2019 Volkswagen Golf - What We Know So Far
We've become used to seeing modern cars launched with far fewer interior switches than their predeccessors, and this will also be the case with the new Golf. In fact, on high-end versions there should be almost no switches at all, with Volkswagen bosses describing the Golf's interior as a "total digital environment". That means you should expect a huge central touchscreen, similar to the one in the latest Volkswagen Touareg. But while this looks impressive, it should be noted that it's not the easiest of systems to use while driving. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that we currently recommend in the Golf will be carried over to the new car and sold as part of an expanded range of petrol and diesel engines. Many of the petrols will feature mild hybrid technology, where an electrically powered generator assists the engine to improve performance when accelerating away from traffic lights or overtaking. Crucially, too, the mild hybrid system can help to lessen the load on the engine and therefore lower fuel consumption emissions.
The new Tiguan does offer a smooth ride, though, which isn鈥檛 exactly a common quality in its class. The Volkswagen Tiguan makes do with a single available powertrain for MY 2019 which, however, comes in two different tunes. The long-wheelbase Tiguan gets 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, whereas the smaller model still squeezes out 200 ponies and 207 lb-ft. The difference is; the latter still relies on the previous generation鈥檚 technology, which might be phased out altogether in the following year. The good news, however, is that the new Tiguan benefits from an improved 8-speed transmission which diverts power to either the front or all four wheels. There鈥檚 not much the Germans could do to improve things, but including some active safety gear at a lower price would certainly be a step in the right direction. Introduced in 1974 and surviving through seven subsequent generations since, the compact Golf is the German automaker鈥檚 go-to car in, more or less, every market they do business in.
The seventh-generation Golf is nearing its end, though, which should make it less desirable. The 2019 Golf will be mostly carried over which usually translates to the powertrain department as well. Not this time around, however. Before the next-gen arrives (likely during MY 2020), the current models will ditch the old 170-horsepower 1.8L turbo four engine that鈥檚 already been replaced with a more contemporary 2.0L unit. 21,000 will use a 1.4L turbo four mill taken from the Volkswagen Jetta sedan. This will set them for a loss of almost 23 horsepower, but they鈥檒l boast a much better fuel economy in turn from now on. Both the SportWagen and Alltrack wagons are also offered with the outdated inline-four which pairs with either a correspondingly old 5-speed stick or a 6-speed auto. They too are scheduled for this unexpected engine swap. Furthermore, the mentioned 5-speed manual is finally being replaced with a 6-speed unit across the range, whereas the 6-speed automatic option gets replaced by a new 8-speed unit. 40,000. For that amount of money, the former offers up to 116 MPGe, while the latter delivers as much as 292 horsepower of sheer fun on wheels. The austere and somewhat neglected conventional models probably aren鈥檛 worthy of consideration at the moment, though, despite the recent powertrain updates, wheres the range-topping models simply cost too much.
Reviewers were impressed with the Volkswagen GTI鈥檚 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, saying that it鈥檚 quick to respond, with minimal turbo lag and a deep exhaust note. The 2012 GTI is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automated manual. Some test drivers said the automated manual shifts harshly at times, though the manual earned praise for making the GTI more fun to drive. The 2012 VW GTI gets up to an EPA-estimated 24/33 mpg city/highway, which is quite good for the class. Though some critics wished the suspension was a little firmer, they agreed that the GTI has precise steering and a more comfortable, composed ride than many performance-oriented competitors. Critics agreed that the 2012 Volkswagen GTI has a straightforward interior design and high-end materials. The GTI won points for its roomy and supportive front seats, and critics said that even very tall passengers will be pleased with the ample head- and legroom in the back seat. Folding the GTI鈥檚 rear seats opens up 46 cubic feet of cargo space, which is very good compared with other vehicles鈥?cargo areas in the class. Standard features include Bluetooth, satellite radio, iPod connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system. An upgraded sound system, push-button start, navigation, leather upholstery and a sunroof are available. Critics praised the 2012 Acura TSX for its controlled handling and comfortable, composed ride. The TSX also comes with more standard features than the GTI, including a moonroof and leather upholstery. Auto writers recommended the 2012 Audi A3 because of its lively base engine, controlled handling and composed ride. The A3 is also available with all-wheel drive, and reviewers appreciated its tasteful cabin design and premium materials.
