Volkswagen Golf 110TSI 2019 Review

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf remains a top-selling model for the Volkswagen brand and after getting reacquainted with it recently, it’s easy to see why. For as long as I can remember the Volkswagen Golf set a benchmark in the small hatch segment – it’s always been a cut above the rest. Sales figures suggest otherwise, however, the Golf's premium price tag tempting buyers to shop elsewhere.

In 2018 Volkswagen sold 19,076 examples of the Volkswagen Golf. It’s well short of its top selling segment rivals such as the Toyota Corolla (35,320), Mazda3 (31,065) and Hyundai’s i30 (28,188). And the year ended 2017 told a similar sales story, a significant gap between the top three and the Volkswagen.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf boasts an extensive equipment list and Euro substance its rivals cannot match. But, yes, you’ll pay more for that.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Comfortline 110TSI automatic sits in the middle of the Golf price spectrum, starting from $30,190 (plus ORCs). Available options include a Driver Assistance Package ($1500), Metallic paint ($500) and a Sound & Vision Package ($2300). The Golf 110TSI range commences with the manual Trendline priced from $25,290 and tops out with the automatic Highline priced from $36,490 – all plus ORCs.

Volkswagen offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and service intervals are scheduled for 12 months or every 15,000km whichever occurs first.

Because you crave European superiority and value design substance. Because you choose Diesel denim over Target denim. Because you like the ‘expensive gin’ in your G&T. Shall I go on?

On paper the 2019 Volkswagen Golf is not dissimilar to the previously mentioned top selling cars in its segment. In reality, there's more to it than the on-paper specification.

Standard equipment includes eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, satellite navigation, a rear-view camera with front and rear sensors all set within a lovely flush-fit infotainment screen with gesture controls. You also get a full suite of air bags (including driver’s knee), autonomous emergency braking and driver fatigue detection system adding to the Golf’s five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine (110kW/240Nm) is a gem, made better when paired to a quick shifting seven-speed gearbox. This is a key differentiator, particularly given the comparable Toyota Corolla ZR’s naturally aspirated/CVT combo (cheap gin) or even Mazda’s top spec Mazda3 SP25 that still falls one gear short of the Golf.

This zip under the metal translated to an average fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km for my week behind the wheel.

It’s the Hyundai i30 N Line that poses the biggest threat to the Golf. But there’s quite an emotional bridge that divides Hyundai and Volkswagen brands.

The other thing you’ll feel is the Golf’s cabin tactility – its buttons, dials and even its doors feel nice and solid in hand. Few segment rivals can match this.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is available now in a range of trim and engine specifications, including the as-tested 1.4-litre 110TSI, then stepping up to the 1.8-litre 132TSI found in the Golf Alltrack and topping out with the hero 2.0-litre turbo (213kW/380Nm) found in the Golf R.

The Golf appeals to me. I’m a little bit of a snob. Also, I appreciate the touch and feel of a quality build and would choose Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-shift gearbox over what the rivals have on offer. The steering is crisp and it handles with confidence.

Then there’s my family. The kids will be more than comfortable in the second row, which features an armrest with two cup holders and directional air vents. No charge points, but I never said it was perfect. The boot space (380-1270 litres) is respectable (the recently superseded Mazda3 hatch accommodates 308 litres) and split fold seats with through-load facility please me no end.

The Volkswagen Golf’s small proportions and thoughtful design make it able to please buyers young and old, single or families (to some extent) – but the common thread is they’ve all got a few more dollars at their disposal. It definitely feels like a sophisticated, grown-up car.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf officially sits within the small car segment (under $40k), which is home to around 29 vehicles, 10 of which completely dominate the sales figures. You’ll find hatchback and small sedans here, the Subaru Impreza, Holden Astra, Honda Civic and Kia Cerato joining the aforementioned rivals. This bunch are priced from as low as $21,490 for the entry-level Astra... so there’s quite a spread in price to consider.

I think if you compare the 2019 Volkswagen Golf 110TSI back to back with its several worthy rivals, you’ll understand its edge – both the tangible and the not-so. It’s never going to be the most affordable pick, but its longevity in an ever-evolving market speaks volumes. I’d happily drive one.

2019 Volkswagen Golf 110TSi Comfortline pricing and specifications:
Price: $30,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/240Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 128g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP