The timeless design of the Golf carries forward to 2019, with rumours circulating that the 2020 model year will bring the full redesign. Why change what works though? Volkswagen has long been known for their modest exterior designs that stay current throughout time, and the 2019 VW Golf is no different.
With so many variations of the VW Golf, from the base four door compact hatchback or the four wheel drive wagon version (Alltrack), to the performance models (GTI & R) and even an all electric model, there’s an option to suit everyone.
ENGINE & DRIVE
New for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a smaller 1.4L turbo four cylinder engine, outputting out 147hp. This engine comes from the Jetta line up and while it’s less powerful than the previous engine, it still propels the 2019 Golf around town without issue. Drivers always have the option to upgrade to the Golf GTI for a sportier performance with a more powerful engine (or the Golf Rfor extreme performance). The new 1.4L engine for the 2019 Golf is paired with either a six speed manual transmission or a new 8 speed automatic transmission.
Without wasting the previous year’s engine, the 2019 Golf Alltrack carries over the same engine as the previous year VW Golf, which comes in the form of a 1.8L four cylinder turbo charged engine outputting 170hp. The 2019 Golf Alltrack also pairs its 1.8L engine with either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive. The Alltrack is definitely meant to tackle the outdoors more seamlessly, with greater power, a higher ground clearance and AWD.
Both the 2019 Golf and 2019 Golf Alltrack deliver a very civilized ride, with precise steering, tight handling, zippy accelerations and an overall smooth and quiet performance. The higher up the sporty Golf line up you go, the higher the hp and the louder the roar of the exhaust.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR
The elegant exterior of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf has held up well throughout the years and never appeared outdated even to this day. The refined and simple design approach has definitely helped in keeping a timeless design, which is VW’s style for most of their vehicles. While the design may be refined, it’s by no means boring. Sharp lines, great proportions, a pleasing shape and just the right amount of chrome creates a visually appealing exterior without any of the modern day excessive flair.
The conservative, yet elegant exterior styling of the 2019 Golf has helped keep the design current, while many other brands are going for the bolder, flashier look. With a full design being rumoured for the 2020 model year Golf, it will be interesting to see if Volkswagen stays true to their design language going forward.
Subscribing to a similar design philosophy as the exterior, the interior of the 2019 Golf is elegant, simple yet refined and pleasing to the eyes. The ergonomic interior focuses on the driver and all the controls are intuitively placed so the driver can easily access them. Two large round gauges are set behind the comfortable steering wheel, which has a flat bottom and additional padding at 10 and 2 for a perfect feel in the hands. Although the 2019 Golf is considered a compact car, the interior is actually quite spacious in both the Golf and Alltrack models.
Both our testers came with a two tone white leather interior, which along with the full length sunroof, really helps to brighten up the cabin while creating an overall elegant look. A nice large touchscreen adorns the dash, while buttons and knobs remain to control some of the more commonly used features like the climate and seat heaters.
Both the 2019 Golf and 2019 Golf Alltrack continue to offer lots of headroom and a high roofline, ideal for taller people. The seats lower quite a bit and are comfortable yet supportive for both short and long trips.
Lastly, it has to be mentioned that the Golf is a high quality, well built vehicle, with much attention to detail. Great materials are used in the interior and a tell-tale sign of quality are the thick doors that when closed you can really hear the robustness of the vehicle!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2019 Golf and Golf Alltrack are no doubt fun vehicles to drive and offer a lot in terms of practicality, elegance and timeless design. This great balance has helped the Golf continue to be one of the best selling vehicles of all time. It has the highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and offers a wide array of models based on what type of performance you’re looking for. The 2019 Golf starts at $22,500 and the 2019 Golf Alltrack starts at $31,200 and both offer great value for money!
