4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
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4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Golf is known for its punchier fun to drive nature, although it is not as mightier as the GTI trim but it still pushes the thrill on the roads. Over the past few years, it has remained one of the most recognizable and iconic cars in the world. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4 cylinder engine the Golf churns out 147 hp which is 90 hp less than the Golf GTI the vehicle does its duty well.
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf features minor changes from the 2020 model and comes with a starting price of $23,195. The 2021 Golf hatchback retains the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Golf comes with a manual transmission as standard and the automatic transmission will cost you an extra $800. The 2021 Golf GTI gets the slightly more powerful 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine at an MSRP of $29,590.
The Golf R is expected to launch by the end of 2021 with a more powerful 315 hp engine. The 2021 Golf features minor changes to the interior with an updated infotainment system and other key features. With a major overhaul scheduled for the coming year. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf rivals the likes of Honda Civic Hatchback, Hyundai Veloster, and the Toyota Corolla.
The car has only 2 trims to offer and the only difference between the two is the transmission, one is manual and the other is automatic, so it’s totally one's choice to choose the trim they want. Apart from a powerful turbocharged engine, it packs many features like Adaptive cruise control, rear traffic alert, VW car-net security, and all safety features that a hatchback can have at this price point.
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
Volkswagen Golf is known for its punchier fun to drive nature, although it is not as mightier as the GTI trim but it still pushes the thrill on the roads. Over the past few years, it has remained one of the most recognizable and iconic cars in the world. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4 cylinder engine the Golf churns out 147 hp which is 90 hp less than the Golf GTI the vehicle does its duty well.
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf features minor changes from the 2020 model and comes with a starting price of $23,195. The 2021 Golf hatchback retains the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Golf comes with a manual transmission as standard and the automatic transmission will cost you an extra $800. The 2021 Golf GTI gets the slightly more powerful 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine at an MSRP of $29,590.
The Golf R is expected to launch by the end of 2021 with a more powerful 315 hp engine. The 2021 Golf features minor changes to the interior with an updated infotainment system and other key features. With a major overhaul scheduled for the coming year. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf rivals the likes of Honda Civic Hatchback, Hyundai Veloster, and the Toyota Corolla.
The Volkswagen Golf TSI and the race track-oriented VW Golf GTI are the only available trims now. The one we are reviewing here is the VW Golf TSI that hosts a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It comes standard with many features like a multifunction steering wheel, keyless access, and many more. The Golf TSI gets a front-wheel-drive system costing $23,195 for the manual transmission and $23,995 for the automatic transmission. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI starts at an MSRP of $29,590 and comes with a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Trim |
Golf TSI |
---|---|
MSRP (MT) (FWD) |
$23,195 |
MSRP (AT) (FWD) |
$23,995 |
Key Features |
6.5-inch glass Touchscreen Display |
Keyless access with push-button start |
|
SiriusXM All Access |
|
VW Car-Net Security |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
|
Rear Traffic Alert |
|
60/40 Split-folding rear seats |
|
Automatic Post Collision Braking System |
|
Seven Stability-enhancing Systems |
Two different variants are available for the Golf, one is mated with manual transmission and the other is mated with automatic transmission, it is totally one choice to go with whatsoever trim while both offer punchier performance with the well-calibrated transmission unit. However, the automatic version is fuel-efficient but does not offer an engaging drive like the manual unit.
The car has only 2 trims to offer and the only difference between the two is the transmission, one is manual and the other is automatic, so it’s totally one's choice to choose the trim they want. The powerful turbocharged engine does give the 2021 Golf a little excitement to drive. It also packs many features like Adaptive cruise control, rear traffic alert, VW car-net security, and all safety features that a hatchback can have at this price point.
"Unlike its sportier fraternal twin—the zippy GTI—the regular Golf boasts a compliant ride that won't grow tiresome during long drives or on rough pavement." - Car and Driver
Powering the Golf is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces a decent amount of power. The 2020 model of the Golf is having an fwd setup and uses a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission; the same will be continued in the 2021 variant too. Coming to the power it produces, this engine delivers 147 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The hatchback has decent figures of power and torque output, however, the performance-oriented GTI trim adds 90 more horses from the turbocharged 2.0L engine.
