Under Review : The Volkswagen Golf VI

Written by Jepan Mihai

Monday, 26 April 2010 07:08

by JepanMihai

When the original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 first saw the light of day in the early '70's, it took the world by storm for its front wheel drive hatchback configuration, a complete departure from anything the German car maker had done before.

The old technology air-cooled Beetle which had been VW s mainstay for almost three decades had become outdated and something new was required. Not a company to do things by halves, Volkswagen sat down with a clean slate and came up with a concept which helped change the motor industry from that day on.

The Golf has perhaps been a more significant car than the original Beetle was. Front wheel drive hatchbacks are now the staple diet for motorists the world over.

As a driver's car, the Mk1 set new standards in its day. The attractive 2 box design turned heads, and the concept of a compact city car with station wagon type practicality became instantly popular.

As the third largest car maker in the world today, behind Toyota and General Motors, the Volkswagen Group had a record year in 2008 with each brand within the group setting new records in volume and profit.

The Golf currently accounts for 43% of Volkswagen's overall business. However, Volkswagen predicts that Golf VI and Golf derived Scirocco will account for 55% to 60% of the VW model mix.

So, six generations on, what has changed for the Golf? Well, everything and nothing. With each new model comes change and improvement. But equally, with each new model, the Golf maintains its place as one of the motoring world's iconic benchmarks.

No newcomer to picking up awards, Volkswagen has had to expand the trophy cabinet further thanks to the new Golf VI. Having already picked up no fewer than six major awards.

The entry level petrol model is a 90kW 1.4 liter Turbo engine producing its maximum power at 5000rmp, and a peak of 200Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. With a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.9 liters per 100 km, the 90kW TSI emits just 139 g/km of CO2.

The 118kW TSI Twincharger (Supercharger and Turbo) produces 118kW at 5800rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1500rpm. Fuel consumption and emissions are 6.0 liters per 100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 respectively.

The 2.0 litre 103kW TDI CR produces its maximum power at 4200rpm and 320Nm at 1750rpm.

All models get VWs excellent DSG transmission, with a 6 speed 'box for engines producing over 250Nm, and lower output engines getting 7 cogs.

The entire range meets Euro 5 emission standards, with the Blue motion 2 already meeting Euro 6, which will come into force in 2014.

European NCAP crash test criteria has been made more stringent with the Golf VI achieving 5 stars under the new system.

Standard safety features include daytime running lights, Electronic Stability (ESP), 7 airbags including a knee airbag and whiplash-optimized head restraints. Rear side airbags are optional.

Cruise Control, Hillhold, Climate Air-conditioning and leather steering wheel are standard across the range, as are alloy wheels; 15" for the 90kW TSI and 16" for the 118kW TSI and 103kW TDI. 17" alloys are available as options.

Other options available are three different parking aid systems. Park Assist, which takes over the steering function and self-parks the car; Rear Assist, a parking camera feature, or Park Pilot, Volkswagen speak for the now familiar parking aid system with audible warning.

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A Look At The Volkswagen Golf VI is powered by Used VW Golf for sale Ireland which is offered by Used Cars for sale Dublin

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