TSI S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback
2018 Volkswagen Golf

Much of what makes the Golf so good is the sweetest powertrain of its kind in the business. Its 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seamless six-speed automatic. (The base S model comes with a five-speed manual, and its engine makes less torque.) The Alltrack and all-wheel-drive SportWagen take either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Most of the changes for 2018 are in the packaging, the mixing of available equipment for each model, and it can be hard to follow. One thing you can see is new LED taillamps, and new infotainment available; one thing you can feel is 10 more horsepower in the front-wheel-drive GTI. Last year that 10 hp was available as an option called the Performance Package, but for 2018 GTI is already packaged with that performance. It comes with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic manual that's precise and crisp, the best in the business. VW invented the dual clutch, years ago, and hasn't lost the lead. They call it the DSG, for direct shift gearbox. Mechanically and internally, it's a manual transmission; but to the driver it's a super-sharp automatic.

Then there is the one and only Golf R, using the beefy Haldex all-wheel drive system to plant on the pavement a heady 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual, but for 2018 a new seven-speed dual-clutch is available. The Golf R is rival to the Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI.

The Golf S gets an EPA estimate of 25/36 City/Highway, or 29 Combined miles per gallon. Wagons with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic get the same 29 mpg. The GTI gets just a bit less, while the Golf R with its horsepower drops down to 22/31 mpg.

Last year the Golf was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with advanced safety features.
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