1.4 TSI 125ps 6speed Match Edition 5dr Hatchback

VW quality and Golf familiarity....

Just into my second week of ownership. Sold my wonderful MK V Golf GT140 2.0TDi due to the incoming ULEZ. 11 years old and just 96k miles on the clock, the car was solid, well maintained and a joy to own and drive.....and it was a mighty motorway car.
My fear was that the MK VII 1.4 petrol would feel like a downgrade. At 125 HP it isn't too far behind the diesel but this is not comparing apples with apples as we all know.
I bought the Mk VII some 120 miles away from my home and so had a good chance to test it's performance credentials on the drive back. Being 2 generations newer than the MK V, the tech was more advanced and a very welcome addition. ACC, parking assist, hill hold assist, electric handbrake, touchscreen composition media, cornering lights, electric folding door mirrors and much more to enhance and distract.
The MK VII is a great looking car with sharp lines on the bodywork, new front/back light clusters, longer wheelbase, a high quality interior and unmistakably still a Golf.
The interior is apparently longer and wider and the roof is noticeably a bit lower than the MK V. It's also much quieter in the cabin than the V. The hatchback door is oddly heavier to lift than the MK V and the boot has an adjustable floor to give easier access or more room depending on your needs.
The driving position and general feel of the car was instantly familiar to my old one and this made it easy to just get in and drive. Performance in ECO was smooth & quiet but not exactly thrilling. Acceleration was sure and steady and the MPG in this mode got me to about 59 over the whole journey. Put the car in SPORT mode and there is a noticeable but not earth shattering boost to the acceleration but this is no GT Sport.
MPG in town and on my short commute on the A406 is getting me an average of 44.6 in ECO with a very frugal driving style. I imagine that when i start driving normally this could fall below 40 mpg.
The car is a joy to be in, even in traffic and whilst i am missing the performance, power and better mpg of the diesel, this car is not a complete compromise for me. It's still the car by which all others in it's class will be judged.

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