Das Auto - best car ever?
Discussion
So, I recently acquired a company that has a Golf 7 as a pool car—a 2019 1.5 TSI Bluemotion.
Lately, I’ve been driving it a lot, and I have to say, I’m really impressed by how good this car is. It only has 130 hp, but the DSG gearbox makes it feel smooth and effortless. Despite the modest power output, the car drives exceptionally well—balanced, precise, and solid, just as you’d expect from a Volkswagen. It doesn’t need big numbers to be genuinely enjoyable.
What I love about this generation of the Golf 7 is how perfectly it blends modern technology with classic usability. It has all the features you’d want—radar-guided cruise control, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, blind spot detector—but it still retains physical controls where they matter. The climate system is operated with proper knobs and buttons, not a frustrating touchscreen. Even the volume control has a real dial, making adjustments on the go intuitive and hassle-free.
The interior might not be the most exciting, but the build quality is excellent. Everything feels solid and well put together, and the design is absolutely timeless. It’s one of those cars that still looks modern years after its release.
In terms of size, it’s just right—spacious enough for a family or four adults, yet compact enough to be practical in the city. The cargo space is decent as well, making it a truly versatile car. It’s an all-rounder, perfect for daily driving.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say I’d prefer the 150 hp version over this one, mainly because it comes without VW’s so-called “Micro-Hybrid” system. But even with 130 hp, the Golf 7 is more than capable.
To me, the Golf 7—especially the facelifted version—is the most complete and well-rounded Golf ever made. It perfectly balances modern tech, solid build quality, and a timeless design, without overcomplicating things like later generations did.
At the end of the day, the Golf 7 really is, as Volkswagen advertises, “Das Auto.” No one actually needs more car than this. It’s a vehicle that transcends social classes—whether you’re a family man or a billionaire, it just fits. A truly classless car in the best way possible.
Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
I have driven and owned a fair few cars. The best all round ‘pound for pound’ car has been the F30 shape BMW 320d efficientdynamics auto. Why?
- genuinely more fun to drive than my e46 M3 at the time. You sit much much lower (manual seats), the steering felt more direct, the auto was perfectly smooth, it had little wheels for fuel economy sitting on non-run flat tyres and so it rode superbly
- it was £20 a year to tax and would return 55mpg over a mixed driving tank, pretty much no matter how it was driven
- I have had pretty much all the idrive systems and this one felt the best balance of easy use, lack of lag, no touch screen nonsense, etc. I HATED the golf 7 one I tried once in a rental- very distracting to operate while driving.
- in 30,000 odd miles from 50 to 80k, bought as an ex-lease, it NEVER went wrong. I think it blew a sidelight bulb once, that was it.
-decent looking car in my opinion
-I only had to get rid because the boot started to feel too small for family duties
- genuinely more fun to drive than my e46 M3 at the time. You sit much much lower (manual seats), the steering felt more direct, the auto was perfectly smooth, it had little wheels for fuel economy sitting on non-run flat tyres and so it rode superbly
- it was £20 a year to tax and would return 55mpg over a mixed driving tank, pretty much no matter how it was driven
- I have had pretty much all the idrive systems and this one felt the best balance of easy use, lack of lag, no touch screen nonsense, etc. I HATED the golf 7 one I tried once in a rental- very distracting to operate while driving.
- in 30,000 odd miles from 50 to 80k, bought as an ex-lease, it NEVER went wrong. I think it blew a sidelight bulb once, that was it.
-decent looking car in my opinion
-I only had to get rid because the boot started to feel too small for family duties
Edited by m3cs on Saturday 22 February 15:53
Filibuster said:
At the end of the day, the Golf 7 really is, as Volkswagen advertises, “Das Auto.” No one actually needs more car than this. It’s a vehicle that transcends social classes—whether you’re a family man or a billionaire, it just fits. A truly classless car in the best way possible.
Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
Needs vary massively. I’d imagine the golf does well amoung other cars in the same class but it wouldn’t fit my needs at all. Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
That’s why there are lots of different vehicles available!
Filibuster said:
So, I recently acquired a company that has a Golf 7 as a pool car—a 2019 1.5 TSI Bluemotion.
Lately, I’ve been driving it a lot, and I have to say, I’m really impressed by how good this car is. It only has 130 hp, but the DSG gearbox makes it feel smooth and effortless. Despite the modest power output, the car drives exceptionally well—balanced, precise, and solid, just as you’d expect from a Volkswagen. It doesn’t need big numbers to be genuinely enjoyable.
What I love about this generation of the Golf 7 is how perfectly it blends modern technology with classic usability. It has all the features you’d want—radar-guided cruise control, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, blind spot detector—but it still retains physical controls where they matter. The climate system is operated with proper knobs and buttons, not a frustrating touchscreen. Even the volume control has a real dial, making adjustments on the go intuitive and hassle-free.
