New trim level unites mid-tier 2.0-litre TSI with 4Motion for sleeper-grade performance
By Matt Bird / Thursday, 7 September 2023 / Loading comments
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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