By David Finkelstein

It has been 41 years since Volkswagen introduced the iconic Golf hatchback in the U.S., and now its in its seventh-generation. Known for its forward styling, acclaimed value, roominess for five, fuel efficiency and rolling technology, the five-door compact has been refined and improved to a point in which it's clearly competitive with the likes of the Honda Civic, Kia Forte5, Ford Focus, Mazda3 5-Door and the Subaru Impreza.

Since the latest version was launched in 2015, it has received more than two dozen industry awards. Now offered in two trim levels — S and SE rendition — all 2018 Golf models are featured with newly-designed exterior lighting.

The S trim now includes automatic “on/off” headlights with rain-sensing wipers as standard. A center dash mounted 6.5-inch color touchscreen infotainment display is also standard. Their SE models get an 8-inch user-friendly media touchscreen infotainment display as well.

This generation of Golf receives an update to its exterior appearance. The car's presence overall adds precise details to its already recognizable silhouette. Golf's redone front bumper and chrome-surround grille are flanked on either side by striking LED daytime running lights. This lighting signature presentation blends into the body lines that runs the length of the vehicle.

At the rear, the no-extra-charge standard LED taillights complete the car's DNA display. The model S comes equipped with attractive 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that include 195/65 all-season tires. The SE trims get upgraded to 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tires. A panoramic tilting and sliding sunroof and fog lights are standard equipment on SE models.

When it comes to the car's interior, Its all about “smart” packaging. In the simplest terms, Golf has an impressive size passenger cabin for it's overall size. It comes out to be just under 93 cubic feet of interior room. The 60:40 split backseat can be folded forward in order to give an almost flat cargo area that can easily accommodates a full-size bicycle with a sum total of 52.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

The standard 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the cabin's attention to details. On the models with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the factory includes paddle shifters for increased driver control. The welcomed ambiance and feel of the interior is brought to light with the use of premium materials such as soft-touch plastics along with trim pieces available in chrome, aluminum, and with piano-black finishes.

The center stack is slightly angled towards the driver for a more “driver centric” environment. Golf S has standard power windows (with one-touch up/down from all window switches), power exterior door mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, rear-view camera, leather-wrapped handbrake and shifter knob and partial power front seats. SE models are equipped with leatherette seating surfaces, key-less access with push-button start, heated front seats and voice operated controls.

The standard infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle features available in the automotive industry today. Available V W Car-Net Security & Service features include automatic crash notification, manual emergency call support, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle location backing.

In addition, it includes remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, remote status check for the vehicles doors and windows, an electronic vehicle status health report plus additional other attributes.

Powering Golf is a compact turbocharged, direct-injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. This high tech design delivers excellent power-producing 170-horsepower as well as notable fuel efficiency. This engine is mated to either a traditional five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. With the five-speed, it achieves around 25 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.

Models equipped with the optional six-speed automatic will get slightly less MPG. The steel body and chassis is largely made up of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.

To help protect occupants, Golf provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. The car has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic and mechanical safety systems.

Volkswagen Golf models come with an enhanced six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited coverage warranty policy. It can also be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration. Pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf with a standard five-speed manual transmission starts at $20,910. Destination charge come out to be an additional $850.

VW also builds the Golf in a Sportwagen version as well as an Alltrack model, GTI, e-Golf electric and Golf R performance edition.