VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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MERCEDES BENZ A-CLASS

Comparable to premium brands

Volkswagen (VW) is a mass-market car manufacturer, but from the Japanese perspective, it is an imported car, so it can be said to be positioned closer to a premium brand. The new Golf has a thinner eyeline on the front face, giving it a more manly image, and it has acquired a presence that does not look inferior when placed next to the premium brand Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

On the other hand, the A-Class is an entry-level model among the premium brand Mercedes-Benz, and is marketed as a casual and sporty car. It is 35mm longer, 10mm wider, and 35mm lower than the Golf. It has a wider and lower form.

VW New Golf eTSI Active Basic

Body size = Total length 4295mm x Total width 1790mm x Total height 1475mm

Wheelbase = 2620mm

Vehicle weight = 1320kg

Tire size = 205/55R16

Mercedes-Benz A 180

Body size = Length 4430mm x Width 1800mm x Height 1440mm

Wheelbase = 2730mm

Vehicle weight = 1400kg

Tire size = 205/55R17

The power difference is 20PS

The Golf’s engine is a 1.5-liter inline-four turbo, while the A-Class’s is a 1.3-liter inline-four turbo. However, the A-Class has more power and torque, suggesting that it has been more highly tuned.

However, the new Golf is a mild hybrid that combines an engine with a motor. The motor provides powerful assistance when starting, so it will likely compete with the A-Class in terms of power performance. What’s more, the Golf’s weight is about 80 kg, or the equivalent of one person, lighter than the A-Class.

VW New Golf eTSI Active Basic

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1.5 liters (type application pending)

Maximum output = 116 PS / 5000-6000 rpm

Maximum torque = 220 Nm / 1500-3000

rpm Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Mercedes-Benz A 180

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1331cc

Maximum output = 136PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 230Nm/1650-3500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Is the new Golf actually cheaper?

The entry-level model of the new Golf, the eTSI Active Basic, is priced at approximately 3.5 million yen. This is an increase of approximately 90,000 yen compared to the price before the minor change. Considering the recent weak yen and rising raw material costs, this is an unavoidable price increase. However, it should not be forgotten that the engine of the eTSI Active Basic has been upgraded from a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo to a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo with this minor change. Although there is a difference in equipment, considering that the previous model with a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine was priced at 4,331,000 yen, this could be said to be a substantial price reduction.

Meanwhile, the A-Class has reached a price of almost 5 million yen. Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand, so it can be said that the price is reasonable, but there is no doubt that the new Golf, which has been made more attractive through minor changes, looks even more affordable.