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2021 Volkswagen Golf price and specs

Australian pricing and specification details for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have been released, ahead of the local launch in May.


  • 2021 Volkswagen Golf price and specs
  • 'Mk8' hatchback due in May with more tech, price rises up to $4460
  • Three 'standard' variants come with a conventional automatic transmission
  • IQ.Drive safety suite standard across the range

The eighth generation of Volkswagen's popular small car will arrive in Australia with a choice of three core Golf variants, all offering an evolutionary look, an all-new, screen-laden cabin, an upgraded safety suite and, crucially for many buyers, a conventional automatic transmission.

Prices are up across the range to match the increased levels of standard equipment, with some variants jumping in price by up to $4460.

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Above: UK- and European-market Golf models pictured above, with R-Line models above and top, and a mid-spec, non-R-Line variant below.

All non-performance Golf models in Australia are powered by a carry-over 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, though the outgoing Mk7.5 model's available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been swapped for a traditional eight-speed torque-converter automatic, developed by Japan's Aisin.

A six-speed manual gearbox is available in the entry-level model. Claimed combined fuel economy is rated at 5.8L/100km and 6.0L/100km for the automatic and manual transmission respectively, with the engine requiring 95- or 98-octane premium unleaded.

Opening the range is the eponymous Golf, priced from $29,350 before on-road costs with a manual transmission ($33,490 drive-away), or $31,950 before on-road costs with an auto ($35,990 drive-away).

That's up $3560 and $4160 respectively over the outgoing 110TSI Trendline base model, before on-road costs – though a host of additional features are fitted as standard to the new model.

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Standard equipment on the base Golf includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seat trim, 'decorative' trim inlays, tri-zone climate control, LED headlights and tail-lights, 16-inch 'Norfolk' alloy wheels, an electric parking brake, auto start-stop, and more advanced independent multi-link rear suspension.

A full suite of 'IQ.Drive' active safety technologies are on offer, led by Travel Assist, which combines the adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and lane-following assist systems to accelerate, brake and centre the Golf within its lane on freeways.

There's also all-speed autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and support for intersections, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automated parking, a reversing camera, driver fatigue monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a tyre pressure loss alert.

Other standard safety features include a full suite of airbags, multi-collision braking (which applies the brakes after an accident to prevent subsequent impacts), and a 'proactive occupant protection system', which uses sensors to detect an impending collision, and closes windows, tightens seat belts and performs other actions to prepare for the crash.

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Above: UK-spec Volkswagen Golf R-Line interior.

The mid-spec Golf Life – priced from $34,250 before on-road costs with a standard-fit auto, up around $4460 over the outgoing 110TSI Comfortline – features an updated 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless smartphone mirroring and satellite navigation, while other additions include 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded digital instrument cluster with unique customisable displays, Emergency Assist (which safely brings the vehicle to a halt if the driver is detected to be incapacitated), Exit Assist, and 'comfort' cloth seats.

It also adds keyless entry, push-button start, 10-colour ambient LED lighting, power-folding exterior mirrors and wireless smartphone charging.

Golf Life buyers can choose between the $1500 Sound & Vision and $2000 Comfort & Sound packages.

The former comprises an upgraded 480-watt Harman/Kardon sound system and a head-up display, while the latter includes 'comfort' sports seats trimmed in microfleece cloth, brushed metallic trim inlays, 30-colour ambient interior lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

Sitting atop the core Golf range is the sport-themed Golf R-Line, priced from $37,450 before on-road costs with an automatic transmission – identically priced to the outgoing 110TSI Highline with the optional R-Line package.

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Additional equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, sportier R-Line bumpers, 15mm-lower sports suspension, 'progressive' sports steering (borrowed from the performance GTI and R), (likely leather) sports seats, Carbon Grey trim inlays, LED 'performance' headlights, privacy glass and a sports steering wheel.

The Life's $1500 Sound & Vision pack is also available on the R-Line, while the sporty model also offers the option of a standalone $1800 panoramic sunroof.

The front-wheel-drive, high-performance GTI will serve as the flagship Golf at launch, priced from $53,100 before on-road costs – click here for more details on that model.

Pure White is the standard, no-cost colour across the range, with Reflex Silver Metallic, Dolphin Grey Metallic and Atlantic Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearlescent hues available for an extra $600 on Golf and Golf Life variants, while Pomelo Yellow Premium Metallic attracts a $900 premium on those grades.

The R-Line shares lower grades' colour palettes, though Reflex Silver Metallic is replaced with Moonstone Grey Premium Metallic, while all non-white shades now cost $300.

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A five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard, while 'Care Plan' servicing packages retail for $1100 for three years or $1900 for five years.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf will go on sale in Australia in May.

2021 Volkswagen Golf Australian pricing

Golf manual – $29,350

Golf auto – $31,950

Golf Life auto – $34,250

Golf R-Line auto – $37,450

Golf GTI auto – $53,100

Note: All prices exclude on-road costs.

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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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