Home 
Car Articles Reviews Reviews Listings Volkswagen Reviews
Volkswagen Golf SV 1.4 TSI DSG (A) Highline First Drive Review
12 Oct 2018|13,668 views
Facelift (What's New)
Posher front and rear bumpers
New LED head lights
Comes fitted with roof rails
Latest generation proactive occupant protection system and blind spot monitoring system
9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system
No, this latest addition to the Volkswagen lineup in Singapore isn't a highest-performance 'Superveloce' version of the Golf, despite its SV badging. Rather, it is a rebadged and updated Sportsvan, which first went on sale here in 2015.
If you're still a little lost, the Golf SV is one of two Golf variants, which offer more space and versatility to those who need it. The other is the Golf Variant.
The Golf SV may be the most underrated Volkswagen on sale but it's a car that will grow on you
How much more space exactly?
Compared to the hatchback, the Golf SV is 93mm longer, 8mm wider and 121mm taller, with a wheelbase that's stretched by 50mm.
What this means is that you get more head and legroom, easier ingress and egress, as well as a commodious 500-litre boot (versus the hatchback's 380 litres) that's expandable to a maximum of 1,520 litres with the 60:40-splitting rear seats folded flat.
500 litres of boot space in standard arrangement, and it expands to 1,520 litres with the rear bench folded
Its rear seats can also be adjusted up to 180mm fore and aft, and passengers in the back have access to conveniences such as deep seat pockets for added stowage and folding tray tables with integrated cup holders for a quick meal on the go.
And as with all Volkswagens, the Golf SV's cabin fit and finish is reassuringly solid, while layout of its dashboard and centre console is neat and logical.
Three adults will have no problems getting comfortable in the rear, even on longer drives
Buyers who pick the more expensive Highline model, such as the one we drove, will get added goodies like the Discover Pro infotainment system with a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen display, alongside safety features including a blind spot sensor with rear traffic alert, and a large panoramic sunroof.
What's it like to drive, though?
Based on the same MQB chassis, the Golf SV drives with a level of precision and control that you don't quite expect from a car its size, and its accurate steering is nicely weighted for city driving, although a little on the numb side.
If you're still a little lost, the Golf SV is one of two Golf variants, which offer more space and versatility to those who need it. The other is the Golf Variant.
How much more space exactly?
Compared to the hatchback, the Golf SV is 93mm longer, 8mm wider and 121mm taller, with a wheelbase that's stretched by 50mm.
What this means is that you get more head and legroom, easier ingress and egress, as well as a commodious 500-litre boot (versus the hatchback's 380 litres) that's expandable to a maximum of 1,520 litres with the 60:40-splitting rear seats folded flat.
Its rear seats can also be adjusted up to 180mm fore and aft, and passengers in the back have access to conveniences such as deep seat pockets for added stowage and folding tray tables with integrated cup holders for a quick meal on the go.
And as with all Volkswagens, the Golf SV's cabin fit and finish is reassuringly solid, while layout of its dashboard and centre console is neat and logical.
Buyers who pick the more expensive Highline model, such as the one we drove, will get added goodies like the Discover Pro infotainment system with a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen display, alongside safety features including a blind spot sensor with rear traffic alert, and a large panoramic sunroof.
What's it like to drive, though?
Based on the same MQB chassis, the Golf SV drives with a level of precision and control that you don't quite expect from a car its size, and its accurate steering is nicely weighted for city driving, although a little on the numb side.
A large part of our drive up to Terengganu took us through poorly maintained backroads but despite the worst that the Malaysian potholes could throw at it, the balance of body control and ride quality of the Golf SV remained well struck throughout.
And because of the impressive level of nimbleness and grip it displayed, we were able to hustle it swiftly around the backroads' multiple corners. More importantly, buyers considering the Golf SV will appreciate how comfortable and quiet it is on the road, even at high cruising speeds.
Cabin materials are reassuringly solid while design is clean and contemporary
Mated to a dual-clutch autobox, the turbocharged 1.4-litre residing underneath the SV’s bonnet produces 123bhp and 200Nm of torque. You will not be winning much drag races but the Golf SV is quick and responsive enough to handle both hurried city driving and impromptu overtaking manoeuvres.
Despite having been driven hard, favourable fuel economy returns of 13km/L are a norm for it, too.
Power output from the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine remains the same at 123bhp and 200Nm of torque
Are there any drawbacks?
There is one wee niggle. Even with the Highline model, the Golf SV isn't equipped with Volkswagen's digital Active Info Display cluster. But considering that it's going for $125,400 at time of writing, which makes it more affordable than the regular Golf, the compact MPV is a great buy.
The redesigned bumpers and LED headlamps give the Golf SV a fresher, more modern face
And, it may be the plus-sized one in the family but on the road, it definitely gives its hatchback sibling a serious run for its money.
And because of the impressive level of nimbleness and grip it displayed, we were able to hustle it swiftly around the backroads' multiple corners. More importantly, buyers considering the Golf SV will appreciate how comfortable and quiet it is on the road, even at high cruising speeds.
Mated to a dual-clutch autobox, the turbocharged 1.4-litre residing underneath the SV’s bonnet produces 123bhp and 200Nm of torque. You will not be winning much drag races but the Golf SV is quick and responsive enough to handle both hurried city driving and impromptu overtaking manoeuvres.
Despite having been driven hard, favourable fuel economy returns of 13km/L are a norm for it, too.
Are there any drawbacks?
