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Volkswagen Golf 2.0 SDI S

Believe it or not, you can join the money-saving club with a Volkswagen Golf. As well as having a desirable badge and one of the classiest interiors around, the compact family car puts paid to its rivals in our pence-per-mile play-off.

A diesel engine is a good start. And to chip some decent money off your monthly bills, you’ll need the 2.0-litre SDI oil-burner. That’s because the £12,280 car costs only 31.4 pence per mile to run. Fuel consumption is one mile per gallon worse than in the smaller, more hi-tech MINI One as well. So what’s the catch?

The answer is apparent as soon as you get behind the wheel of the VW. Its normally aspirated diesel powerplant can really struggle on the open road. With a power output of only 73bhp and 140Nm of torque at its disposal, performance is at best relaxed.

But while the 0-62mph sprint takes a leisurely 16.7 seconds – exactly the same amount of time as the 1.0-litre Smart ForTwo – you can revel in fuel economy of 52.3mpg, The 350-litre boot extends to 1,305 litres if you fold the rear seats, so luggage space is generous, too.

To minimise outgoings, you’ll also have to buy the cheaper three-door S model. It has just as much room as the five-door inside, but it’s the less versatile option of the two bodystyles.

And that’s not all, because VW has made other sacrifices to earn a good score in the pence-per-mile challenge. Open the door and you’ll find the same high-quality cabin that features across the Golf line-up… but look at the spec sheet and you’ll see lots of gaps.

While the soft-touch plastics, solid build and neat design all meet with approval, there’s no getting round the shortage of standard equipment. It does better than the entry Smart by providing air-con, six airbags and remote central locking as standard in entry-level S trim. If you want electric rear windows, alloys or cruise control, though, they’re all options. You also get a horrible plastic steering wheel to remind you every time you sit in the driver’s seat that you own the basic model.

The lacklustre performance can be overcome quite simply. Our advice would be to pitch in a few extra pence to get the more punchy 103bhp 1.9-litre TDI variant we’ve used in our pictures.

Running costs for this car start from just 36.8ppm (still bettering the majority of its rivals), and its turbodiesel engine is much punchier. It has more mid-range torque for overtaking and merging with fast-moving traffic – both unnerving experiences in the slower SDI. The TDI is 5.4 seconds quicker from 0-62mph, too. It even provides superior economy of 56.5mpg combined, as well as lower CO2 emissions, at 132g/km.

The 73bhp SDI gives the Golf victory in this part of our challenge, as it has the class’s lowest ppm figure. But the greater performance of the TDI makes it worth each one of the extra 5.4ppm it costs.

VW Golf Twin drive

We try the world’s first-ever diesel hybrid in five-door hatch!

Here’s the Golf’s not-so-evil twin! This is the Twin Drive – Volkswagen’s late, late ticket to the electric hybrid party. But it’s got a trick up its sleeve. The car is the first-ever hybrid to feature a diesel engine – and Auto Express has driven it!

There are only 20 Twin Drive prototypes in existence, but we got behind the wheel to give you the definitive verdict on VW’s clean, green derv sipper. And sip diesel it does. Bosses say this Golf returns 113mpg – that’s more than twice what a 2.0-litre TDI can muster!

The unbelievable economy comes from the blend of a frugal 1.5-litre common-rail diesel and three electric motors: one in the bonnet next to the engine and one in each of the back wheels.

When travelling at speeds of up to 31mph, the Golf takes its power from the electric motors solely. But only if driven gently – the diesel motor will take over if the accelerator is pressed hard, providing a slug of extra power.

Beyond 31mph, the oil-burner kicks in as a matter of course, charging the battery and driving the car. At motorway speeds, the diesel provides the go.

Silent

Together, the electric motors and engine produce 175bhp. How does this translate on the road? Well, the Golf is eerily silent at start-up and travelling below the magic 31mph mark. It feels heavy, but rides well and handles with the composure you expect of the VW hatch.

The car weighs 250kg more than a 4MOTION TDI, although the fact that two of the motors are at the rear means the burden is spread evenly, so handling isn’t affected too severely.

Charging the Twin Drive is easy, with plug-in points in the front and rear bumpers. It takes four-and-a-half hours from a 220V source. VW says that costs about £1.40 at current prices, for around 30 miles of urban driving. Stop-start technology helps conserve the charge of the water-cooled electric motors in town.

So it drives well, seats four adults like any other Golf and has incredible economy. It’s just a pity VW isn’t putting it into production for seven years.

