Volkswagen Golf Style Business eHybrid – a very positive experience

Test drive and text: Juha Remes

The Golf is one of the world’s most popular and best-selling cars. Like almost all car models, it has grown considerably in size since its debut in the 1970s.

The interior experience

The Golf blends seamlessly into traffic. Inside, the car feels straightforward and clean. At the centre of the dashboard sits a 10.2-inch trip computer displaying most of the car’s key functions. The test vehicle was comprehensively equipped.

The driver’s seat had electric adjustment and a massage function, though the passenger had to adjust theirs manually—perhaps not ideal for a Business-spec car. The side mirrors are styled for aerodynamic efficiency and the car is well-stocked with safety systems and driver assistance features.

Controls are within easy reach once you’re in the cabin. The steering wheel hosts the usual functions: cruise control, lane departure warning, radio and media controls, plus standard stalks. Front seat heating, air conditioning and media settings live on the trip computer—easy to locate. Behind the trip computer are many personalisation options.

I would have preferred traditional controls for the seat heaters and radio volume. The screen’s size and reach are well-balanced, and the navigation system deserves particular praise. It gives clear, advance warnings well before junctions, allowing the driver to position the car properly for their route well in advance.

The digital instrument cluster offers a couple of alternative display layouts, providing good visibility of all relevant information. The dashboard aligns well with the driver’s sightline. Overall, the cabin is the product of decades of German engineering refinement, with a clear, functional character. Nothing distorts the driving experience or seeks attention—the focus is on practicality rather than visual drama.

Space, comfort and visibility

Interior materials feel durable and well-chosen. The front seats are comfortable, but rear legroom vanishes if front passengers recline. Three children or small passengers can manage in the back; two full-size adults is the realistic limit.

The test car’s dark grey fabric seats and plastic dashboard trim felt well-made and balanced. The seats are fairly firm with good lateral support. The driving position is good, though the centre console is set too far back and offers insufficient elbow support.

All-round visibility is excellent despite the car’s low stance. Side mirrors give a comprehensive view behind, and the trip computer shows a clear reversing camera image. The car’s radar warning system is loud and reacts strongly to movement during manoeuvres. I found it challenging to interpret exactly what the warnings meant—the reversing line appeared clear of obstacles, yet the warnings persisted. This is probably partly a matter of habit and preference, but I suspect the radar is oversensitive, covering too large an obstacle area, making the warning system ambiguous. You can disable the radar sounds through the vehicle settings, but the oversensitivity itself raises questions.

The boot is small for the car’s overall size.

Performance and handling

The Golf accelerates briskly, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and hitting 220 km/h flat-out. It’s well-suited to European motorway driving, and overtaking is smooth. All controls sit within easy reach.

We covered 651 kilometres during the test drive: mixed road driving, motorway, town and rough, loose gravel tracks. In warm, dry conditions, average fuel consumption was 3.54 litres per 100 km. The car is agile and its size makes it easy to park; it’s manageable and comfortable in all conditions. The steering is firm and requires more effort than some competitors, but it gives excellent feel for the road. The car responds keenly to small inputs, providing genuine feedback about surface conditions.

Tyre noise was a significant drawback. It’s clearly audible at motorway speeds, particularly around 100 km/h.

The electric range is impressive: over 100 km of purely electric driving is possible, with fast-charging available. Suspension is firm and responsive, absorbing bumps and track imperfections well; even on sandy, loose surfaces the car remained stable and controlled. Braking is effective, and throttle response is immediate when you press hard. The car’s driveability is first-class, even if the appearance, interior and equipment don’t stand out.

Features and tech

During the test drive, most systems worked faultlessly except for cruise control and adaptive speed adjustment. The automatic speed limiter reacted inconsistently to speed signs and traffic regulations, sometimes braking abruptly on motorways. I couldn’t determine whether inputs came from the map, road signs or other traffic. Otherwise, everything performed smoothly: lane departure warning worked well, automatic headlight control and other driving aids all functioned properly.

What you get for the money

The test vehicle’s price was €44,615.

Standard equipment included: electromechanical cruise control, electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, extended electronic differential lock, heated steering wheel, alloy wheels, collision avoidance, keyless entry, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, lane change assist with Side Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, Digital Cockpit Pro (10.25-inch customisable colour display), navigation system, parking assistance, adaptive headlights, LED Performance headlights, rain sensor, adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera and many other features.

I find the price a bit steep compared with similarly-sized competitors on the market.

Summary

The Golf test drive was a very positive experience overall. Good sightlines and comprehensive equipment make driving and travelling pleasant, and the car’s handling in challenging road conditions is genuinely impressive.

It’s a good fit for a household of two, but families making frequent long journeys may find the interior space limiting.

High quality and excellent handling—just not spectacular to look at.

The car comes with a 2-year unlimited mileage factory warranty.

Specifications

Volkswagen Golf Style Business eHybrid (6-speed DSG)

• Engine: 1498 cc (combined output 150 kW/204 hp), 350 Nm torque
• Acceleration: 7.2 seconds (0–100 km/h); top speed 220 km/h
• Combined fuel consumption: 0.3 l/100 km (CO₂: 7 g/km)
• Fuel tank: 40 litres
• Kerb weight: 1649 kg
• Boot space: 273 litres
• Electric range: 182 km (city); 142 km (mixed)
• Wheelbase: 2629 mm; length 4282 mm; width 1789 mm; height 1478 mm
• Towing capacity: 1700 kg (with brakes); 750 kg (without)
• Base price: €41,740
• Test vehicle options: €1,680
• Test vehicle total: €44,615 (including €1,175 car tax)

Photo: Juha Remes.