The next generation VW Golf.
It has to be one of Volkswagen most important models and perhaps one that invokes and lot of emotion from all motorists and commentators alike. In its 35 odd years history VW has sold about 26 million Golfs making the car a sub icon mostly because there exists a Beetle. And yes along the way VW had its best sellers the likes of the Used Citi Golf and the Polo for sale still in most countries. But the original Golf is the most special.
The Shape
This time it is round 6 for the golf with the new model being pampered with gizmos, made more efficient and safer. There is not that much difference between the new comer and the outgoing one. It more like Golf 5 reloaded. As ever the appearance is probably one aspect that drew many to buying the Golf throughout its history. Even today, the Golf 5 still looks modern bacause when lauched the design was just ahead of its time. Five years later VW has not made that much change in terms of design.
Is this a good or bad decision? Appearance of the new Golf is not that different from the outgoing model if not a little conservative. So if you the previous Golf did not do your eyes and good, then you might want to look at the interior of the new one as the this is the only styling improvement. In other words the new Golf seems to have toned down its cool styling considerably.
Cheaper to manufacture
Well the main point is that VW struggled to manufacture the Golf 5 at costs they would have liked and they aimed to have a more efficient production process with the next version. VW claims the car costs them 20% less to produce and that they will get smarter at reducing these costs.
Cost reduction is usually a not too good sounding a phrase but VW has mananged this perfectly. The golf 6 is mostly a new car but some of the parts and design are carried over and improved off course.
Engines and transmission
Engine for the Golf 6 will deliver power ranging from 59kw (79hp) and 118kw (158 hp). Power from the diesel versions is between 81 to 103kw (108hp to 138hp) and the engines are based on a 2 litre TDI.
But if VW has one area to brag about, it has to be the fuel efficiency of the new models. For instance the petrol engines have in the region of 6.4 litres/100km while the diesels are in the 4.6 litres/100 km approximations.
There is serious talk of the Golf 6 not featuring any automatic transmission but only a choice of 5/6 speed manual and a 6/7 speed DSG (direct shift gearbox)
Features
There are plenty of electro giga-gizmo goodies and the most significant being the auto brake distance control adaptive chassis control (select normal, comfort or sport), parking assistance and many more (all the usual electronics in improved guise cruise control, abs etc).With Parking assistance the driver is really left to break when he/she feels the cars could be about to hit an object otherwise the car can almost parallel park itself.
VW has taken forward strides in the area of safety by including 7 air bags, knee protection and an advanced head restrain system. The car has managed to rake in a 5 star NCAP safety rating.
Interior quality is another big talking point about the golf six. BMW 3 Series For SaleVW rather (Audi’s parent/Uncle) has made the cabin and overall quality of the product more upmarket. Many motoring journalists sing praises at the interior being with par with the more expensive Audi A3 segment. Very Good for now.
Summary
The new Golf is does not come across as an entirely new car. This means the Golf is manufactured cheaper thus allowing VW greater scope in terms of value added features. The new car is really value for money as it is essentially all the good things about Golf 5 plus more features.
Tags: New Cars, New VW Golf, Volkswagen Golf VI, VW Golf 6