There is one wee niggle. Even with the Highline model, the Golf SV isn't equipped with Volkswagen's digital Active Info Display cluster. But considering that it's going for $125,400 at time of writing, which makes it more affordable than the regular Golf, the compact MPV is a great buy.
And, it may be the plus-sized one in the family but on the road, it definitely gives its hatchback sibling a serious run for its money.
Facelift (What's New)
Posher front and rear bumpers
New LED head lights
Comes fitted with roof rails
Latest generation proactive occupant protection system and blind spot monitoring system
9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system
No, this latest addition to the Volkswagen lineup in Singapore isn't a highest-performance 'Superveloce' version of the Golf, despite its SV badging. Rather, it is a rebadged and updated Sportsvan, which first went on sale here in 2015.
If you're still a little lost, the Golf SV is one of two Golf variants, which offer more space and versatility to those who need it. The other is the Golf Variant.
The Golf SV may be the most underrated Volkswagen on sale but it's a car that will grow on you
How much more space exactly?
Compared to the hatchback, the Golf SV is 93mm longer, 8mm wider and 121mm taller, with a wheelbase that's stretched by 50mm.
What this means is that you get more head and legroom, easier ingress and egress, as well as a commodious 500-litre boot (versus the hatchback's 380 litres) that's expandable to a maximum of 1,520 litres with the 60:40-splitting rear seats folded flat.
500 litres of boot space in standard arrangement, and it expands to 1,520 litres with the rear bench foldedIts rear seats can also be adjusted up to 180mm fore and aft, and passengers in the back have access to conveniences such as deep seat pockets for added stowage and folding tray tables with integrated cup holders for a quick meal on the go.
And as with all Volkswagens, the Golf SV's cabin fit and finish is reassuringly solid, while layout of its dashboard and centre console is neat and logical.
Three adults will have no problems getting comfortable in the rear, even on longer drivesBuyers who pick the more expensive Highline model, such as the one we drove, will get added goodies like the Discover Pro infotainment system with a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen display, alongside safety features including a blind spot sensor with rear traffic alert, and a large panoramic sunroof.
What's it like to drive, though?
Based on the same MQB chassis, the Golf SV drives with a level of precision and control that you don't quite expect from a car its size, and its accurate steering is nicely weighted for city driving, although a little on the numb side.
If you're still a little lost, the Golf SV is one of two Golf variants, which offer more space and versatility to those who need it. The other is the Golf Variant.
The Golf SV may be the most underrated Volkswagen on sale but it's a car that will grow on you
How much more space exactly?
Compared to the hatchback, the Golf SV is 93mm longer, 8mm wider and 121mm taller, with a wheelbase that's stretched by 50mm.
What this means is that you get more head and legroom, easier ingress and egress, as well as a commodious 500-litre boot (versus the hatchback's 380 litres) that's expandable to a maximum of 1,520 litres with the 60:40-splitting rear seats folded flat.
And as with all Volkswagens, the Golf SV's cabin fit and finish is reassuringly solid, while layout of its dashboard and centre console is neat and logical.
What's it like to drive, though?
Based on the same MQB chassis, the Golf SV drives with a level of precision and control that you don't quite expect from a car its size, and its accurate steering is nicely weighted for city driving, although a little on the numb side.
A large part of our drive up to Terengganu took us through poorly maintained backroads but despite the worst that the Malaysian potholes could throw at it, the balance of body control and ride quality of the Golf SV remained well struck throughout.
And because of the impressive level of nimbleness and grip it displayed, we were able to hustle it swiftly around the backroads' multiple corners. More importantly, buyers considering the Golf SV will appreciate how comfortable and quiet it is on the road, even at high cruising speeds.
Cabin materials are reassuringly solid while design is clean and contemporaryMated to a dual-clutch autobox, the turbocharged 1.4-litre residing underneath the SV’s bonnet produces 123bhp and 200Nm of torque. You will not be winning much drag races but the Golf SV is quick and responsive enough to handle both hurried city driving and impromptu overtaking manoeuvres.
Despite having been driven hard, favourable fuel economy returns of 13km/L are a norm for it, too.
Power output from the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine remains the same at 123bhp and 200Nm of torque
Are there any drawbacks?
There is one wee niggle. Even with the Highline model, the Golf SV isn't equipped with Volkswagen's digital Active Info Display cluster. But considering that it's going for $125,400 at time of writing, which makes it more affordable than the regular Golf, the compact MPV is a great buy.
The redesigned bumpers and LED headlamps give the Golf SV a fresher, more modern faceAnd, it may be the plus-sized one in the family but on the road, it definitely gives its hatchback sibling a serious run for its money.
And because of the impressive level of nimbleness and grip it displayed, we were able to hustle it swiftly around the backroads' multiple corners. More importantly, buyers considering the Golf SV will appreciate how comfortable and quiet it is on the road, even at high cruising speeds.
Despite having been driven hard, favourable fuel economy returns of 13km/L are a norm for it, too.
Are there any drawbacks?
There is one wee niggle. Even with the Highline model, the Golf SV isn't equipped with Volkswagen's digital Active Info Display cluster. But considering that it's going for $125,400 at time of writing, which makes it more affordable than the regular Golf, the compact MPV is a great buy.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Volkswagen Golf SV 1.4 Highline (A)
CAT A|Petrol|18.2km/L
Horsepower
92kW (123 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
9.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Golf SV
Thank You For Your Subscription.
