Volkswagen unveils new Golf variants

Giving ‘Golf’ a new meaning 

As the new Volkswagen Golf variants were unveiled in Volkswagen’s Bonifacio Global City Showroom, a non-motoring journalist asked me—“were these cars named after the sport golf?”

This question got me thinking about the etymology of this Volkswagen car.  After all, there are the Volkswagen Polo and Derby—both appearing to be sports-themed. Based on my research, there appears to be no conclusive evidence that the VW Golf was named after the sport. But just like the sport of golf, the VW Golf has gained its own following and popularity. It also has a prestigious history that dates back several decades.

The VW Golf has been manufactured in Germany since 1974. Since then, it has been one of the most popular and highest-selling Volkswagen models. Seven generations of the Golf were introduced over the last four decades. It is also multi-awarded—the Golf is a two-time winner of the European Car of the Year and the Car of the Year in Japan in 2013-2014.

When the Golf GTI was introduced in the Philippines in 2015, it offered a car that was fun, exciting yet suited for everyday driving. It was well-received by Filipinos.  A year since then, Filipinos have new reasons to be excited about the VW Golf.

Last April 19, Volkswagen hosted the VW’s Golf Editors’ Night where two new members of the Golf brand were unveiled—the Golf Highline 1.4 TSI DSG and the Golf Comfortline 1.4 TSI DSG. I was one of the privileged few to get a first glimpse, as Volkswagen’s Chief Operating Adviser Klaus Schadewald introduced us to their features.

Both variants are powered by a 1.4-liter TSI Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a Blue Motion Start/Stop system managed by a 7-speed DSG. That engine produces a maximum output of 150ps at 5,000 rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, ensuring fuel efficiency without compromising on power.

Standard features for both models include Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), seven airbags, Engine Drag Torque Control (MRS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS, and a Regenerative Braking System. They are available in several exterior colors: Pure White, Sunset Red Metallic, Limestone Grey and Deep Black Pearl. An additional option for the Golf Comfortline is Pacific Blue color.

Exclusive to the Golf Highline are Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washer and LED daytime running lights, dynamic headlight range adjustment with dynamic cornering lights, and an auto headlight activation with separate daytime running lights.  Its interiors have “Vienna” leather seats and a Climatronic 2-zone air-conditioning system with rear A/C vent.

The new members of the Golf are expected to be among Volkswagen’s bestsellers, according to VW Philippines President and CEO John Philip Orbeta. 

Mr. Orbeta’s foresight seems to be well-founded, as he explained, “Both the younger set of Filipino car buyers, as well as the older ones, will surely take a keen interest in this lineup, because the brand heritage transcends generations. To put it simply, having fun while you’re behind the wheel knows no age.”

The two Golf variants also have accessible price points. The Golf Highline 1.4 TSI DSG is at P1.73 million, while the Golf Comfortline 1.4 TSI DSG retails for P1.59 million.

I still haven’t resolved the question of whether the Golf is named after the sport.  But I realized that to link its identity to a sport or anything else may be a disservice to the VW Golf, since it has made a name for itself and is a category all by itself.

As Mr. Orbeta said of the VW Golf, “the cars themselves offer the same level of ride and drive confidence the Golf has been known for since it first rolled out of the assembly lines in Germany in 1974.”

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Atty. Karen Jimeno is a lawyer licensed to practice in the Philippines and New York.  She co-anchors for New Day on CNN Philippines Mondays to Fridays, 6-7:30AM. She is also an avid motorist who incorporates different cars and her driving experiences into her professional life.