2021 Volkswagen Golf Review: Not The New One

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most important and iconic vehicles ever produced. Currently in its seventh generation, the compact hatchback has always been one of the most successful vehicles for the German brand and for the savvy buyer. It's affordable, comfortable, practical, and in keeping with the times. Or is it? While Europe and some other markets are already getting their first taste of the eighth-generation vehicle, we have to wait a bit longer. This means that rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 are in better positions than ever to usurp the king of the segment. Can the aging Mk. 7 Golf with its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-pot making 147 horsepower still maintain its crown?

What's the Price of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The Volkswagen Golf's price is unchanged for the 2021 model year, with the manual base model asking for a price of $23,195 before the $920 destination charge. The automatic is just $800 dearer, with an MSRP of $23,995. The car comes fully loaded as standard, and you won't spend anything on upgrading the vehicle itself. However, some accessories like roof racks and all-weather mats may be worth considering if you plan to use this as a light adventure vehicle.

Handling and Driving Impressions

From the point of view of sporty, spirited driving, the regular Volkswagen Golf hatchback isn't nearly as good as its Japanese competitors. This is due to its prioritization of comfort, and for the masses, that's the correct direction to go in. That also doesn't mean that the Golf is a lazy, wallowing hatch. It's still got pretty sharp and accurate steering, decent brakes, and a suspension setup that doesn't exaggerate body roll. Its ability to absorb small and medium bumps with aplomb is part of what makes it an attractive option in the segment, although some mid-corner corrugations can make the ride a little less composed. Still, as a fun city car and a long-distance cruiser, the Golf won't offend anyone. There's also a remarkably low level of tire and wind noise when you're on the freeway, and it's these small details that distinguish the German way of doing a hatch as opposed to most Japanese alternatives.

Verdict: Is the 2021 VW Golf A Good car?

The Volkswagen Golf is aging, but it is doing so gracefully. It's still an attractive, safe, comfortable car that does all you really need. The manual gearbox can make the car fun to drive and the diminutive engine under the hood - although not fire-spitting - is more than adequate for the task set for it. The Golf is also well-equipped as standard and is no less affordable than it was for the 2020 variant. Economy and safety ratings are good too, and the cabin is both spacious and ergonomic. However, that's not always enough. We really like this car, and it used to be above reproach. It is to its segment what the BMW 3 Series and Mazda MX-5 Miata are to theirs - the class-leader. Unfortunately, its rivals are more advanced and more in keeping with the times, and unless you care little for tech, other options are certainly worth a test drive - especially those originating from the Land of the Rising Sun.

What Volkswagen Golf Model Should I Buy?

Since the 2021 Golf is only available in a single trim level and comes fully specced as standard, your choices are essentially limited to the type of transmission you like and some minor accessories. We recommend the manual as it saves you some cash and is more engaging to drive. It also makes the little lump under the hood feel a little bit more exciting. This is up to personal preference, though, and the automatic transmission option isn't inherently bad either. Additionally, we do recommend sticking with the black interior as the beige alternative looks very old-fashioned - something this car really doesn't need.