It's a driving staple. The Volkswagen Golf hatchback, currently in its eighth generation (eighth and a half), has long been a prudent option. School run? Need something? Grab a Golf. Commuting to work? Grab a Golf. Circumnavigating the world? A Golf would probably handle that too.

The Golf is the hatch world's common language. Although always current, each generation evolves and delivers few surprises. Its success depends on that. Golf buyers never had to answer, ‘You’ve bought a what?’

Same old, same old then

However, this is different. This generation Golf is at a crossroads. VW introduced the ID.3 to the market simultaneously. A mass-market electric automobile, the ID.3, is affordable (costlier to acquire but less to operate). A futuristic capsule powered by fresh energy: physically and symbolically.

Like Cutty Sark, the last great tea-clipper sailing ship, the Golf looks backward. A highly refined version of something the world may no longer need. It shares the MQB platform with the Mk7, resulting in little modifications to hardware and size. Instead, most suspension and powertrain upgrades are subtle.

The standard 1.5 four-cylinder TSI can reach 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid GTE can do the same in 6.6s. The standard Golf variants, including Estate, GTI, R, GTI Clubsport, and diesel GTD, are also available. Golf galore. 

Read also: Tips for Understanding Car Reliability Ratings

Which bits are new

This is the eighth and a half chunk we stated previously. The 2019 Mk8 was a reliable car, but its slow infotainment system and useless touch-sensitive buttons and sliders were frustrating. VW's technical head apologized in 2023, pledging not to sell another car with "thousands of problems" in the future. Ouch.

As the Golf turns 50, the makeover aims to address all of its flaws. VW's new MIB4 infotainment system, with a speedier processor and more intuitive menu, is front and center. The steering wheel has buttons instead of the capacitive ones on the pre-facelift Mk8, and the interior temperature and volume touch sliders are lit for nighttime use.

What are its key competitors

Examples of mainstream hatchbacks include Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Kia Ceed, Peugeot 308, Mazda 3, Renault Megane, BMW 1 Series, Honda Civic, and Hyundai i30. It shares a basis with the Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, and Audi A3.

The verdict

The Mk8.5's touchscreen still reigns, but the new system is better. Not much was wrong with the Mk7 Golf. When the Mk8 debuted, we missed the previous car's clear infotainment. The Mk8.5's touchscreen is still best, but the new system is better.

The remainder of the automobile is polished well. Improved steering, refinement, and safety. For a class-leading automobile, they all advance. A Style trim 148bhp TSi with a multi-link axle will make you giggle. VW doesn't expect Golf sales to drop for several years. ID.3 purchasers are usually from elsewhere, while Golf buyers remain to Golf. Not much will go wrong.