2019 Volkswagen Golf
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf family of hatchbacks and wagons has a model for most tastes. The compact Golf ranges from mild to wild in performance, with the Golf GTI marking the hot end of the spectrum. Last redesigned as a 2015 model, the Golf substitutes a 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine for the previous 1.8-liter in all hatchbacks, as well as front-drive SportWagens. The 1.8-liter version remains in all-wheel-drive wagons, including the Alltrack.
For 2019, the Golf SE is now available with a Driver Assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic high-beams, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Golf S gains forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Hatchbacks and SportWagens are offered in S and SE trim levels. Alltrack wagons add an SEL variant. Four GTI versions are offered.
The new 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine is rated at 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, driving either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive SportWagens and all Alltracks keep the 168-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbo-4.
In Golf GTI models, the 2.0-liter turbo-4 gets an 8-hp boost to 228 horsepower. The Golf R reaches all the way into performance with its 288-horsepower turbo-four, sending 280 pound-feet of torque to the ground through standard all-wheel drive. GTI and Golf R models can have a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Volkswagen's battery-powered e-Golf can travel about 125 miles on a full charge. A 35.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack works with an electric motor that develops 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. At a DC fast-charging station, the battery can charge to about 80 percent within an hour.
The Golf has performed well in crash-testing. The IIHS rated the 2019 model “Good” in each test, except “Acceptable” in the small-overlap test on the passenger's side. The NHTSA gave Golf a five-star rating overall and for side-impact, and four stars for frontal impact and for rollover prevention (a calculated figure).
Nearly all versions now come with collision-avoidance active-safety technology, including forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Those features are available in a $450 Driver Assistance package for other Golf models..
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Last redesigned as a 2015 model, the Golf substitutes a 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine for the previous 1.8-liter in all hatchbacks, as well as front-drive SportWagens. The 1.8-liter version remains in all-wheel-drive wagons, including the Alltrack.
For 2019, the Golf SE is now available with a Driver Assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic high-beams, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Golf S gains forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Hatchbacks and SportWagens are offered in S and SE trim levels. Alltrack wagons add an SEL variant. Four GTI versions are offered.
The new 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine is rated at 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, driving either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive SportWagens and all Alltracks keep the 168-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbo-4.
In Golf GTI models, the 2.0-liter turbo-4 gets an 8-hp boost to 228 horsepower. The Golf R reaches all the way into performance with its 288-horsepower turbo-four, sending 280 pound-feet of torque to the ground through standard all-wheel drive. GTI and Golf R models can have a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Volkswagen's battery-powered e-Golf can travel about 125 miles on a full charge. A 35.8-kwh lithium-ion battery pack works with an electric motor that develops 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. At a DC fast-charging station, the battery can charge to about 80 percent within an hour.
The Golf has performed well in crash-testing. The IIHS rated the 2019 model “Good” in each test, except “Acceptable” in the small-overlap test on the passenger's side. The NHTSA gave Golf a five-star rating overall and for side-impact, and four stars for frontal impact and for rollover prevention (a calculated figure).
Nearly all versions now come with collision-avoidance active-safety technology, including forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Those features are available in a $450 Driver Assistance package for other Golf models..
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| Engine | 1.4L I-4 |
| MPG | Up to 29 city / 37 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 147 @ 5000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 2,963 lbs |
