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Weekend roadtest:: VW Golf 1.4 TSI
publication date: Sep 25, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | | | If you believe in the saying that a little bit
of what you fancy does you good, then a drive behind the wheel of the
latest 6th generation Golf 1.4 is an over-indulgence.
The latest tv campaign for the Golf, which was launched 34
years ago and has gone to 1.5m UK drivers, shows drivers looking at
rivals and being told elements of them are "just like a Golf". The
message is simple, why not have the real thing?
In three decades the
Golf has become a benchmark for the hatchback class, whether that's for
family or sporting models, and VW has had a comfier ride than many
competitors. But it did become complacent and the Golf lost its sparkle
a few years ago and instead of being better it became bland.
That
has changed in the new series. While retaining the familiar Golf
profile, nose and tail, it is much sleeker and smoother styled from the
outside while the interior is very up to date and less like the inside
of a Panzer tank.
There is a very wide range of three and five door
models, soon to be joined by an estate, with petrol or diesel engines,
manual and automatic transmissions.
With more drivers downsizing and
looking for economy I opted to test the 122ps 1.4 with its 6sp manual
box which had so impressed me on the first drive of the new series
earlier this year.
The engine is a delight, with instant start up,
quiet idling and willing acceleration. It is not only smooth and quiet
in normal use but extended and cruising on the motorway it is utterly
composed.
You only get an inkling that it is 1.4 litres when you try
taking three passengers and it struggles a little more on hills or when
overtaking, but it still shows a lot of refinement and a relaxed nature
overall.
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The
minor controls around the column and on the fascia were convenient and
worked well, were clearly marked and sensibly sized. I also appreciated
the straightforward big instruments.
Temperature controls were
elementary and worked well to provide any desired climate setting, kept
it constant and it was not intrusive.
Oddments room was reasonable
and the boot big behind the hatch with a low loading cill and sensible
shape inside. Access is good for driver and passengers, marginally more
so with the five-door than the three. |  | | | | I found it no hardship to press on through the six gears,
thanks to a light but progressive if long clutch, and a neat gate with
all the gears coming unhesitatingly and providing a seamless shift up
the box.
Underfoot, the brakes were very well balanced and needed
only modest effort to effect rapid deceleration while the handbrake
securely held it on slopes.
The steering had a remarkable feedback
and precision for a family car, more in keeping with a sports model,
and the turning circle was tight without being twitchy at speed. |  |
The seats are not as hard as
in previous generation Golf models but still give good support where
it's needed and the adjustment range is good.
Ride comfort is also
softer than many might expect and it soaks up the worst surfaces much
better than before without compromising its responsive handling and
good grip.
Visibility is clear all round, the wipers do a good job and the lights are bright and far-reaching.
I
think the newest Golf really is a step change for VW and proves the sum
of the parts is better than a whole lot of rivals. ©Robin Roberts |
| Test panel VW Golf S 1.4TSI | Price:
| £15,810 | | Insurance group:
| Seven | Powertrain:
| 122ps 4cyl 1390cc, 6sp | | C02/ tax:
| 144gkm/ 16pc | Max speed:
| 124mph | | 0-62mph:
| 9.5sec | Consumption:
| 46mpg | | Running cost:
| 39ppm | Retained value:
| 46pc | | Warranty:
| 3yrs/ 60K | | | | | |
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