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Golf |
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback |
2021 Hyundai Veloster |
2021 Toyota Corolla |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$23,195 |
$21,650 |
$18,900 |
$22,290 |
Engine |
1.4L turbocharged inline four-cylinder |
1.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder |
2.0L Inline Four-Cylinder |
2.0L inline four-cylinder |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed manual w/od, 7-speed auto w/od manual |
6-Speed Manual with OVERDRIVE |
Power |
147 hp @ 5,000 RPM |
174 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
147 hp @6,200 RPM |
169 hp @ 6,600 RPM |
Torque |
184 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM |
162 lb-ft @ 1,700 RPM |
132 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM |
151 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
0-60 (seconds) |
7.6 |
8.2 |
8.8 |
8.3 |
Quarter-Mile (seconds) |
15.9 |
14.7 |
16.6 |
16.4 |
Top Speed (MPH) |
139 |
125 |
120 |
112 |
60-0 (feet) |
129 |
115 |
N/A |
125 |
The Golf is the one with the smallest engine in the segment and also the one which produces the least power however the torque figures of the Golf are the highest. The Honda Civic is the most powerful in the segment. Higher torque figures at lower rpm translate to sprint and punchier acceleration. The Volkswagen Golf sprints from 0-60 mph in just 7.6 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile mark in 15.9 seconds. Being not so good in terms of performance and engine power output these figures are far better than all its close rivals.
The Volkswagen Golf has got disc brakes on all 4 wheels. The braking performance of this car won’t disappoint anyone when on an open road. The feel of the pedals are nice and they feel sure-footed at all times too. Being the lightest vehicle in the segment the Golf takes the lead in terms of the fastest car in the segment. None in the competition cross the 8-second mark. Coming to the braking part the brake is least powerful and takes the longest to come to a halt.
This 1.4-liter turbocharged engine has an EPA estimated 29 in the city, 36 on the highway, and 32 mpg combined with the automatic. The 2021 Golf hatchback has a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons and it will give you about 416 miles of driving when on a full tank and with the automatic variant. The manual variant comes with an EPA estimated 29/39/33 mpg city/highway/combined.
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Golf |
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback |
2021 Hyundai Veloster |
2021 Toyota Corolla |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
29 |
31 |
27 |
28 |
MPG (Highway) |
36 |
40 |
34 |
37 |
MPG (Combined) |
32 |
34 |
30 |
33 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
13.2 |
12.4 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) |
382/475/416 |
359/434/396 |
356.4/448.8/396.0 |
369/488/409 |
The Honda Civic Hatchback and the VW Golf perform the best in terms of fuel economy. The Civic edges out the Golf with a 34 mpg combined. The Hyundai Veloster has the worst fuel economy in the range with a fuel economy of 27/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined.
"Plain but comfortable and functional, the Golf's interior perfectly embodies VW's design ethos." - Car and Driver
The interior of the 2021 VW Golf comes standard with a lot of features and the interior is a meritable point of the Golf. The major highlight of the interior is the use of touchpads instead of buttons, even the climate and volume controls have got the touchpad underneath the infotainment screen. This new update in the car has fewer buttons and is bound to raise a mixed response. The 2021 Golf also comes with a heated, leather-curved, and engaging steering wheel, V-Tex Leatherette upholstery. There are not any additional packages that the brand provides to choose from to make the interior more class or premium.
Seating in this hatchback is a bit of work, fitting 3 adults in the rear will prove to be uncomfortable over long distances, legroom is quite generous in the front and the seating in the front is also comfortable as the credit goes to the multi-way manually-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, also the seats come heated to make your chilly day warm. The visibility from the driver seat is adequate and the massive doors of the 2021 Golf provide hassle-free ingress and egress. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback offers decent space on the inside but lacks behind the competition because of its small size.
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Golf |
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback |
2021 Hyundai Veloster |
2021 Toyota Corolla |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Front (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
38.4/55.9/41.2 |
39.3/56.9/42/3 |
36.9/56.0/42.6 |
38.4/53.9/42.0 |
Rear (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
38.1/53.9/35.6 |
37.4/55.0/36.0 |
35.9/54.3/34.1 |
37.6/54.5/29.9 |
Trunk Space (cu-ft) | 17.4 | 11.9 | 19.9 | 13.1 |
The interior dimensions and seating capacity of the car have upgraded, the car stands head-to-head with its competition. It is more spacious than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as it has got 22.8 cubic feet of trunk. The Volkswagen Golf has now got a whole touch screen and opened up many arrays to a detailed infotainment system. The infotainment comes with both 8” and 10” touch screens. The car has also got an amazing voice assistance system features the 10” screen comes with Alexa and also Volkswagen's “Hello Volkswagen”.
Apart from offering full smartphone iteration from standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car is not that entertaining in the infotainment system. The car offers HD radio and one USB-C input and a six-speaker audio system is equipped in the car and as well as Bluetooth. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:
The VW Golf is one of the dependable and conservative hatchbacks in the industry, it looks different from the Mk7 but in the end, it’s Golf. However the car has not got any obvious changes, starting with the car’s new front fascia, the new matrix LED headlights which come with 22 individual LEDs per headlight.
It is a Golf only but looks closely and one can notice a new wheel design, a new C-pillar plus, and coming to the rear there is a pair of new angular IQ headlights. The car also gets 16-inches alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard; however, the 16-inch alloys put the car behind the competition as the rivals of the Golf offer 18-inch alloys as standard on higher trims.
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Golf |
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback |
2021 Hyundai Veloster |
2020 Toyota Corolla |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,939 |
2,901 |
2,855 |
3,060 |
Length (inches) |
167.6 |
177.9 |
166.9 |
172.0 |
Width (inches) |
70.8 |
70.8 |
70.9 |
70.5 |
Height (inches) |
58.2 |
56.5 |
55.1 |
57.1 |
Ground Clearance (inches) |
5.4 |
5.1 |
5.6 |
5.1 |
Wheelbase (inches) |
103.8 |
106.3 |
104.3 |
103.9 |
The Golf is the lightest with the shortest and tall compact in the list. VW has got decent ground clearance and beats w of its competition except for the Hyundai Veloster. There is a phrase that is mostly used for the Volkswagen Golf is “The Toy Car” the car is designed in a way that many think this car looks like a toy car however it is surely not.
The NHTSA awarded the 2020 VW Golf with a 5-star overall safety rating and when tested by IIHS, it scored top marks of good in five out of 6 categories. VW has now made all safety features standard which was earlier optional.
Some of the standout safety features are as follows:
The Honda Civic is more comfortable and provides more cargo space than the Golf, but the Golf provides better performance and is quicker than the Civic. Also, the handling and driving dynamics of the Golf are better than the Civic. Both are offered at nearly the same price but the Golf provides more value for money.
2021 Volkswagen Golf vs 2021 Hyundai Veloster
The 2021 Golf is more expensive than the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. The Golf stands out with its better fuel economy and more room inside the cabin. The Golf also offers a much better warranty package than the Hyundai. The Hyundai Veloster is more compact than the Golf and there is less space inside the cabin.
While having more power than the VW Golf, the Toyota Corolla comes at the cost of a stiffer ride which fiddles the driving dynamics and offers average handling when compared to that of the Golf. Providing the least luggage space takes the term “Practicality” from the Corolla. Being offered at an expensive price than that of the Toyota Corolla the Golf is a better choice.
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf car is affordable and practical too. Even though it’s a bit more expensive at a price of $23,195, it surely is value for money. However, in some departments, It does not perform as well as the competition. The 2021 Golf looks amazing from the outside. The brand has made it more charismatic. Overall the Golf is surely a better choice than the competition. But for those who want the excitement, you will be better suited for the Golf GTI.