VW Pops up! Motor in Gen 8 Golf
Volkswagen has installed a tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder in the entry-level version of its latest generation Golf.
Clearly aimed at urban economy, the eighth-generation range opener will use a 107bhp version of the engine seen in both its supermini up! and the Polo. Yet despite the modest power output from the turbocharged gasoline unit, the automaker claims the car will still accelerate to 62mph from standstill 10.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 126 mph. It also claims he new engine results in the Golf being capable of returning up to 53.3mpg (44.3mpg US) on the combined WLTP cycle, while emitting as little as 121g/km of CO2.
This new engine will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and only with Life trim. A mild-hybrid version of this engine with standard dual clutch gearbox (DSG) will be available at a later date.
Walking up the range, other powertrains include two 1.5-liter gasoline engines and two 2.0-liter diesel units, while later the advanced 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid will made available. Standard equipment in the entry level car will include automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors with memory feature, and keyless start.
Inside there’s VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro with 10-inch screen into the car’s instrument binnacle, as well as a 10-inch Discover Navigation touch-screen infotainment system. Standard safety features include Car2X, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Driver Alert System, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Lane Assist and also Front Assist, with extended pedestrian protection measures.
Dale Piper, Golf product manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “Featuring the latest technology and highest levels of quality, along with class-leading efficiency, this new 1.0-liter option brings the possibility of new Golf ownership to even more people.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
