Fast facts
- Model: 2016 Golf SE - Exterior color: Tungsten Silver Metallic - Interior color: Black - Engine: 1.8-liter, four-cylinder - Horsepower: 170 - Transmission: six-speed automatic - Fuel economy: 36 mpg highway, 25 mpg city - Local Dealer: Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga - Price (as tested): $26,045
The interior of the VW Golf is upscale and functional.
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The VW Golf SE darts through Chattanooga's morning traffic like a guppy. From its pulse-quickening acceleration to its razor-sharp steering, the Golf is an eager playmate.
Of all the products offered by Volkswagen, the Golf - and its siblings the sporty GTI and Sportwagen - represents the sweet spot in the lineup, offering top safety scores, impressive fuel economy and loads of driving fun.
With our access to twisting mountain roads, it's easy to turn a turbocharged Golf into a thrill ride. I pointed our little pocket-rocket up a mountain road the other day, and what is normally an uphill slog became the most fun I've had in an automobile in years.
While Americans have never really embraced the hatchback model, some would do well to shed their oversized SUVs for something more along the lines of the fun-to-drive Golf, the sportier VW GTI or the roomy Sportwagen.
There's something about the Golf that feels like a category all its own. With its long list of amenities, strong 1.8-liter turbocharged engine and composed ride, the Golf feels like a bargain-priced Audi. What's more, 2016 models like our tester are being offered at reduced prices now to make way for 2017s in the pipeline. It's a good time to pick up a Golf for thousands off the manufactured sales price. The local VW dealership is Village Volkswagen at 6001 International Drive.
Our mid-trim Tungsten Silver Golf TSI SE tester is a sweet package with a manufacturers suggested retail price of $26,045 before discounts. Rated at 38 mpg highway and 25 mpg city, it's also easy on the pocketbook when it comes time to fill up at the pump.
STYLING AND FEATURES
The Golf's generic exterior styling is certainly not going to turn any heads. The 17-inch alloys on our test car do help give the hatch an athletic stance, but its profile is otherwise unremarkable.
The Tungsten Silver Metallic paint is a good choice for the Golf, and pairs well with the black leatherette upholstery. The dash is flat and unobtrusive, and switches and dials are easy to operate.
Everything about the Golf feels well-made and solid, and the overall aesthetic is design following function. That's what makes the car such a pleasure to drive. VW makes no compromises merely to improve the car's optics.
Some things I love are the oversized windshield, the chrome Fender speakers in the A-pillars and the unfussy interior design that creates a sense of calm.
A few pet peeves: the side mirrors are quite small, the satellite radio reception is spotty, and the absence of a power lift-gate on a $26,000 vehicle is a little disappointing.
The SE trim is a good choice for most buyers and features a sunroof, automatic transmission, fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless ignition, heated front seats, navigation and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Move up to the SEL and you'll get larger 18-inch wheels and dual zone climate controls. A driver's assist package includes rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert and automated parking.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Two virtues stand out in the Golf driving experience: quietness and handling. That's a potent one-two punch in the compact segment, which is better known for pedestrian driving dynamics.
Yes, the Golf costs a little more than the competition, but the added value is undeniable. The car's fit and finish is first rate, interior materials are near-luxury quality, and the power-train is more refined than anything else in the class. Most Golfs, including out tester, come with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that makes 170 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual transmission is optional.
The Golf SE clocks a zero-to-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Expansive windows make outward visibility impressive. Seats are firm and comfortable; and rear seat legroom is sufficient for most adults.
BOTTOM LINE
The real measure of a car is whether you look forward to sliding behind the wheel. If you value competence, quietness and performance over making a fashion statement, the Golf is an excellent choice.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.