VW Golf 1.6S
March 13, 2009
Is there a weak link in the new Golf range? We’ve yet to find it! Auto Express has tested a number of models from the line-up, and all have impressed. But with a mix of hi-tech diesels and advanced TSI petrol units on offer, is there a reason to consider this humble 1.6-litre petrol model? Well, with 101bhp and 148Nm of torque, it’s not very rapid, but if you’re prepared to make the most of the five gears on offer, progress can be swift.
Emissions of 166g/km and combined economy of 39.8mpg are good. However, it’s no match for a diesel Golf, although a price tag of £14,372 means the 1.6 S 5dr is £1,683 cheaper than the entry-level 2.0 TDI. But best of all, you never feel like you’re driving an entry-level car. Build quality is beyond reproach, with sturdy materials throughout and a touchscreen display on the dashboard.
Engine noise is well insulated, so the lack of sixth gear doesn’t detract from the Golf’s motorway ability. The suspension absorbs bumps brilliantly, yet the springs and dampers are still taut enough to restrict body roll, resulting in strong grip when cornering. Equipment is rather basic in S trim, but you do get air-con and a trip computer. It all adds to up to another excellent Golf.
Rival: Ford Focus 1.6 Edge
If it’s sharp handling you’re after, the Focus is the car for you. However, in every other respect the Golf is as good or better than the Ford.
Details
Price: £14,372
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 101bhp
0-60mph: 11.3 seconds
Econ/CO2: 39.8mpg/166g/km
Equipment: Driver and passenger airbags, electric front windows, CD stereo with touchscreen centre console
On sale: Now
Golf VII – gets into shape
February 26, 2009
The MkVI Golf has only just gone on sale, but the firm is already working on its replacement, due in 2012 – two years sooner than anticipated.
Our illustrations show how the MkVII is likely to look. And as usual with VW’s most important model, the styling is evolutionary.
But it’s under the skin where this model plans to break new ground – leading the way in how cars of the future will be made.
Reports suggest the MkVII will differ so radically from its predecessor that it bears comparison to the giant leap Ford made from the Escort to the Focus in 1998.
Bucking the trend for ever-increasing dimensions and kerbweights, the newcomer will rely on a smaller platform than the current car, with many components borrowed from the forthcoming Polo. Lightweight body panels will reduce weight, so similar performance can be achieved from smaller-capacity forced-induction engines. And diesels are expected to make up an even bigger percentage of sales than at present.
VW’s highly efficient twin-clutch DSG gearbox will be offered across the range as well, while advances in its resilience mean high-powered versions such as the GTI will benefit from seven ratios instead of six for the first time.
The VW Golf GTI heritage special
January 20, 2009
That said, when I saw the first pictures of the new MkIV GTI, I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed. Was it really different enough from its predecessors to make a big impression?
Spending time with the car in the metal brings a fresh perspective. The next generation GTI is much lower than its predecessor, with a much more squat, muscular stance. Will that be enough to make it class leader? We’ll have to see if engineers have pulled off a similar trick under the skin.
If the standard MkVI Golf is anything to go by, we’ve got a hot hatch treat to look forward to in the spring.
And with a bloodline that stretches back over 30 years, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to chart the evolution of the Golf with an exclusive special feature, bringing together every GTI generation.
These exclusive behind the scenes snaps give a sneak preview of our photoshoot, which has just been completed at a top-secret photo studio in the UK. I was lucky enough to be there to smuggle out these shots, but read about every detail of their development, you’ll have to wait until January 21st, when the full 16-page pull-out magazine will be offered free with Auto Express, and featured in full on autoexpress.co.uk.
And the cars in our pictures aren’t just any old Golfs, either.
Granted exclusive access to Volkswagen UK’s heritage collection, we had all six generations of GTI in condition that had to be seen to be believed. There were no shortages of volunteers from the Auto Express road test team to go along to the studio shoot and get up close and personal with these legendary hot hatches – and we weren’t disappointed.
I’m lucky enough to have driven the MkI GTI in our pictures before – but it looked very different when I took the wheel five years ago. Since then it’s been re-built from the ground up, using parts from several other vehicles, including its legendary Pirelli ‘P’ alloy wheels. The result is a stunning time warp of a car that’s now kept under lock and key forever more.
However, the MkI wasn’t my personal favourite on the day. It was fascinating to see the proportions of the new MkVI, and I’ve got happy memories of long drives in the MkV, but it’s the black MkII that held the most appeal for me. Not only was it in absolutely perfect condition, but the styling looks just as good today as the day it was launched.
VW Golf MkVI 1.4 TSI
September 19, 2008
We’ve also driven the petrol version of Volkswagen’s latest Golf and it’s every bit as impressive as the diesel!
