HAS THE MK7 LOST ITS SHINE? 

It was a crisp autumn morning when I first heard the distinctive growl of a Volkswagen GTI. As a teenager, I watched in awe as my neighbor's cherry red Mk5 GTI rolled down the driveway, its exhaust note a siren song of performance and practicality. That moment ignited a lifelong passion for the Golf family, leading me to this review of the Mk7 generation.

The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf, introduced in 2012, represents a significant evolution in the model's storied history. Available in standard Golf, GTI, and R variants, this generation offers something for every enthusiast and daily driver alike.

 

Starting with the base Golf, Volkswagen delivered a well-rounded hatchback that prioritizes comfort and efficiency. The Mk7's refined interior and improved fuel economy make it an excellent choice for urban commuters and small families. However, some may find its styling too conservative compared to more adventurous competitors.

 

The GTI, the heart of the Golf lineup, strikes a near-perfect balance between performance and practicality. With its punchy turbocharged engine and available manual transmission, the Mk7 GTI offers an engaging driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. The plaid seats – a nod to GTI heritage – add a touch of charm to the well-crafted interior. Critics might argue that the Mk7 GTI lacks the raw excitement of earlier generations, but its refined nature appeals to a broader audience.

 

At the top of the range, the Golf R brings all-wheel-drive performance to the table. With more power and traction than its siblings, the R is a formidable all-weather sports car disguised as a practical hatchback. However, its higher price point and subtler aesthetics may deter some buyers looking for more visual drama.

Compared to older generations, the Mk7 Golf family boasts significant improvements in technology, safety, and refinement. The infotainment system is more intuitive, while advanced driver aids bring the Golf line into the modern era. However, some enthusiasts argue that this polish comes at the cost of the raw, connected feeling found in earlier models.

 

Looking at newer generations, the Mk7 holds its own in terms of performance and quality. While the Mk8 offers more advanced tech and slightly improved performance, many enthusiasts prefer the Mk7's more traditional interior layout and exterior design.

 

Overall, the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf family represents a high watermark for the model. It successfully blends performance, practicality, and refinement, appealing to both die-hard enthusiasts and newcomers to the brand. While it may lack some of the visceral thrills of earlier generations, the Mk7's broad appeal and everyday usability make it a standout in the hot hatch segment.

 

IN WITH THE NEW: Mk8 Golf

The Volkswagen Golf family has long been a benchmark in the compact car segment, and the eighth generation (Mk8) continues this tradition while pushing the envelope in terms of technology and performance. This latest iteration, encompassing the standard Golf, the sporty GTI, and the high-performance Golf R, brings a host of improvements and changes that set it apart from its predecessors.

 

At first glance, the Mk8 Golf's exterior design is an evolution rather than a revolution. It retains the familiar hatchback silhouette but introduces sharper lines and a more modern aesthetic. The interior, however, is where the most significant changes are apparent. Volkswagen has embraced digitalization, replacing many physical buttons with a sleek touchscreen interface and digital gauge cluster. This new approach streamlines the cabin's appearance but may require an adjustment period for those accustomed to traditional controls.

 

Under the hood, the Mk8 Golf lineup offers improved powertrains across the board. The standard Golf, where available, provides efficient yet peppy performance suitable for daily driving. The GTI, the enthusiast's choice, sees a bump in power and torque, making it even more engaging to drive. The range-topping Golf R takes performance to new heights with increased horsepower and an advanced all-wheel-drive system that enhances both traction and agility.

 

Driving dynamics have always been a strong suit for the Golf family, and the Mk8 generation builds upon this foundation. The new models offer sharper handling, improved steering feel, and a more refined ride quality. The GTI and R variants, in particular, benefit from suspension tweaks and electronic differentials that elevate their performance capabilities.

However, the Mk8 Golf is not without its drawbacks. The aforementioned touch-based interior controls, while visually appealing, can be less intuitive and potentially distracting compared to physical buttons. Some users have reported occasional lag in the infotainment system, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the exterior styling, while modern, may be considered less distinctive than some competitors in the segment.

 

The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and R all represent a significant step forward in terms of technology and performance. They offer improved driving dynamics, more powerful and efficient engines, and a host of modern features. However, the shift towards a more digitalized interior may be polarizing for some users. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Golf family remains a compelling option in the compact car market, continuing to balance everyday practicality with driving enjoyment across its various models.

 

BY THE NUMBERS: Mk7 vs Mk8

 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

	Mk7 GTI	Mk8 GTI
Engine	2.0L turbocharged inline-4	2.0L turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower	220 hp (228 hp w/ Performance Pack)	241 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	273 lb-ft
0-60 mph	5.9 seconds	5.6 seconds
Top Speed	155 mph	155 mph
Transmission	6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG	6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
Curb Weight	3,031 lbs (manual)	3,113 lbs (manual)
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)	24/32 mpg	24/34 mpg
Front Brake Rotor Size	12.3 inches	13.4 inches
Wheel Size	18 inches (standard)	18 inches (standard)
Lateral G-force	0.95 g	0.98 g

 

 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R

Specification	Mk7 Golf R	Mk8 Golf R
Engine	2.0L Turbo I4	2.0L Turbo I4
Horsepower	292 hp	315 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
0-60 mph time	4.5 seconds	4.0 seconds
Top speed	155 mph	155 mph
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
	or 7-speed DSG	or 7-speed DSG
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Curb weight	3,340 lbs	3,417 lbs
Power-to-weight	11.4 lbs/hp	10.8 lbs/hp
Nürburgring lap time	8:15	7:51

 

Whether it ends up being a Golf or not, Zunn Performance has aftermarket parts and accessories for your car. From magnetic paddle shifters to fun car accessories, shop for it on Zunn Performance.

We carry magnetic paddle shifters for the Mk7 and Mk8 Golf range!