OVERSTEER ROAD TEST: Volkswagen Golf 77kW TDI
Mention the Volkswagen Golf to any motoring dunderhead and they will tell you how it is the benchmark for all family hatchbacks, and they are right. The newest seventh generation car however has gone where no Golf has gone before- drastically down in the price range, but without compromising quality. Ben Selby takes a look at the entry-level diesel model to see if they have succeeded.
The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf may not look a lot different to its predecessor and some may even dismiss it as slightly bigger Polo, but the fact remains that the Golf has been the yardstick in the five-door family hatch market for many a generation. However, with its seventh incarnation, Volkswagen have pulled a rabbit out of the hat and given us a Golf which offers so much for so little.
Almost everything about the Golf Seven is spot on, whether it is the quality, ride comfort, usability or driver involvement. Now you can add a startling price to the list of awesomeness, as Volkswagen has slashed the price of the entry level model by $8000 to give a starting price of $32,250. That puts it directly in competition with the Honda Civic Euro and that Kiwi family car of choice, the Toyota Corolla.
The car featured here is the Comfortline TDi. At $37,250, it remains firmly in the midpoint of the range and is the most affordable diesel. Aimed at the Golf buyer who seeks a frugal, economic yet dynamic driving workhorse, it manages to deliver plenty of all round brilliance.
Outside
The Golf MK7 doesn’t appear to look radical on a first glimpse, but take a second look and one can take in really nice cues. Yes, if you saw one at a distance coming towards you, you may mistake it for an older Golf, but that certainly isn’t a bad thing!
A lower and more planted stance distinguishes it from its smaller sibling, with a more aggressive front spoiler. Round the back there are little alterations from before, apart from a more angular tail light cluster. All in all, just by looking at the new car, you are able to see it is Golf through and through.
Inside
Naturally you would expect both fashion and function when it comes to a Golf interior and in the seventh generation, you will not be disappointed. The interior feels and looks classy, even on the entry point cars, almost every aspect right down to the buttons used to operate the window demist, feel solid and look great.
In terms of front and rear legroom you are well catered for. Sliding ones backside into the driver’s seat or in the back means you have plenty of places to get comfortable.
The amount of tech you now get with the Golf is very generous given the new affordable price tag. The car featured here came with an electric parking brake, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands free and a thumping great stereo to name a few. A five star EuroNCAP safety rating is achieved and seven come as standard.
Boot space has grown to 380 litres which is 30 more than found in the previous generation. The boot floor can also be lowered simply by removing it and inserting it down to a lower slot. Perfect for when that faithful dog wants a bit of Golf to themselves.
Under the Bonnet
The Comfortline TDi is powered a 77kW 1.6-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. Sure it’s a bit down on power from the equivalent petrol model, but being the frugal diesel that it is, you get 250Nm of torque and the marvelous seven speed DSG transmission.
Another benefit of diesel motoring, as you will know, is fuel efficiency and the Germans make some of the most fuel efficient diesel engines around. This one will return impressive consumption figures of 3.9L/100km.
The entire Golf range also benefits from Volkswagen’s Bluemotion technology which includes the engine stop/start system. Add this with their improved aerodynamics from that stylish yet contemporary body and the overall lightness of the car, and you get the Golf’s carbon emissions reduced by up to 19% over the previous generation.
On the Road
Driving any Golf is always going to provide a satisfying commute, and with the latest incarnation it is more of the same, except the satisfaction part of the equation comes in extra large.
The 15-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test car ensured the ride was dream. Even the pothole ravaged roads of Christchurch could have been nonexistent, it really is that good. Steering is direct and offers plenty of feedback.
The 77kW diesel is a gem. Around town and on the open road, you have plenty of torque giving it a real meaty feel. As the revs climb and the turbo engages, you shoot forward riding a wave of frugal power as the horizon comes ever closer. Road noise is minimal and the engine note gives a humble mechanical rasp, rather than an operatic solo.
Each gear change is smooth and precise, taking barely anytime to change either up or down. Switch over to manual and shift with the palm of your hand and you move cogs around with a real feel of mechanical motion.
Approach any corner in the Golf and it is devoured in a matter of seconds. The chassis is really well sorted. Give it some stick coming out of each corner and the front tracks well and true, with a tiny bit of under steer, should you really push it. The planted suspension is also on hand to ensure you aren’t caught off guard by any unforeseen dips in the road.
Verdict
When the time came to hand back the Golf, I was a bit hesitant to do so. It is now utterly obvious why this car has already won accolades all over the world. It happens to be flipping good in all areas.
It has moved the yardstick for the family hatchback segment even further away from its rivals and this diesel is just one of the stars in one of the most complete range of family cars to take to our roads.
Volkswagen Golf 77kW TDI Specifications
Price: $37,250
Body type: Five-door hatch
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Engine Type: Four-cylinder turbo diesel
Engine Capacity: 1,598cc
Max power: 77kW @ 3000rpm
Max torque: 250nNm @ 1500rpm
Fuel Consumption: 3.9L/100km
CO2 emission: 102g/km
0 to 100km/h: 10.7 seconds
Front suspension: Macpherson strut
Rear suspension: Multi-link
ABS Brakes: Yes
Air Bags: 7
ESP: Yes
Air Conditioning: Climate control
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
Satellite Navigation: No
Electric seats: No
Burglar Alarm: Yes
Panic Button: No
Wheel type: 15-inch alloy
