2015 Volkswagen Golf: Spot the Differences
It is quite obvious that there are a few differences between the USA and Europe. The currencies, the languages, laws… or the typical inhabitant’s mentality. And from now on, you can add to that list the specs of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf!
The VW Golf is sold worldwide. Just like McDonald's, wherever you are in the world, you can go into a Volkswagen dealership, buy a Golf, and it will taste the same as any other Golf… Or so we thought!
- Also: 2015 Volkswagen Golf: The Seventh Generation has Finally Arrived
- Also: Volkswagen: Fry Your Nerves With the 2015 Golf
A team of analysts was contracted by Volkswagen USA to review evaluations by American consumers about the last Golf made. They noticed certain trends in the criticisms, so they made a list of possible improvements for the 2015 Golf. VW made a few changes to their car to make sure America would love their little hatchback. For example:
- The cruise control is usually mounted on a stalk behind the steering wheel. In America, people were complaining that they could not see the controls, so the manufacturer elected to install the gadget ON the wheel (this will eventually be applied to all Golfs).
- On Europeans cars if you want the interior temperature at 21 Celsius, you set the thermostat to ‘’21’’. Simple, right? But in the US of A, people think that 21 Celsius (or 71 Fahrenheit) is too warm, so if they set their thermostat to 71 degrees, the in-car temperature will actually be around 67-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Europeans prefer a more linear acceleration upon throttle application, whereas Americans like a strong pull in the first 10-20 percent of pedal travel. Volkswagen modified the ECU of the US Golf to make sure people will not think their car is underpowered.
There are surely more small details like these, but it goes to show that even if they look alike, Golfs from around the world are tailored to suit their target audience.
I am still waiting on a Canadian Golf, with two heater cores and a snow plow.
