2016 Volkswagen Golf 92TSI Comfortline REVIEW | Brilliance In A Prestige Pocket
NOT QUITE IN SEVENTH HEAVEN, BUT CLOSE... THE HIGHLY-EVOLVED SEVENTH-GENERATION 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SITS IN A SPECIAL PLACE AMONG SMALL HATCHBACKS.
Now a couple of years old, but still a benchmark, Volkswagen has freshened up its class-leader with new infotainment features and a tiny 2kW lift in power.
It is also still well-priced: the entry-level 92TSI, for $22,990, and middle-tier $23,990 92TSI Trendline, come with a six-speed manual as standard, or, for $2500, you can opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The $27,990 92TSI Comfortline, however, comes ‘auto only’ with the seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
Add on-road costs and you’re looking at a $30k small hatchback. But, for quality and appeal, this car looks and feels every dollar asked in that pricetag.
Vehicle Style: Small hatch
Price: $27,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 92kW/200Nm 1.4 litre 4cyl turbo petrol | 7sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 5.4 l/100km | tested: 6.5 l/100km
OVERVIEW
A decade ago Australians were buying fewer small cars than today and, though the segment was rapidly gaining momentum, the hatchback landscape was much easier to sort out.
Back then the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla weren’t much chop, the Ford Focus and Mazda3 handled well but lacked polish, and the Golf was suave but expensive.