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By
EWAN KENNEDY in Reykjavic
29 September 2008
A new Volkswagen Golf is an important event in the world’s
automotive scene. By one definition it’s the biggest selling car
of all time, meaning it has stuck to the same mechanical layout
right from the start 34 years ago. Golf is frequently the number
one car on the toughest market of them all, Europe, so it’s
vital its designers get it right.
Now
we have Golf 6, the sixth generation. It’s not a totally new
car, being a major reworking of the Golf 5 which was released in
2003. The emphasis in the new model is on greater refinement and
quality. It also takes a more stylish path in its lines, with a
sleeker front end that looks wider and sportier than ever before.
The strong shoulder lines that are carried along virtually the
whole length of the body work well. The distinctive deep C-pillar
shape has obviously been retained, though we feel that it’s less
standout than previously. The tail-lights take an interesting new
direction in their style that should appeal to all lovers of this
popular German car.
Inside,
the Golf 6 is very Volkswagen in its dash design, but, again, the
shape is sleeker than ever before. But with no compromise in
functionality. Quality is everywhere inside, both in design and
materials used. The Golf 6 is a definite step up from the about to
be superseded Golf 5 in this important matter.
We
were invited to attend the international launch of the new Golf in
Reykjavik, Iceland where the tough character of the car blended
neatly into the harsh landscape of one of the most northerly
countries on Earth. Desolation and rough road surfaces reminded us
a lot of the far distant Australian outback and the Golf coped
well with the conditions. Interestingly there are a lot of
coarse-chip surfaces on roads there. The Golf suppressed tyre
noise well, though there was one short section where the sound
did, inexplicably get into the car.
On
the whole, though, this latest Volkswagen Golf is much more
refined, smooth and quiet than ever before. The company told us it
has drawn down some of the technology used in its topline Phaeton
model, a car that’s not sold in Australia. This showed in a Golf
that felt more Passat-like in the way it kept interior sound
levels and vibration to an impressive minimum.
This
car is a genuine five-seater though as is usually the case, four
adults and a child, all in lap-sash safety belts, would be a more
sensible load. Boot space is very good and the luggage area is
simple to access.
At
this stage only the hatchbacks are being introduced. A Golf
station wagon and Jetta sedan will be introduced later. Wagons
haven’t been sold in Australia in previous models, but there's a
good chance they will be introduced this time around.
A big
variety of engines is to be offered in the Golf in Europe, though
not all may reach Australia. Engines that are likely to hit our
shores include a 1.4 four-cylinder unit with a turbocharger; a
similar engine with Twincharger technology using both a
supercharger and turbocharger to squeeze the most energy out of
every drop of fuel. A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is also likely to be
included in the Australian range.
We
road tested all three engines and found that even the 1.4 turbo
had plenty of pep and a real willingness to rev. Many buyers would
be more than happy with this engine.
The
petrol engines we drove had Volkswagen’s DSG twin-clutch gearbox
with seven forward ratios. This is a new gearbox. The
turbo-diesels had the existing six-speed DSG unit, with six speeds
being more than enough when installed beside a engine with the
high torque characteristics of this one.
In
each case the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of the new
engines are lower than in the current models.
One
of the major features of the latest redesign of the VW Golf is an
emphasis on price control. The car has yet to be launched anywhere
in the world, but there is speculation it may sell for less than
its predecessor, either that or it will receive additional
equipment at minimal extra cost. Perhaps a combination of both.
The
release date for Golf in Australia is yet to be announced, but we
would expect to see it in April or May 2009. Local prices and
final specifications will be announced at the time. We would
speculate on prices beginning at $25,990, which would make it
excellent value for a quality German car.
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Marque Publishing Company
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