Volkswagen Golf Car Review

FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety Overall View Model Reviewed: Golf 1.6 TDI Auto $29,990* What we liked Fuel miser, styling, handling What we didn’t Slow reaction when you first press the accelerator

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Review

The new Golf is no slouch when it comes to winning awards. Recent accolades include 2009 Carsguide Car of the Year, 2009 Wheels Car of the Year and 2009 World Car of the Year. But does winning awards voted by motoring journalists mean that the car can do what it needs to do at the school gate, in the traffic and in the carpark? At FamilyCar, it’s the practical things that make life easy and safe on the road that we focus on. So what do we think??

We test drove the 77TDI DSG. Translated this means a 1.6 litre, 7 speed auto. You can also get the diesel in 5 speed. And if diesel is not your thing, there are 2 petrol models. But wait, there’s more! There is also the turbo charged 2 litre GTi, which took out the 2009 Drive Car of the Year Award (Best Performance Car Under $60k) and the brand new Golf Wagon.

Driver’s View

I’ve always been a fan of the Golf and have owned 3 in my life. They are functional, stylish, easy to drive, have a healthy standard feature list and have always had a sporty edge to the way they drive. The new Golf TDI is no exception. The only downside when driving is a small delay when you initially put your foot on the accelerator. When you’re up and running, the acceleration is smooth and seamless.

Visibility is great, which makes parking incredibly easy and safe as you can see exactly what’s going on around you. The steering is light when parking and has a responsive sporty feel at greater speeds.

Safety

Explaining safety across a model range of cars can be sometimes quite difficult. Not so with the Golf. ALL models have achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating. Features include driver and front passenger front and side airbags, driver’s knee airbag and curtain airbags. Add to this EDB, ESP, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist and you’ve great a great package to keep your family safe while on the road. The only items missing would be rear parking sensors or a rear camera, which are both available as an option.

Family Friendly

After experiencing the Jetta’s huge boot space I’d prepared myself for something a little less capable. Surprisingly you can fit quite a bit into the boot. I popped in 2 body boards, a small suitcase, flippers and a dinner set, with plenty of room to spare. It also easily gobbled up a week’s worth of grocery shopping.

There are plenty of drink holders with bottle holders in each door and 2 cup holders in the rear and 2 in the front centre console. There is also a sunglasses holder, small storage nooks in the front centre, and a reasonable size glove box.

Just like the Jetta, the rear passengers also get a middle armrest, air vents and pockets on the back of the front seats.

For those with 3 kids, you can get in 2 child restraints in the rear with room for a small child in the middle. I tried to squeeze in the middle between the 2 booster seats, but it was really uncomfortable.

EcoFriendly

Volkswagen is producing some pretty efficient engines and the one in the Golf is no exception. It auto consumes 5.1 litres/100kms combined cycle and emits 133gms carbon dioxide per km. If you’re thinking that you want to spend even less time at the petrol station, then go for the manual diesel, which consumes only 4.9 litres per 100kms.

Overall View

The Golf is a great package offering value for money, high safety standards, great fuel efficiency all bundles up into a stylish looking car. No wonder the Golf has won so many awards and is so popular!

If you are considering this car you may also like to test drive the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 308 or Ford Focus.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, driver’s knee airbag and curtain airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Electronic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	8
CD player:	CD player with 8 speakers, MP3 compatibility
Air conditioning:	Yes
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	7 speed auto
Engine:	1.6 litre turbo
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	5.1 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	133gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	8/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP Rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$29,990*

* Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Volkswagen dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: February 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye