2017 Golf 7.5: Which spec is best for you?

While it’s not an all-new model, the Volkswagen Golf 7.5 represents a significant upgrade from the Golf 7, while maintaining its reputation for quality and excellent handling.

The Golf’s turbocharged petrol and diesel engines perform strongly and are fuel efficient. Its 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol 110TSI, which produces 110kW/250Nm, is the most common engine option that is available across the non-performance hatch and wagon models – a 2-litre 110kW/340Nm four-cylinder diesel mill is also available, but only in the range-topping Highline trim.

While it doesn’t quite have the oomph of the 2.0-litre engines in the performance GTI and R models, the 1.4-litre mill does fit well with the car’s responsive steering and great handling to deliver a zippy and enjoyable ride.

Golf hatchbacks boast a sizeable 380 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, which extends to 1270 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down, whereas the wagon holds 605-litres which expands to 1620 litres.

Variants

The Golf 7.5 is available as a hatch or wagon in six main variants starting with the 110TSI hatch which retails at $23,990 for the six-speed manual. The 110TSI with seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission attracts another $2500.

The hatch-only 110TSI model comes standard with 8-inch infotainment screen with reversing camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, cruise control, speed limiter, cloth seats, leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic emergency braking, driver fatigue alert, tyre pressure sensors, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, and heated power-adjustable external mirrors.

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The 110TSI Trendline is available as a hatch and wagon with the latter only available with the dual-clutch auto. The extra $1000 brings auto headlights, auto windscreen wipers, front-seat lumbar support, front and rear parking sensors, and fold down armrest for the rear seat with cupholders.

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The 110TSI Comfortline has no manual hatch version and comes premium cloth trim and bit more interior bling as well as voice controlled satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys with sportier lower profile tyres.

The 110TSI Highline tops the 1.4-litre petrol models and is also an auto-only affair with additional luxuries such as leather cabin and seat trim, heated and power-adjustable front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat and external mirrors, keyless entry, LED headlights, and sunroof.

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There is also a turbo diesel 110TDI Highline hatch and wagon, which has the same features but is powered by a gutsy 2-litre 110kW/340Nm oil burner.

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Golf 7.5 pricing

• 110TSI manual hatch- $23,990
• 110TSI auto hatch - $26,490
• 110TSI Trendline manual hatch $25,490
• 110TSI Trendline auto hatch - $27,990
• 110TSI Trendline auto wagon - $29,990
• 110TSI Comfortline auto hatch - $29,990
• 110TSI Comfortline auto wagon - $31,990
• 110TSI Highline auto hatch - $35,990
• 110TSI Highline auto wagon- $37,990
• 110TDI Highline auto hatch - $38,490
• 110TDI Highline auto wagon - $40,490

Our Pick

They’re all good, and you can’t go wrong with the 110TSI powertrain, which provides the same performance and handling across all its variants, meaning you’ll only have to choose between pricing, equipment levels, and practicality.

That said the entry-level Golf 110TSI is great little package, though you’ll need to go up to the other models if you want to add options such as the Driver Assistance or Infotainment packages.

If you're looking for the sweet spot it would have to be the 110TSI Comfortline with the Driver Assistance and Infotainment packages.

Available options

• Driver Assistance Package: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert (Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline) - $1500
• Infotainment Package: Includes active info display dashboard and premium sound system (Comfortline and Highline) - $2300
• R-Line Package: Includes premium sports interior and exterior trim, Vienna leather upholstery, 18-inch Sebring alloy wheels (Highline) - $2500
• Premium paint - $500