Review of used Volkswagen Golf SV (Mk7, 2014-2020)

Identify

In theory, the Golf SV is more desirable than the pre-existing hatch, but this mini-MPV has never captured the imagination of buyers. Maybe that’s because the SV (Sports Van) name is said to be derived from a commercial vehicle rather than one of the world’s best family cars. But don’t let that discourage you. As with the Golf hatchback, the SV comes with some great engines and transmissions, tough build quality, and a good level of equipment, especially if you buy an SE or more. While the Golf SV won’t have your heart racing, it shouldn’t be hard to get in terms of reliability and running costs. But finding your perfect example can be harder than you think, as there isn’t a huge amount of Golf SV to choose from on the secondhand market.

The Volkswagen Golf Course has been an institution since it first appeared in 1974. Almost half a century on, this perennially popular family car is still in production, in Mk8 form, and still desirable. more than ever.

It has been offered as a hatchback, estate and a convertible for many years, and VW introduced a high-top mini-MPV version in 2005, called the Golf Plus. While this offers more practicality than the regular Golf version, the sales figures are rather modest, but that doesn’t stop the brand from introducing the sequel as Golf SV (Sports Valve), also failed to sell in bulk.

Don’t worry too much about this, though, because in many ways the Golf SV is just as good as the regular Golf, and more so if you need more convenience and versatility.

Covered model

• Volkswagen Golf SV (2014-2020) The Golf SV wasn’t a sales hit, but it’s a solid choice as a roomy family car.

History

Starting where the Golf Plus has stopped, the Golf SV arrives in July 2014 as a five-door hatchback with five seats; Anyone who wants to accommodate seven people must buy one VW Touran to replace. Golf SV buyers can choose between two petrol engines: the 1.2 TSI with 84bhp or 109bhp, or the 1.4 TSI unit with 124bhp or 148bhp.

Diesel fans can opt for the 1.6 TDI with 89bhp or 109bhp; At the top of the range is the 148bhp TDI 2.0 unit. Things will pass for the next three years, but then in the fall of 2017, Volkswagen announced an upgraded Golf SV, with revised styling, new colors and additional driver assistance systems, such as trailer assist and traffic jam assist.

By this time, the 1.2 TSI petrol engine had been replaced by a 1.0 TSI engine delivering 84bhp or 109bhp.

Which one should I buy?

We’d avoid any Golf SV with an entry-level engine (84bhp 1.2 TSI, 89bhp 1.6 TDI), because you’ll want more muscle than this. Beyond that, it’s a question of choosing what best suits your budget.

DSG automatic transmissions perform excellently but increase fuel consumption, and manual transmissions tend to be more reliable. Kit levels vary, so we’ll focus on the summer 2017 specs as this is mid-production.

In this regard, the entry-level S version has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth, power windows, electrically adjustable and heated rearview mirrors. The SE adds 16-inch alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, along with adaptive cruise control. The GT has sport seats, sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch wheels.

Alternatives to Volkswagen Golf SV

Golf SV’s closest rival is the VW Touran. This is an even more practical seven-seat hatch, with a Golf-like engine, transmission, build quality, and ergonomics.

More available than Ford C-Max (and seven seats Grand C-Max), great to drive and great value, while Vauxhall Zafira Tourer also very rich and offers a lot of cars for the money. The Renault Scenic and (seven seats) Great sights is stylish, well equipped and good value, as well as Citroen C4 Picasso / C4 SpaceTourer and seven seats Grand C4 Picasso / SpaceTourer.

We will also consider BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, well made and spacious. It comes with an impressive range of engines and gearboxes.

What are you looking for

Engine

All Golf SV engines are Euro 6 compliant, with the exception of 1.6 TDI examples built before summer 2015.

Sports model

There’s no hot Golf SV, but an R-Line version debuted in May 2016, with a sportier design and a choice of 1.4 TSI or 2.0 TDI engines.

Shock absorber

Shock absorbers can fail prematurely, so check for signs of leaks. The proximal fronts appear to be unsuccessful first, but they should be replaced in pairs.

Update

TSI 1.5 can be hesitant to pull away, especially when cold. Software updates from summer 2020 seem to have fixed the problem.

Common Mistakes

We haven’t heard of any bugs specifically affecting the Golf SV, but many Golf Mk7 owners have swapped the car’s standard halogen headlight bulbs for different options. Other drivers have difficulty pairing their smartphones with the infotainment system.

inland

SV is based on the Golf Mk7, so the dash looks very familiar; it is almost unchanged. So it’s clearly designed, while the fit and finish are exemplary. In SV form, the Golf is extremely practical, with more space for everyone, more rear-seat legroom (the rear seats slide back and forth) and the ability to carry more in the trunk.

With the rear seats, the trunk can hold up to 590 liters or 1,520 liters when the seats are folded (compared to 380 and 1,270 liters for the Golf Mk7 hatch). The eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is lifted straight from the Golf Mk7. The 9.2-inch touchscreen is an optional extra.

Operating costs

Golf SV owners can choose between a fixed service or a flexible (variable) service. The former requires an inspection every 12 months or 9,300 miles, while the latter allows up to 18,600 miles or two years between garage visits, depending on how the vehicle is driven.

Once the Golf SV hits its third birthday (and by the time it turns 15), it’s eligible for discounted maintenance, with a small service pegged at £184, while the large one is £364 Many newer cars will come with transferable service packages to cut maintenance costs.

Brake fluid should be renewed every three years, then every two years, for £69. All engines have a tether that needs replacing every 5 years (£669, including a new water pump). The diesel has a 130,000-mile limit between cambelt changes, but there’s no cap for the petrol engine.

Recall

There have been three safety-related recalls for the Golf SV, first issued in January 2017, for faulty exterior lighting. The second action occurred two months later, because the airbags and seatbelts might not activate correctly in the event of a collision. Nearly 4,000 cars across multiple Volkswagen models have been affected by this campaign.

Another recall was issued in February 2018, due to a faulty airbag. Only a handful of early cars were affected. Along with these three safety-related campaigns, the Golf SV was also caught up in a Volkswagen diesel emissions recall, requiring a software update. Called service action EA189, any affected SV Golf must be updated now. You can learn more about the program at tinyurl.com/2uerva8w.

Driver Power Owners Satisfaction

Golf SV has not appeared in any Driver Power survey, because it was never sold in large enough quantities, but the Mk7 Golf on which it was based. The most recent was in the 2019 new car poll (41 out of 75) and used cars (34 out of 100). In the ensuing survey, owners liked fuel economy, driving experience, visibility, practicality, and ergonomics. However, the cost of the service, the ventilation and the comfort of the seats are not commendable.