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WEEKEND ROADTEST: VW Golf Bluemotion 1.6 5sp 5dr
publication date: Dec 4, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | | VW’s car range is one of the best know in the world, but it has a greener branch to the family tree, the Bluemotion series.
This series of high efficiency, low polluting and economical
engines and technology is being rolled out across the range of all
models and the mid-sized Golf is a good candidate for the updated
Bluemotion touches. The previous generation Golf had a BM model but the
newest is even cleaner and economical.
On the new Golf it is a 1.6 litre engine with a five-speed box and
comes with simple stop & start technology to cut out the engine
when idling in traffic. It also has energy regeneration to boost the
battery and you can switch off the alternator when desired to reduce
the power drain, economical tyres and modified wind-cheating bodywork.
The engine is a good starter, smooth and fairly quiet and matched to
the five-speed box it gives good acceleration but it’s not quick. The
character to the car is two-fold, drive gently and see good fuel
returns, but push for performance and its economy is only about average.
It is a little surprising that there are only five gears available when
logic suggests a six-speed box would be more economical. VW has altered
the upper ratios in the BM version and while adding an extra gear would
have provided the opportunity to improve acceleration across the power
band without compromising on economy derived from a long sixth ratios,
I am not completely convinced VW has fully considered and maximised its
opportunities.
As it is, the VW Golf Bluemotion is not a dynamically pleasing or exciting car.
The major controls and the secondary switches operate with satisfying
precision, the gearchange is positive with a light clutch, the brakes
are well balanced and powerful and the steering gives good turning
circle but not its not endowed with as much feeling as I would like.
The usual column stalks and fascia switches operate with a reassuring
feel and are generally well located. Instruments are simple and clear
and do not suffer from reflections and there is an adequate range of
warning lights. Heating and ventilation is also straightforward and
works well, backed up by powered front windows.
The oddments space is reasonably good throughout the cabin with large
compartments and trays and the boot is big behind a high sill but its
capacity is quickly further increased when the rear seats are dropped.
Access to the seats is good with wide opening doors and inside the room
is generous for everyone, with the front pair of seats having a lot of
adjustment room. The shape of the seats is good and they support
occupants very well.
Ride comfort is probably the most impressive feature compared to the
previous series. It now soaks up the bumps and potholes with better
composure and less likelihood of shaking the occupants.
Even so, the roadholding and handling is good and it has no real vices.
You can press on with confidence in the latest Golf even if you have to
extend the engine and can tolerate the high noise levels it produces.
The engine noises are very speed dependent and as a result vary, but
the road rumbles seem constant and wind noise is sometimes more
noticeable than at other times. Some of this may be due to the BM’s low
rolling resistance tyres.
A very conservative, practical shape gives anyone inside the car a good
view of their surroundings with a low waistline and big windows, the
lights are good and the wipers adequate.
The busy engine, the road rumbles and sometimes wind battered shape
produce variable noises levels and they detract from the new Golf’s
refinement and sophistication which is a very real improvement over the
previous generation.
Make no mistake, this is a very good Golf with significant refinements
but it’s not the easiest of cars to live with. Unless you really want
to maximise the Bluemotion features of the new Golf it may not be the
model for you. It is good at what it does, but do you want it to do
what it does? |
| Test panel | | | Model: VW Golf Bluemotion 1.6 5sp 5dr | | Price: £17,910 | | Insurance group: 5 | | Powertrain: 105ps 4cyl 1598cc, 5sp | | Max speed: 118mph | | 0-62mph: 11.3sec | | Consumption: 67mpg | | Running cost: 40ppm | | C02/ tax: 99gkm/ 13pc | | Retained value: 47pc | | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60k | | © ROBIN ROBERTS |
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