The interior might not be the most exciting, but the build quality is excellent. Everything feels solid and well put together, and the design is absolutely timeless. It’s one of those cars that still looks modern years after its release.
In terms of size, it’s just right—spacious enough for a family or four adults, yet compact enough to be practical in the city. The cargo space is decent as well, making it a truly versatile car. It’s an all-rounder, perfect for daily driving.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say I’d prefer the 150 hp version over this one, mainly because it comes without VW’s so-called “Micro-Hybrid” system. But even with 130 hp, the Golf 7 is more than capable.
To me, the Golf 7—especially the facelifted version—is the most complete and well-rounded Golf ever made. It perfectly balances modern tech, solid build quality, and a timeless design, without overcomplicating things like later generations did.
At the end of the day, the Golf 7 really is, as Volkswagen advertises, “Das Auto.” No one actually needs more car than this. It’s a vehicle that transcends social classes—whether you’re a family man or a billionaire, it just fits. A truly classless car in the best way possible.
Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
No sorry I have to disagree with this. The 1.5tsi with the DQ200 dry clutch DSG is a shockingly bad combination. I had this drivetrain in a skoda and it was a nightmare in town, juddered between gears, overheated in stop start traffic, dim witted at junctions and roundabouts. Even on motorways it wasn't brilliant, kept hunting between 6th and 7th gear. Got rid of it as I had no confidence in it and felt a huge bill wasn't far away.Lately, I’ve been driving it a lot, and I have to say, I’m really impressed by how good this car is. It only has 130 hp, but the DSG gearbox makes it feel smooth and effortless. Despite the modest power output, the car drives exceptionally well—balanced, precise, and solid, just as you’d expect from a Volkswagen. It doesn’t need big numbers to be genuinely enjoyable.
What I love about this generation of the Golf 7 is how perfectly it blends modern technology with classic usability. It has all the features you’d want—radar-guided cruise control, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, blind spot detector—but it still retains physical controls where they matter. The climate system is operated with proper knobs and buttons, not a frustrating touchscreen. Even the volume control has a real dial, making adjustments on the go intuitive and hassle-free.
The interior might not be the most exciting, but the build quality is excellent. Everything feels solid and well put together, and the design is absolutely timeless. It’s one of those cars that still looks modern years after its release.
In terms of size, it’s just right—spacious enough for a family or four adults, yet compact enough to be practical in the city. The cargo space is decent as well, making it a truly versatile car. It’s an all-rounder, perfect for daily driving.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say I’d prefer the 150 hp version over this one, mainly because it comes without VW’s so-called “Micro-Hybrid” system. But even with 130 hp, the Golf 7 is more than capable.
To me, the Golf 7—especially the facelifted version—is the most complete and well-rounded Golf ever made. It perfectly balances modern tech, solid build quality, and a timeless design, without overcomplicating things like later generations did.
At the end of the day, the Golf 7 really is, as Volkswagen advertises, “Das Auto.” No one actually needs more car than this. It’s a vehicle that transcends social classes—whether you’re a family man or a billionaire, it just fits. A truly classless car in the best way possible.
Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
But I do agree mk 7.5 is as close to the perfect all-round car out there, just with a manual gearbox or one of the wet clutch dsgs that the higher performance models get.
Yeah I'd agree too. I have the revised golf- knwon by some as the 7.5
its the match, so "ok" spec wise but allows apple cr play and google version
Its the 1,5 Turbo petrol, so decently swift or not quick. Fine for my needs
Its the 1.5 turbo petrol, and will average 50-mpg on a long run.
Its cheap to insure, run.
its fits the three of us plus luggage
Its size allows of to "park and forget" as it fits ansy space, and I can get in and out of the car
yes, there are cars which are better in those areas, but as an overall package. Das Auto??
its the match, so "ok" spec wise but allows apple cr play and google version
Its the 1,5 Turbo petrol, so decently swift or not quick. Fine for my needs
Its the 1.5 turbo petrol, and will average 50-mpg on a long run.
Its cheap to insure, run.
its fits the three of us plus luggage
Its size allows of to "park and forget" as it fits ansy space, and I can get in and out of the car
yes, there are cars which are better in those areas, but as an overall package. Das Auto??
williamp said:
Das Auto??
"Das Auto' means 'The Car', in German. 'Volkswagen - Das Auto', It is the Volkswagen's slogan by which they mean that Volkswagen cars are the best and the very definition of what a perfect car should be like" I believe VW ditched the slogan after the "Diesel Emissions Scandal*
Edited by cuprabob on Saturday 22 February 21:49
Not a fan of the 1.5 TSi or VW Group, Had a 150 BHP eco variant in an Octavia and it used oil like no other car I have ever had, not helped probably by the 0W-20 viscosity oil it used. It also had the kangarooing problem that some had in 2018 that VW never properly fixed on affected vehicles. Of the VW's and Skoda's we have had either as private cars or company cars they have all been dogs which the dealers could never fix, or in the case of the Kangarooing Octavia, Skoda UK they said 'we've done this SW update (that didn't fix it and caused an increase in fuel consumption) and that's it'. We had a Golf that leaked in. A Fabia vRS that leaked in, was delivered new with a faulty ABS pump and the 2nd gear selection failed within 2 months (selector fork issue). Company car Octavia's were cheap to lease and good on the motorway, and had flexible options, but they were all turds with more faults that I can be bothered to list. I dislike their poor quality and their go f
k yourself attitude. I can see why the Korean's are eating their lunch and my Toyota's have been in a different league.
