Volkswagen GOLF PLUS
Volkswagens Golf Plus May Seem Puzzling At First Glance But Stick With The Concept And It Makes Sense, Thinks June Neary
Does the world need a
Volkswagen Golf Plus? Initially, I had my doubts. Put this model alongside a standard Golf however, and the 95mm extra grafted into the height of the Plus version becomes apparent. But apparent without becoming apparent if you know what I mean. Extending the roofline of most cars makes them look ungainly and ugly but this one is arguably more stylish than the standard Golf on which its based.
So far, so good.
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The extra headroom increases luggage space of course in this case up to 505 litres but thats not really the point here. After all, how often have you loaded your hatch brim full to the ceiling? It will doubtless be beneficial for awkwardly sized items like bicycles but the additional carrying capacity of the Golf Plus should be taken with a pinch of salt. Where it does score real practicality benefits in my opinion is in terms of its seating arrangement. Thankfully
Volkswagen havent tried to squeeze seven seats into this vehicle, positioning it (as its name suggests) between Golf and Touran but a good deal closer to Golf.
I found that the rear seats could be shifted fore and aft by 160mm and folded by means of a natty system whereby they are automatically lowered when folded down. This results in a virtually level load space, making the Golf Plus a very practical option indeed. The seats do the usual 60:40 split and I was impressed to find that the middle
seat can also be folded down to form a drinks table. Additional stowage spaces around the cabin and a double height boot floor are nice touches too.
One benefit of basing the Golf Plus on the Golf Mk V chassis is that it has an excellent start to life, the electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control being leagues ahead of most of the opposition. It also retains the basic stance of the Golf. The interior keeps the Golf Plus at the top of the family hatch tree. It uses a fascia design reminiscent of the Phaeton luxury saloon although the centre console is lifted from the Touran
mini-MPV.
With the possible exception of its pricier Volkswagen Group cousin, the
Audi A3, the cabin has the beating of anything out there as regards ambience. The interior features soft-feel slush-moulded plastics, high-quality switches, subtle use of chrome, fabric-covered A-pillars plus blue instrument backlighting with red needles, a signature of the fourth generation model. The Golf Plus also features 2Zone climate control and four-way lumbar support within the line-up. In addition, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), no fewer than six airbags as well as anti-lock brakes will be fitted as standard throughout the range.
Big car features such as automatic activation of headlamps and wipers are built into the cars electronics. Trim levels run from S through SE to Sport. There are no plans for GT and GTi variants. Engine-wise, theres a choice of three high-tech FSi petrol units: a 1.4 developing 90bhp, a 1.6 with 115bhp or a 2.0-litre with 150bhp.
Theres also a choice of two diesels, the familiar 1.9-litre unit, plus the newer 2.0 TDI also used in the Audi A3.
Prices start at around the £13,000 mark. Whichever Golf Plus you choose, it will come complete with twin front airbags, side airbags, ESP, ABS, a height and reach-adjustable steering column and rear seats incorporating the clever Isofix system for attaching a child seat. Its the little touches that impressed me most though. Cup holders in the front and the rear, the self-dimming interior lights, the chrome tie-down hooks in the luggage area, the gas struts to hold up the bonnet, the special cover on the boot locking pin so you dont get things caught in it; I could go on but I wont save to say that this is a car that makes its competitors feel cheap.
Surprisingly, I came away from examining the Golf Plus in a very positive frame of mind about the product. I was already a fan of the standard Golf and the extra added versatility would be a very welcome addition to my motoring lifestyle.
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