Practical Caravan

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0 TDI 115PS LIFE

Price £24,900 Kerbweight 1380kg

What’s new?

Volkswagen calls the Golf mk8 a “digital revolution”. The VW’s dashboard is entirely digital, with no conventional instruments, even on entry-level vehicles.

What’s more, this is the first VW to use Car2X technology, which shares information between cars to warn of potential hazards ahead. In addition, there have been changes in the design and the engines, with a view to cutting emissions and using less fuel.

We’re testing the 115hp 2.0-litre TDI Life with a six-speed manual gearbox.

What are we looking for?

You can see what VW means by a digital revolution when you sit inside the car and see a screen in front of you instead of dials. But has VW concentrated too much on infotainment and connectivity? Is the car itself a standard-bearer, or has VW’s digital ambition come at the expense of evolving other aspects of the Golf?

Towing ability

The in-car tech might be very different, but in other respects, VW has played it safe with the new Golf. To look at, drive and tow with, the mk8 is clearly an evolution

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