k yourself attitude. I can see why the Korean's are eating their lunch and my Toyota's have been in a different league.MonteCarlos1 said:
No sorry I have to disagree with this. The 1.5tsi with the DQ200 dry clutch DSG is a shockingly bad combination. I had this drivetrain in a skoda and it was a nightmare in town, juddered between gears, overheated in stop start traffic, dim witted at junctions and roundabouts. Even on motorways it wasn't brilliant, kept hunting between 6th and 7th gear.
What year was it? They had a couple of years of issues ith the 1.5TSi around 2018/9? but wife has 22 1.5TSi DSG Karoq - I drive it quite a bit around town, in semi-rural use where we live, and I've done a couple of long trips in it. I find it absolutely fine - I don't recognise any of your comments at all. I'm comparing it to a Merc that I recently got rid of - I would prefer a proper slushbox just for the NVH isolation but the DSG does the job.And Skoda has made a virtue out of keeping physical control where VW has gone to screens.
We have had some quality problems with it though, and the "local family owned" (but large) dealer has been very disappointing.
We added an EV to the family fleet recently and swerved VW Group and bought a Hyundai. That has a lot of physical controls too.
Certainly an opinion with credible expert support behind it
Andrew Frankel said:
... at the end of 2016 (VW) released the facelifted version of the seventh-generation car, the ‘Golf 7.5’ as it was known. I remember driving one on its launch and literally laughing at how brilliantly, extravagantly and almost certainly needlessly good it was.
https://www.the-intercooler.com/library/driven/gol... (£)samoht said:
This reminds me why Frankel is still, after all these years, the best motoring writer out there.whp1983 said:
Have a Tesla now (tax reasons) and whilst it’s very good the interior isn’t a patch on that beemer. It was perfect.
I’ve just spent 3hrs today in an F gen 330d Touring dropping a friend off to Dublin Airport and back home as they fly to Australia. Also owned a G21 3 series and currently own a F25 X3. Tesla has a better interior than them all! Our X3 is better than the 3 series. I have a first gen Tesla not the better interior 2nd gen or Highland.
In 2019 I looking to buy a 2018 Golf GT with the 1.4TSI (150) engine & DSG. The two I tested drove both had the later 1.5TSi (150) & DSG. Both were terrible with hesitation. So I bought a 2018 Leon FR that was still fitted with the 1.4 engine - smoother & no hesitation. The Leon FR had a better spec (except the Golf had better front seats) & cost me £4k less. 5-1/2 years later I still have the Leon & have never regretted my choice. I think the Leon also looks better. 8s to 60, 45mpg overall & 52mpg on my frequent trips from Gloucestershire to Sheffield - adequent performance & economy for me.
Filibuster said:
Would you say the Golf 7 is the best all-round car out there, or is there another model that does everything just as well—or even better?
I've yet to meet much that is a better all-rounder than a Saab 9000 Aero (has to be a manual though), or a 3-series touring of most generations with one of the meatier engines in it.P10/P11 Primeras were also remarkably competent, though undeserved in terms of higher power versions. A factory SR20DET version would have been nice.
But it's important to remember that assessments like this are always going to be coloured by your own opinions/prejudices, such as the ones I hold against diesels in road cars.
Currently have a Mk8 golf (mild hybrid with 150 bhp) and prior to that the Mk7.5 with the 150 TSi. It isn’t perfect. Some of that is regulation enforced (automatic lane correction is effing annoying) and the traction control is also crap but overall it is a really good car: comfortable, right size, economic, enough power (cruising at 120 + on the autobahn no problem). Bought at one year old for around £24k last year. It is so good I just can’t justify to myself paying out two, three or more times that to get a “better” car.
I'd say the Mk 7 Golf could be the best car ever made. The GTI versions with 40 mpg on a long run and very quick a-b were the pick of the range. Club Sport S we had was fantastic but lack of rear seats silly and my daughter still has our GTI PP.
Mk 8 R now and its also very good but far thirstier and laggy unless in R mode. Pretty ugly too and the interior a downgrade. Driving dynamics I think a 996 or 997.1 turbo would struggle to keep up on track unless you can pedal the Mk8 platform so good.
Mk 8 R now and its also very good but far thirstier and laggy unless in R mode. Pretty ugly too and the interior a downgrade. Driving dynamics I think a 996 or 997.1 turbo would struggle to keep up on track unless you can pedal the Mk8 platform so good.
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