2018 Volkswagen Golf SE TSI 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

A perky, comfortable, smooth, quiet go cart. Technically, it's a Golf 7.5

Faults:

Nothing; it's been flawless so far.

General Comments:

I've always had great luck with VW, despite what some say. Initially I thought all the bells and whistles seemed frivolous. Now they're indispensable - the blind spot monitor and backup camera in particular.

Very comfortable, understated and classy interior - like a baby Audi for tightwads. The "leatherette" upholstery is super sturdy and easy to clean, as is the entire cabin. A/C is decent but not glacial(I live in Florida). There's (miraculously) a CD player. It's slightly awkward being in the glove box. At least it has one though, for old luddites like me.

Handles like it's on rails, compliant ride, yet you feel the road without being beaten up. I can steer it with a pinky finger for laughs.

Quiet and solid as a luxury make. Engine is very perky for 28 MPG city with virtually no turbo lag.

Great stereo and infotainment - straightforward with no glitches so far.

Gunmetal exterior is understated, cohesive, and untrendy. I love that it won't look tacky, garish, or laughable a decade from now like some cars. These cars continue to have no nonsense, purposeful styling.

I'm fairly certain this will be my favorite car I've ever owned. That includes even my beloved, handed down (thanks mom) Peugeot 505 I had as a teenager.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2020

8th Jun 2021, 15:42

The TSI engines are a horror in the long term. Failures and incredibly difficult access for repair. Have a look at this video showing a 2.0 TSI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKr4NB6Ng-g

In reply to 8th Jun 2021, 15:42

26th Apr 2025, 22:49

Thanks, how long is considered "long term"? I have an extended warranty (as well as the 7 year/70K included one. I hardly ever drive, the mileage is ridiculously low.

In reply to 26th Apr 2025, 22:49

30th Apr 2025, 22:26

Just keep it properly serviced, use good quality fuel, and be as sympathetic with the engine and gearbox when driving, as best as you can. And as with any car, be alert to unusual things like leaking coolant from a pin hole on the hoses. VWs of course are not Toyotas. But there are many out there which keep running. There must be enough of these cars, including Renaults, Peugeots and Fiats that aren't as troublesome for people to keep buying them, that their makers are still alive (well, Fiat, we'll see).

2018 Volkswagen Golf Trendline 1.6 TDI from Serbia

Summary:

Dull

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

The car looks like a car; no more, no less. The overall package is barely what would be considered "standard" in 2018, with no thought going into the interior design; apparently they charge you extra for that.

The ride is very comfortable, but cornering is not its strong suit. The engine seems adequate to get you around, but it doesn't give you any joy in driving. The soundproofing is top notch, so you cannot tell it is a diesel at all from outside. The rear seats are comfy and fit adults nicely. Small boot.

Interior is drab, dull, spartan. If VW would invest just a little bit in designers to redo the interior, maybe you can have a car that appeals to fun loving young people. This way it is just a thing to get you from A to B; it is not something you drive, or even get into for fun.

Overall an adequate car; no more, no less. For the same amount of money you can buy something that may elicit a positive emotion when you sit in it, or a much larger car, with the same reliability.

How long will VW sell us the same regurgitated design?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2018

1st Aug 2018, 19:44

Not just VW, to be fair a lot of modern cars are like this - dull. I think it is because they all do everything much the same and are not that different from one car to the next, despite being from various manufacturers from across the world.

Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, VW Golf - all cars in the same class and all very similar. 20 or 30 years ago the same cars in the same class had vast differences. Of course the modern ones are better, but cars with significant character and individual appeal are long gone.

View 15 more comments