Petrol power is fighting back! The new 1.4-litre turbo and supercharged TSI engine under the bonnet of this thrilling new Golf proves when it comes to economy and low running costs, diesel is not necessarily the winning choice.
The 158bhp four-cylinder unit, which packs an impressive punch, debuts in the latest MkVI model, on sale in the UK from January. The engine is the only production unit on the market with both a supercharger and turbo.
As well as offering a great blend of build quality and luxury, what makes this model even more exciting is that it returns nearly 45mpg on the combined cycle. Pound for pound, that makes it the most efficient performance petrol engine money can buy. Exhaust emissions are low, too, as the car produces around 145g/km of CO2.
To make the most of the power on offer, Volkswagen has fitted this TSI motor with a new seven speed semi-automatic transmission. It is called a Dual Shift Gearbox, or DSG for short, and is operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. The set-up provides smooth, seamless changes.
The manufacturer has also fitted this car with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). This electronic system helps fine-tune the suspension to give a good blend of comfort and control. By pressing a button on the centre console, drivers can choose from one of three specific suspension settings – Comfort, Normal or Sport – to suit road conditions.
There’s no doubt that the 1.4 Golf MkVI is an impressive performer – and, in our minds, better to drive than the diesel. That’s partly down to the snappy responses of the engine, but the seven-speed gearbox and lighter engine are also responsible.
Prices for the newcomer are still to be confirmed. However, they are expected to rise by around £700 over the current machine, so buyers can anticipate paying about £18,000 for a well equipped version of the newcomer.
VW Golf MkVI 2.0 TDI
September 19, 2008
It promises more luxury than ever, but has sixth generation of famous hatch been worth the wait?
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime! VW has unleashed its stunning new Golf – and Auto Express travelled to Iceland to see if it’s a winner.
As the famous family hatchback celebrates its 34th anniversary, its sixth major evolution has arrived. And the German company promises the newcomer will deliver unrivalled luxury and refinement.
To help substantiate those claims, our 2.0-litre TDI test car had an ultra-efficient engine and six-speed automatic gearbox, as well as touchscreen audio and navigation.
Flagship versions get computer-controlled suspension and a cruise control that scans the road ahead for slower traffic.
Up close, the bold new lights and revised grille give the Golf a sportier appearance than the MkV. But the changes represent an evolution rather than a revolution for the top-seller.
Inside, the difference is more obvious. VW makes much of the cabin which, as well as being lavishly equipped, gets fresh fabrics and trim, along with more comfortable seats. As before, there’s ample leg and headroom, and our five-door offered plenty of rear space.
The driving position is comfortable and provides a great view of the road ahead, while the chunky steering wheel in our SE-equipped car featured button controls for the sat-nav and climate control. On the road, refinement is impressive, too. At idle, the engine is virtually inaudible thanks to modifications VW has made to reduce vibration.
What’s more, performance and economy both remain competitive. The 138bhp oil-burner returns nearly 58mpg – which is 6mpg more than the previous model achieved – but also delivers a top speed of nearly 140mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 11.2 seconds.
This is partly helped by the new dual-shift semi-automatic gearbox, or DSG for short. Although a six-speed manual transmission is also available, our test car was equipped with DSG, which provides near-instant up and downchanges.
Operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles, the ’box responds quickly to commands, sliding smoothly through the ratios. This aids poise and balance on winding, uneven roads – particularly under braking and when accelerating out of corners.
And even although the chassis is very similar to that of the 2004 Golf MkV, subtle but important changes to the design make it slightly stronger. This extra strength has been used in part to improve the car’s mid-corner stability, but is mostly aimed at upgrading refinement.
Coupled with the new, electronically controlled suspension that debuted on the VW Scirocco, it provides smooth, quiet progress which insulates the driver from harsh surface changes and potholes. But this new-found luxury has spoiled the steering, which lacks feel. We do, however, like the extra safety equipment which this Golf carries as standard. For the first time, there are knee airbags for the driver, bringing the total count to seven.
There is also a head restraint system, designed to reduce whiplash injuries, plus a revised and improved ESP electronic stability programme.
But the big question is: Has all this work really been enough to ensure the latest member of the Golf dynasty matches the high expectations of its fans?
When it comes to luxury and refinement, there’s no doubt this model scores a hole in one. However, the increased reliance on electronics to control the suspension and steering has robbed the car of some of its dynamic appeal.
Rival: Ford Focus
A recent redesign improved the looks and refinement… but that’s not enough any more. The new Golf has opened a gulf between the two that’s unlikely to be closed any time soon.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 SDI S
September 17, 2008
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
September 13, 2008
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
September 13, 2008
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.
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