Sometimes it can feel like the only news out of VW right now is momentous shifts in direction. New names, new segments, new powertrains, new everything. Calming things down just a tad is the Black Edition, nothing more than a new member of the Golf lineup that does exactly what it says on the tin. Look elsewhere today for shock and awe; fans of safe and steady VW, right this way…
Because seemingly no model range in 2023 is complete without a Black Pack, Line, Kit, Badge or whatever, the Edition offers up more of what seemingly so many customers want. Note the black 18-inch Bergamo wheels - unique to this model, not that you can see that - a Black Style Package (including black mirror caps) and tinted glass. Even the colour palette is sombre: Moonstone Grey, Pure White, Urano Grey, Dolphin Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl. No surprises in the spec at least. Additional equipment for this model that sits between R-Line and GTE includes front sports seats, interior ambient lighting, R-Line body-coloured bumpers and LED Plus headlights.
There’s a little more intrigue in the powertrain department. Because alongside a pair of 1.5s (a standard ICE with a six-speed and a mild hybrid with DSG, both 150hp strong), there’s an engine and gearbox combo unique to the Black Edition. That’s the 190hp 2.0-litre TSI with seven-speed DSG and 4Motion, capable of 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and 145mph. This isn’t far off GTI pace, thanks, no doubt, to superior traction off the line. Don’t forget how tuneable that TSI is, either - there’s certainly some sleeper potential in the Black Edition, given it looks just as unassuming as models further down the hierarchy.
VW says that the extras for this car should add £2,900 to the price of an R-Line, yet is offering it for just £1,500 more - or from £31,985. The 190hp car comes in at £36,320, making it more than £3k less than a GTI. If straight-line performance is a priority (or you're convinced the weather is about to take a catastrophic turn for the worst) there’s surely something to be said for the new Black Edition. It’s on sale from today.
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