The Douro River meanders through the north of Portugal over a distance of more than 250 kilometres. And it is along the roads of this otherwise sun-drenched wine region that the new Golf shows its capabilities.
Innovation in all walks of life
The eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf is ready and waiting. And, like its predecessors, it features a wealth of technical innovations. The new generation demonstrates its qualities on an initial test drive through northern Portugal.
Rising in the northern Spanish province of Soria, where it is known as the Duero, the river is lined with vineyards and picturesque villages. Time seems to pass by at a different, somewhat slower pace here. But the eighth generation of the Golf doesn’t move at the same leisurely pace as the tranquil goings-on along the riverside – it is heading for the future. With a digital cockpit, innovative voice control and perfect connectivity, the Golf introduces new technologies to the segment that is named after it – while setting new benchmarks.
Guaranteed to perform in all driving situations
Part of the Romanesque route – the Rota do Românico – runs through the Douro Valley, a World Heritage site. This stretch of country road passes by 58 architectural monuments, so it’s a real favourite among tourists. The narrow, winding mountain roads and changing light conditions present the driver with a challenge on the first trip in the new Golf – especially since the weather is playing up. Instead of hours of sunshine, a massive downpour soaks everything in one fell swoop.
Coasting and boost – efficiency and driving pleasure
Our Golf is powered by a 110 kW (150 PS) eTSI hybrid with 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The new 48-volt mild hybrid system on-board makes it possible to coast with the combustion engine completely switched off, ensuring a comfortable ride along the river valley roads. Coasting saves fuel and increases the range. The eTSI’s electric boost function ensures particularly powerful performance when setting off. Powertrain options also include two more mild hybrid drives (eTSI) with 81 kW/110 PS and 96 kW/130 PS as well as two plug-in hybrids (1.4-litre TSI with electric motor and 6-speed DSG) with 150 kW/204 PS and 180 kW/245 PS in the form of the sporty Golf GTE. The range of powertrains also includes other innovative petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI) and natural gas (CNG) engines.
The razor-sharp (optional) windscreen head-up display projects information such as navigation instructions onto the windscreen – directly into the driver’s field of vision. Another innovation on board the Golf – in future the compact car will be able to think ahead owing to the standard Car2X technology based on swarm intelligence.