VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.4 TSI LIFE PLUS

The facelifted Golf 8, which now includes 1.4 TSI engines, has now reached the level of traditionally more premium products and joins our long-term fleet

- Driver: Kyle Kock

After running a T-Cross recently (read the wrap-up on page 74), I was pleasantly surprised to be handed the keys to another product from Wolfsburg. This time, it's the facelifted eighth-generation Golf, known colloquially as the 8.5.

As part of the facelift, Volkswagen has also reintroduced the popular 1.4 TSI engine in three variants – with the R Line Plus gaining plaudits in the May 2025 road test for its excellent combination of style and substance. We came away thoroughly impressed but felt that perhaps the models further down the lineup would represent better value. Thus, a Life Plus model was delivered for evaluation over the next three months.