Rival: Toyota Prius
Say hybrid and the word Prius springs to mind. But oddball looks hamper its appeal, while many modern diesels now provide better fuel returns.

Great new Golf Cabrio raises the roof

The lid has been lifted on VW’s next open champion – meet the new Golf Cabriolet! One of the best-loved cars in the history of the German brand returns to the line-up next year. On sale in the UK at the same time as the rest of the Golf MkVI range, the Cabriolet will give sun-seekers a cut-price alternative to Audi’s new drop-top A3. It will also compete with more mainstream models such as the Ford Focus CC and Peugeot 308 CC. As you can see, the VW bucks the current trend for folding metal roofs and instead has a traditional fabric top – as with every previous generation. Its state-of-the-art hood is shared with the A3 Cabriolet, and will provide the Golf with a classy look.

It has a multi-layer construction for impressive refinement at high speeds, and as with the Audi, the mechanism will be fully automatic – owners simply press a button on the dashboard or the key fob to operate it.

The roof can be lowered or raised with the car moving at up to 20mph – a process that takes less than 10 seconds – and once down, it sits flush with the bodywork behind the rear seats.

The soft-top bodystyle sits perfectly with the evolutionary lines of the latest family car range, which include a fresh grille. But it still gets traditional Golf design features, such as a rising waistline and chunky C-pillars.

Inside, there will be space for four people, with legroom on a par with the three-door. The roof will cut into boot space, but the Golf has always been one of the most practical drop-tops, so expect fold-flat seats and a ski hatch to make the most of the room available.

VW has developed the latest Golf under tight financial constraints – the project was given a relatively small budget as the MkV has proved expensive to build – so it’s amazing that a soft-top has been produced at all. Yet this won’t prevent the Cabriolet from offering superb quality and generous standard kit. All models will get air-con and Bluetooth connectivity.

Under the skin, a simple multi-link rear suspension layout will cut produc-tion times and costs. To make up for the loss of the roof, the A-pillars, side sills and floorpan are reinforced, and strong steel rollover hoops added.

Engine options comprise 158bhp 1.8 and 197bhp 2.0-litre TFSI petrols, plus 104bhp 1.9 and 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesels, while VW’s twin-clutch DSG transmission will be an optional extra. The Cabriolet will debut alongside the rest of the new Golf range later this year, with sales starting early in 2009.

VW Launches New Aero Kits for Scirocco and Passat CC

At the Automechanika Show in Frankfurt that opened its doors to the public today, Friday, September 16, Volkswagen released a series of aerodynamic accessories for the new Passat CC and Scirocco models. For the Passat CC, Volkswagen has developed a new front lip spoiler as well as a trunk lid spoiler while the Scirocco gets a more complete kit that consists of a front bumper spoiler, side sills, a rear bumper fascia and a discreet roof spoiler.

VW Golf VI BlueMotion Concept Revealed

Following the all-new Golf VI full details posted earlier today, VW has revealed its corresponding Golf BlueMotion Concept. Equipped with a 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, the Golf BlueMotion achieves an impressive 74.3 mpg (combined) while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. Such economy matches that of its smaller sibling, the Polo BlueMotion. Despite its frugality, the Golf BlueMotion still manages a respectable 11.3 seconds when fully accelerating to 62 mph (100km/h) before going on to a top speed of 117 mph.

The BlueMotion model is distinguished by a number of features aimed at efficiency, such as a set of low rolling resistance tyres, optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. For comparison, the equivalent 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS without the BlueMotion package achieves 62 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. This economy matches that of the current fifth generation Golf BlueMotion model.

The new Golf will go on sale in the UK in January next year, following in other countries mid 2009.
Source: VW

2009 Volkswagen Golf – The Best Golf of all Times

- Golf’s high customer value and comfort defy class distinctions
- New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen’s future
- TDI, TSI and DSG systems reduce fuel consumption by up to 28 percent
- First Golf with Adaptive Chassis and Automatic Distance Control

Volkswagen is sending a new Golf out into the world, the best of all times. The Golf is a phenomenon, regardless of its particular generation. Positioned in the compact class, this style icon defies all automotive and social class distinctions. No other car in this price segment has even come close to reaching as large a cross-section of people. The Golf is the only one that always fits right, and the new one is even better fitting.

It was perfected in every detail. It is also the quest for perfection that has elevated the styling of the Golf to a new level. The team headed up by the Group’s chief designer, the Italian Walter de Silva, has succeeded in giving the Golf a presence, a sharpness, a power that generates even more fun. Fun to look at and fun to drive. An intelligent car. Data such as an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers for a 110 PS TDI put fuel prices in their place. Upon request, the Golf can park itself nearly automatically in the city thanks to “Park Assist”, it can maintain an ideal gap on the freeway by distance control (ACC), and at the push of a button it can transform itself from a cruiser to a sports car when the new “DCC Adaptive Chassis Control” system is on board.

Above all, the car exhibits a standard of quality never before attained in this price class. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG sums it up: “This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before”. In Europe the new Golf will be introduced to the market in October. Following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.

Innovative force – the Golf democratizes progress

The clear and powerful styling of the Golf being offered as a two-door and four-door in the “Trendline”, “Comfort line” and “Highline” equipment lines is showing the entire brand the way to the future. The Volkswagen’s acoustic properties and overall comfort tear down class distinctions. Innovative engine and transmission technologies reduce fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines fulfill emission limits of the future Euro-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as “ACC Automatic Distance Control” – as well as developments like “DCC Adaptive Chassis Control” (DCC) and “Park Assist” – bring additional top technologies to the Golf class. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that work to counteract whiplash trauma, a “seatbelt detection” feature debuting on the Golf in the rear seating area and daytime running lights – also standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design – precision in a new form

The exceptionally high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: “We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise new mold”, explains Walter de Silva. And he emphasizes this: “The Golf is the global icon of car making. So the architecture and styling of new model are also absolutely clear and unique.” At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive image than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: “It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses.” And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the brand, adds: “Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value.”

Especially in a direct comparison of generations V and VI, it becomes evident just how much the new Golf has changed. The design team – headed up by Walter de Silva, Klaus Bischoff and the Group’s director for creative design, Flavio Manzoni – crystallized out the Golf’s essential DNA and sent it on a trip to the future. Style features include the clarity of the first generation’s front end and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a prominently contoured shoulder section. Responsible for this is a dominant curved line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. This side profile line – which Volks wagen Design calls the “character line” – also gives the Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a lateral perspective.

All body surfaces are more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car adopts the radiator grille of the first Golf generation that is horizontally aligned between the headlights; the grille itself is in high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is a section with another air scoop. Also presented over a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

The rear too is characterized by a predominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – now very wide – are marked among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically, the crystal-clear line of turn signal and backup lamps bears a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – gives the appearance of a significantly wider, flatter and higher end car.

Interior – imploding class distinctions

The car’s exceptionally high value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials – as well as details such as brushed chrome accents and round in­struments and steering wheels derived directly from those of the Passat CC – leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all controls are even easier to use. They include controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) being presented for the first time on the Passat CC, the new RNS 310 radio-navigation system with touchscreen and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of “seatbelt detection” in the rear: if rear head airbags are ordered on the Golf, the driver can tell from the multifunctional display in the cockpit and an acoustic warning whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather is being used for the first time on the Golf. Or the cargo area: on the new Golf too, four practical hooks ensure that the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area after shopping. Or the outside mirrors: thanks to their aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the inside, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located higher and further forward in the door trim.

Low-noise comfort – the quietest Golf since the model series began

The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special sound-damping film in the windshield reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal design on the doors and side window guides. Significantly less wind noise is generated by the outside mirrors due to their new shape. Furthermore, special modifications were made to better isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another acoustically. Quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction program.

Diesel engines – the shift to common rail injection

Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties of the Golf are the exceptionally quiet common rail TDI engines being implemented on the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts (from 103 kW / 140 PS) also eliminate undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at its market launch Volkswagen will be offering two 2.0 liter TDI engines on the Golf; they deliver 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong diesel is satisfied with just 4.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (119 g/km CO2) – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction in fuel consumption! Even the 140-PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liter less than the on the previous generation.

Gasoline engines – more fuel efficient than ever before

In the launch phase, four variants will define the range of gasoline engines with 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, TSI engines with supercharging and/or turbocharging are used. The fact is: the gasoline engines are also pioneers in economy. The optimized 80-PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) – that is 0.5 liter less than its predecessor. The TSI engines once again make their appearance as prime examples of efficiency: with 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters Super (144 g/km CO2); this represents a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160-PS top version of the 1.4 TSI achieves a top value at 6.3 liters. The 160-PS TSI’s fuel consumption too was lowered by 1.6 liters compared to the retired 150-PS FSI.

DSG – replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with Volkswagen’s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Either a 6-speed or 7-speed DSG is used, depending on engine torque. This means that on the Golf the extremely efficient and agile DSG has replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how economical the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the example of average fuel consumption on the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent – progress at its best.

Golf Facts Sheet

Key aspects in alphabetical order
Automatic transmission: 6 and 7-speed DSG
Body: two and four doors with tailgate; key body sections are galvanized
Cargo area: 350 liter to 1,305 liter, 828 mm to 1,581 mm long
Character: bestseller, at home in all social classes
Chassis: MacPherson front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, ESP is standard, DCC Adaptive Chassis Control (optional)
Colors: “Candy white”, “Black uni”, “Tornado red”, “Shark blue metallic”, “Amaryllis red metallic”, “Reflex silver metallic”, “Shadow blue metallic”, “Silverleaf metallic”, “United grey metallic”, “Blue graphite pearl effect”, “Deep black pearl effect”
Debut: Generation I: 1974
Debut: Generation II: 1983
Debut: Generation III: 1991
Debut: Generation IV: 1997
Debut: Generation V: 2003
Debut: Generation VI: 2008
Design: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Flavio Manzoni (Creative Design), Marc Lichte (Model)
Dimensions: 4,199 mm long, 1,779 mm wide, 1,479 mm tall, tread width, front 1,540 mm; tread width, rear 1,513 mm
Drive: front wheel
Engine range: 59 kW / 80 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS; starting at 90 kW all gasoline engines are charged TSI engines; all diesels are new common rail TDI engines; all engines fulfill Euro-5 emissions standard
Engines – diesel: at launch with 81 kW / 110 PS (TDI), 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI); after time offset: 66 kW / 90 PS (TDI) and 125 kW / 170 PS (TDI)
Engines – gasoline: at launch with 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS (TSI), 118 kW / 160 PS (TSI)
Equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
Fuel consumption range: 4.5 liters to 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers
High-tech driving systems: DCC Adaptive Chassis Control, ACC Automatic Distance Control, Park Assist, Rear Assist rearview camera, Park Pilot with visual display
Infotainment: RDC 210, RDC 310, RDC 510 radio-CD player systems; RNS 310 (completely new) and RNS 510 radio-navigation systems; MEDIA-IN port, AUX-IN port, Excite Dynaudio sound system, hands-free unit
Market launch: starting in October 2008
Produced Golf cars, total: more than 26 million
Production sites: Zwickau and Wolfsburg
Standard equipment: includes ESP, seven airbags, air conditioning system, electro-mechanical power steering, power windows in front, multifunctional display, central locking, driver’s seat height adjustable
Standard transmission: 5 and 6-speed manual transmission

2009 Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition – One of a Kind

Golf concept car is equipped with highly exclusive natural leather

Collectors Edition underscores Golf’s class-independent image

Wolfsburg, 08 September 2008 – “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline” are the names of the three official equipment lines on the new Golf. Yet there is a fourth version. An unofficial version, since it is not mentioned in any brochure or price list: the “Collectors Edition”. It shows how impressively Volkswagen has mastered the art of upgrading. And it underscores how the Golf is right at home in all classes – a car that cuts a good figure just as naturally in its base version as it does in an exclusive individualized top model with a natural leather interior in the style of the finest luxury sedans.

Orchestrated by corporate design chief Walter de Silva and the director of the “Lifestyle & Performance” design group, Friederike Plock-Girmann, the Collectors Edition prototype developed into what is certainly the most exclusive Golf in the history of the model

EXTERIOR OF THE COLLECTORS EDITION

The Collectors Edition concept car was painted in a very dark, very refined blue – “Moonlight blue pearl effect”. While the radiator grille of the production Golf was designed in black, here it is presented in the car’s color. In the wheels area, new 18-inch “Vancouver” alloy wheels are used. They can also be ordered as an option on the production car, and they were given a high-gloss polish for the Collectors Edition.

INTERIOR OF THE COLLECTORS EDITION

The Collectors Edition is the first Golf in which natural leather is making its appearance. It adorns the seats (lateral supports of seatback, outer sides of seat, center panel and covers), the center armrest and door inserts. Walter de Silva took the natural leather color as the standard in applying a refined brown tone called “IOWA”. It is reminiscent of the elegance of hand-crafted Italian shoes. The leather sections of the sport seats – that are as sporty as they are comfortable – are offset by black piping; they are joined together by seams in “Natural brown” color. The seat’s outer side panels discreetly sport the embossed letters “WDS” – the initials of the chief designer.

Designers added decorative accents to the interior (including accent strips, surrounds of the air vents) in high-gloss piano lacquer to complement the overall harmony of the black trim. Made entirely of aluminum are the door tread plates embossed with the “Collectors Edition” signature – insignias of a one-of-a-kind car.

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