In 2024, Volkswagen celebrated a major milestone: 50 years of the Golf nameplate replacing the Beetle as Europe’s everyday icon. But in a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers, does the Golf still have a place—especially in South Africa, where the return of the “standard” Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI surprised many?

Contents

The Return of a Classic — Quietly
What’s New on the Outside?
A Much-Needed Interior Overhaul
Performance That Surprises
Verdict: For the Die-Hards

The Return of a Classic — Quietly

For South Africans, the arrival of the facelifted Golf 8.5 marks the return of a non-performance Golf for the first time since the end of the Mk 7.5 in 2019. Up to now, the GTI and R were the only Golfs available locally—a strategic limitation largely due to the country’s poor fuel quality, which prevents the newer performance models from being introduced before 2027.

So when Volkswagen reintroduced the “normal” Golf 8.5 powered by the familiar 1.4 TSI engine, many questioned the move—especially given that non-performance Golfs have historically lagged in sales compared to the hot-hatch siblings.

What’s New on the Outside?

Visually, the Golf 8.5 receives subtle yet effective tweaks. It features redesigned LED headlamps, a sleeker bumper, and a revised grille capped off with an illuminated logo bar. Around the back, slimmer LED taillights and a repositioned Golf badge give off Golf 7.5 vibes—a welcome nod to one of the nameplate’s most beloved iterations.

Despite lacking the flashiness of R-Line or GTI trimmings, the Golf 8.5 exudes a clean, premium feel. In some ways, its understated design works in its favor, projecting sophistication over aggression.

A Much-Needed Interior Overhaul

Inside, the facelift addresses the Mk 8’s biggest misstep: a poorly received infotainment and control interface. The controversial touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons are gone, replaced with tactile, physical controls. The new 12.9-inch infotainment screen running MIB4 software is intuitive and responsive, while the 10-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard across the range.

While some controls like the climate sliders remain touch-sensitive, they now include illumination, and usability is far better than before. Optional features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system elevate the cabin’s quality, though not all options feel justified in terms of value.

Despite the absence of heated or electric front seats, the Art Velour upholstery and generous legroom create a comfortable, upscale atmosphere. Boot space remains competitive at 381 litres, expandable to 1,237 litres with the rear seats folded.

Performance That Surprises

Under the hood is the tried-and-true 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110 kW and 250 Nm. Mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission—replacing the DSG due to local fuel constraints—it delivers a smooth and surprisingly eager drive. The gearbox, while not flawless, handles daily driving tasks without the jerkiness sometimes experienced in dual-clutch units.

The real surprise, however, is the ride quality. The suspension setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and composure, offering a planted yet supple drive even without sporty aspirations. Steering feedback is sharp and confident, making the Golf 8.5 feel nimble and engaging.

Fuel economy came in at an indicated 7.2 L/100 km during testing—higher than VW’s claim of 6.3 L/100 km, but still respectable for the segment.

Here’s where things get tricky. The Golf 8.5 Life+ starts at R604,500, but the test unit—with optional features like LED Plus headlights, I.Q. Drive Package, panoramic sunroof, towbar, and more—ballooned the price to R737,200.

This puts it above a GTI and dangerously close to entry-level premium SUVs, all without the performance or badge cachet those cars offer. For perspective, a fully loaded R-Line+ costs R49,100 less without any extras.

So, is it worth more than a GTI, R, or SUV?

Verdict: For the Die-Hards

The Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI doesn’t try to be a GTI or R—and that’s the point. It delivers where it matters: ride comfort, interior refinement, and everyday usability. It feels premium and solid in a way few compact hatchbacks do.

But its price tag makes it a niche offering. It’s a car for loyal Golf enthusiasts who want refinement without the showmanship of a performance badge—or the bulk of an SUV. If that’s you, the Golf 8.5 delivers in spades.

For everyone else? A GTI, Tiguan, or even a competitor might offer more excitement or practicality for the same (or less) money.

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