7. 2016 Volkswagen Golf 2.5
What’s New?
Available either as a 2-door or 4-door hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf 2.5 is a great car with Volkswagen’s convenience packages. Arguably, this is the most fun to drive car on this list. It’s German engineering will be evident after only very few minutes behind the steering wheel. A modern infotainment system featuring a bigger 6.5-inch touchscreen has been added to all other available features for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.
In the e-Golf, an 8-inch touchscreen is also available. Base S models currently come standard with cloth seats and a rearview camera while the SE trim has keyless start/entry. The Driver Assistance package has been improved and currently includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, and the rear park assists with the steering assist.
Exterior Features
To no surprise, the 2016 Golf R provides similar visual treatment seen in preceding generations. Of course, the hatchback boasts similar updates as the 7-gen Golf, the most notable being a modern bumper design with big air inlets for enhanced engine cooling. The fresh Golf R also gains a modified grille which sports an “R” logo and freshly designed LED daytime running lights which are integrated into the bi-xenon headlight housings.
On the sides, the latest R version gains 18-inch aluminum wheels, some cool body-colored “R” side skirts, and the black calipers with “R” logos. Around back, Volkswagen now adds a sports exhaust system and an “R” design diffuser with 4 chrome tailpipes.
Source: carreviewslist.com
Interior Features
The 2016 VW Golf now comes standard with a five-inch touch-screen audio system with 8 speakers, a USB port, and Bluetooth. Features including satellite radio, push-button start, HD Radio, a 6.5-inch touch screen, an 8-speaker Fender audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, a rearview camera, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and lively parallel park assist are available.
Smartphone integration –including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and the Car-Net smartphone app of Volkswagen – is fresh for the 2016 model with either the 6.5-inch or 5-inch touchscreens. In the e-Golf, an 8-inch touchscreen is also available. Base S models currently come standard with cloth seats and a rearview camera while the SE trim has keyless start/entry.
Technology
The 2016 Golf has the MIB II infotainment system with a USB across every model, with improved VW Car-Net App connect. This means broader integration with smartphones, no matter the operating system, and the 6.5″ touchscreen is standard for all models but the base model. In addition, modern to the S model is the rear view camera. SE models also have improved to include keyless access with the push-button start.
Premium safety features are being enhanced in an elective Driver Assistance Package for both SEL and SE trim levels to allow motorists appreciate everything from blind spot monitoring to adaptive cruise control, choices which were not available in 2015.
Engine/ Fuel Efficiency
The 2016 VW Golf comes standard with a 170 horsepower, turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission while a 6-speed automatic is optional. A 6-speed manual transmission is available in a high-performance Golf R. The EPA estimates the base Golf can receive nearly 25/37 MPG city/highway with an automatic transmission that is about average for the inexpensive compact car. The Golf diesel model is now unavailable in the United States.
Source: usnews.rankingsandreviews.com
Safety
Standard safety features include front-size, dual front, and the side curtain airbags. The Driver Assistance package adds a set of extra safety assistance including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning. The Driver Assistance package has been improved and currently includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, and the rear park assists with the steering assist. Premium safety features are more advanced in both SEL and SE models, choices which were not available in 2015.
