Volkswagen Golf TDI : DONE TO A TEE

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The sixth generation of Volkswagen's Golf benefits from some world class diesel engines. Steve Walker reports.

Anyone familiar with the fifth generation Volkswagen Golf is unlikely to be knocked out by the sight of the sixth generation car but writing the latest model off as a rehash of its forbear would be to do it a major disservice. A lot was changed in the creation of today's Golf and once the lack of initial excitement has been conquered, there's actually quite a bit to get excited about. Not least, the TDI common-rail diesel engines.

The Golf has become such an iconic car for Volkswagen that changing it too dramatically would be an extremely risky move. Some manufacturers will never arrive at a winning formula as successful as the Golf's has proved so messing about with it would be like eating the golden egg laying goose for Sunday lunch. This gave Volkswagen's engineers a problem, a nice problem to have but a problem nevertheless. How could they materially improve on the mkV car while leaving its basic make-up intact? They chose a process of evolution, enhancing various aspects of the car to deliver a sixth generation model that was better but still overwhelmingly Golf. One of the most significant improvements was the arrival of the TDI common-rail diesel engines. Common-rail injection diesel engines are nothing new but this is the first Golf to get them. Prior generations have persevered with Volkswagen's direct injection technology which was good for punchy performance but less so if you valued refinement and efficiency. Two versions of the 1.6-litre TDI unit and two of the 2.0-litre TDI common-rail engine are offered. These range from the entry-level 89bhp and 104bhp versions of the 1.6-litre to a 138bhp 2.0-litre option and the 168bhp 2.0 engine that powers the sporty GTD model. Rather than the lag-ridden power delivery of less sophisticated turbo diesel powerplants, these units produce a smooth flow of power and keep on giving high into the rev range. Even the 104bhp option can perform the 0-60mph sprint in 11.3s.

"The Golf is going to be an even tougher nut for the competition to crack in its latest form"

If anything, it's the improvements made in terms of refinement that bring the biggest single step forward over the previous generation Golf. A back-to-back drive in the two cars reveals a major reduction in cabin noise achieved through a host of measures including a special sound-damping windscreen, extra thick side window glass and advanced door and window seals. The cosseting experience inside the Golf is added to by the car's clever suspension system. Multi-link rear axle technology is the preserve of the top performers in the family hatchback class from a ride and handling perspective and this Golf is certainly amongst those. Its strut based front suspension and multi-link rear serve up a supple ride and deal extremely well with surface imperfections while still letting the driver know what the car is up to. Well weighted speed sensitive steering and a slick manual gearbox contribute to a driving experience that isn't the sector's most thrilling but is tough to beat for sheer competence. The front end styling treatment of the MkVI Golf was first seen on the Scirocco coupe and its horizontal lines serve to make the car appear wider, lower and more planted on the road. Break out the tape measure and you'll discover that this is not merely a stylistic illusion with the latest car being 27mm wider and 34mm lower than the MkV. At the rear, the light clusters have also been stretched width ways and the bumper is predominantly body-coloured for a classier look but from whichever angle you approach it, the car couldn't be anything but a Golf. Inside, the dash design is more of an eye-opener. The instruments are tastefully designed with obvious Audi influences and illuminate in crisp white light. The controls function with typical efficiency and the plastics quality is hard to fault compared to the Golf's family hatch rivals. Some might find the cabin lacking a spark of originality but it's certainly got an abundance of class and the execution is hard to fault. Rear legroom is adequate for tall adults so long as the front seats aren't pushed right back on their runners and a boot of 350-litres ensures the Golf's competitiveness on practicality grounds. Fold the rear seats and 1,305 litres is made available. The TDI diesel engines are crucial to the Golf's prospects in the market place. High mileage customers will find them more cost effective to run than the petrol alternatives and the two powerful 2.0-litre units present a great compromise between pace and economy. The trim levels offered are S, SE, GT and GTD with the entry-level 90bhp engine only available in S form. There are also BlueMotion models to consider with various efficiency modifications. Standard equipment includes body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors ensuring that even base models look impressively upmarket. Semi-automatic air-conditioning is also standard as is speed sensitive power steering, remote central locking, seven airbags, ESP stability control, traction control and Volkswagen's Electronic Differential Lock system. The Golf might be priced above its contemporaries but it does a convincing job of justifying the premium. The economy figures of the TDI common-rail diesel engines make happy reading. The 104bhp model can hit an outstanding 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of 119g/km. That's a great performance for a car of the Golf's size and complexity. Even more remarkable is the 138bhp 2.0-litre engine, which uses a six-speed gearbox instead of the five-speed one. Nearly 58mpg from a family hatch back with this kind of performance should prove a very appealing prospect in the marketplace. The 104bhp BlueMotion derivative returns 68.9mpg and 107g/km with the aid of longer gearing, regenerative braking and stop, start technology. The Golf isn't cheap to buy when viewed in comparison to its family hatchback rivals but its inherent desirability and classless image make it a favourite with used car buyers and residual values trump those of the other cars in its class. For buyers taking a longer term view, the Golf makes sound financial sense. With the latest Golf, Volkswagen has laid down a formidable benchmark for its rivals to hit. The old MkV car didn't appear to be approaching its sell by date but that didn't stop the manufacturer from improving upon it in a number of important areas with the MkVI. The TDI engines are particularly noteworthy. A match for any equivalent units in the family hatchback class, they help the Golf to levels of refinement that eclipse diesel powered rivals by some margin. Even buyers downsizing from larger, more expensive vehicles will find the Golf TDI a sophisticated and classy proposition. Volkswagen's theory of evolution looks well vindicated. The Golf is going to be an even tougher nut for the competition to crack in its latest form. Yes it's a bit dull in some respects but that's partly because it's so proficient at what it does. The high pricing will be an issue for some buyers but look at what the extra money gets you - quality, comfort, fun and all in classiest family hatchback around.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI
PRICES: £15,305-£22,435 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 4E-14 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 107-139g/km
PERFORMANCE: [TDI 140] Max Speed 130mph / 0-60mph 9.3s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDI 105] (urban) 49.6mpg / (extra urban) 72.4mpg / (combined) 62.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Seven airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4199/1786/1479