Appeal to Some
While some drivers love the Golf’s boxy design, there are others who will desire a sleeker look. Furthermore, VW doesn’t offer a long list of appearance upgrades.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Some of the primary competitors include the 2018 Honda Civic, the 2018 Mazda Mazda3, and the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. Although these rival hatchbacks have received a lot of positive reviews, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is arguably the smoothest-riding car in the segment. When compared to the Chevrolet Cruze, the Golf’s well-designed transmissions give it a key advantage. Meanwhile, the Mazda3 hatchback does not provide nearly as much rear-seat legroom.
Conclusion:
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf remains a worthy choice for anyone who is looking for an affordable daily-driver. A punchy base engine will also enable you to have a bit of fun on your commute to school or work. Because of its spacious interior and five-star safety rating, the new Volkswagen Golf proves to be a highly recommended family car.
