2021 Volkswagen Golf TSI Review by Mark Fulmer

Solid, Practical, and a Good Driver

By Mark Fulmer
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf TSI continues its heritage as a good driving solid hatchback, and TSI version standardizes: a sunroof, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and heated front seats.

Powered by its 1.4 liter 16-valve DOHC turbo engine it features a Start-Stop system and delivers that power to the front wheels while getting fuel economy of 29 city, 36 highway, for an overall 32 mpg. Steering features electro-mechanical power steering with "variable assistance" which I will assume is not the copious advice one gets from family members who are in their early 20's and therefore have knowledge of everything. (Didn't we all back then?) Along with the four-wheel independant suspension, the VW XDS Cross Differential System acts as a limited-slip differential to compensate for the understeer typical of front-wheel-drive cars during fast cornering. The result of this tech is a smooth-shifting, confident, and solid in the curves driving experience.

There are sporty yet comfy leatherette seats in front that are manual 6-way adjustable as well as reclinable. The center console has a USB port and Bluetooth for all those can't-live-without-it devices, along with the usual cupholders and storage places.

The rear seats won kudos from my girls sizable boyfriends who appreciated the almost 3 feet (technically 35.6 inches) of legroom. The middle rear seat is also a pass-through for skis, or other long narrow objects.

Up front the instrument panel is easily legible, and a useful combination of physical knobs and buttons. As the Sacramento Valley (and everywhere else) continues to have climate extremes, the robust air conditioning system gets quite a workout and is up to the task(s). The multi-function steering wheel has numerous controls as well as shift paddles.

Flatten those rear seats and you will increase cargo space from 22.8 cubic feet to 53.7

With 5 star safety rating, 4 year warranty, 2 years free scheduled maintenance, and 3 years of Roadside Assistance, the '21 Golf TSI is well worth its 24K sticker.