The Volkswagen Golf line-up is now exclusively hatchback-only in Australia for the 2024 model year, with pricing on remaining models increasing by up to $1600.

    In addition to the axing of all Golf Wagon variants, the entry-level Golf hatchback has also been culled from the local range. This means the entry price for the car has jumped by $2900 to $39,190 before on-roads for the Life.

    A Volkswagen Australia spokesperson has confirmed the price increase for the entire Golf range is related to the cost of building the vehicle and shipping it to Australia.

    The flagship Golf R, which now starts from $70,590 before on-roads, still remains off sale though for the 2024 model year the nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system has returned.

    Pricing

    • 2024 Volkswagen Golf Life: $39,190 (+$600)
    • 2024 Volkswagen Golf R-Line: $42,290 (+$600)
    • 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI: $56,090 (+$600)
    • 2024 Volkswagen Golf R: $70,590 (+$1600)

    All prices are before on-road costs

    Drivetrains

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf in Life and R-Line trims, are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

    These models are front-wheel drive and use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

    The Golf GTI upgrades to a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 370Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s also front-wheel drive but includes a locking front differential.

    Volkswagen claims the Golf GTI can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.

    The Golf R hatch is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235kW and 400Nm. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

    Volkswagen claims the Golf R hatch can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

    Efficiency

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf range has the following claimed fuel economy figures:

    • Golf Life/R-Line: 5.8 litres per 100km
    • Golf GTI: 7.0 litres per 100km
    • Golf R: 7.8 litres per 100km

    All models require 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, except for the Golf R which requires 98 RON.

    Dimensions

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf hatchback measures 4284mm long, 1789mm wide, and 1456mm tall, with a 2636mm wheelbase.

    Boot space with the rear seats in place is 374 litres, which can be expanded to 1230 litres with them folded.

    Servicing and Warranty

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped as follows:

    • Golf Life/R-Line: $491, $783, $477, $1128, $477
    • Golf GTI: $520, $967, $520, $1315, $520
    • Golf R: $515, $845, $515, $1463, $515

    Safety

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.

    It scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 80 per cent for safety assist.

    Standard safety equipment includes:

    • Nine airbags, including a centre airbag
    • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
      • Pedestrian detection
      • Cyclist detection
    • Multi-collision brake
    • Emergency Assist
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Travel assist
    • Front cross-traffic alert
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Safe Exit Warning
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
    • Driver fatigue monitoring
    • Park Assist
    • Reversing camera
    • Front and rear parking sensors

    Standard Equipment

    The 2024 Volkswagen Golf Life comes standard with the following:

    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Automatic LED headlights
    • LED tail lights
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Power-folding side mirrors
    • 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Seven-speaker sound system
    • Wireless phone charger
    • Satellite navigation
    • Tri-zone climate control
    • 10-colour interior ambient lighting
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
    • Cloth upholstery
    • Comfort front seats with lumbar adjustment
    • Luggage partition

    The R-Line adds:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • R-Line exterior trim
    • Lowered (15mm) R-Line suspension
    • Progressive steering
    • LED performance headlights
    • Rear privacy glass
    • 30-colour interior ambient lighting
    • Sports seats with leather trim

    The GTI adds:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • GTI exterior trim and highlights
    • Twin exhaust pipes
    • LED grille strip
    • Adaptive Chassis Control
    • Tartan-trimmed sport seats

    The range-topping Golf R adds:

    • 4MOTION all-wheel drive
    • Torque vectoring
    • 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels
    • Performance front brakes (358mm discs)
    • Six drive modes (including Drift and Special)
    • Extended rear roof spoiler
    • Adaptive dampers
    • Sports exhaust
    • Matrix LED headlights
    • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with R modes
    • Harman/Kardon nine-speaker sound system
    • Nappa leather upholstery
    • Heated and ventilated front sports seats
    • Power driver’s seat with memory

    Optional Equipment

    The $1650 Sound and Vision package available on the Golf Life and R-Line adds the following:

    • Head-up display
    • Harman/Kardon nine-speaker sound system

    The $2000 Comfort and Style package available on the Golf Life adds:

    • Microfleece cloth trim
    • Comfort sport front seats
    • 30-colour interior ambient lighting
    • Panoramic glass sunroof

    The $4000 Luxury package available on the Golf GTI adds:

    • ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Powered driver’s seat with memory
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Panoramic glass sunroof

    The $2600 Sound and Style package available on the Golf GTI adds:

    • 19-inch alloy wheels
    • Head-up display
    • Harman/Kardon nine-speaker sound system

    A panoramic glass sunroof is a standalone option on the R-Line and R and costs $1900.

    Colours

    On the core range, metallic paint is a $700 option while premium metallic paint is a $900 option.

    The following shades are available on the core range:

    • Candy White
    • Deep Black
    • Dolphin Grey
    • Reflex Silver (excludes R-Line)
    • Moonstone Grey (R-Line only)
    • Atlantic Blue
    • Pomello Yellow

    All shades are a no-cost option in the GTI, but for Kings Red which costs $300. The following shades are available:

    • Pure White
    • Dolphin Grey
    • Deep Black
    • Moonstone Grey
    • Atlantic Blue
    • Kings Red

    The Golf R is available in three exterior paint colours:

    • Pure White
    • Lapiz Blue metallic
    • Deep Black pearl

    MORE: Volkswagen Golf review
    MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf

    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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