Over the past few years I have driven a number of Golfs and I have been tremendously impressed with all of them. Back in October 2007, I took a Golf GT on an extended test to the UK. It had a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 125 kW and 240 Nm, mated to a six speed manual gearbox. Its performance was scintillating to say the least, with a top speed of 220 kph (136 mph) and 0-100 kph acceleration in 7.9 seconds. Its fuel consumption was; Urban cycle 28 mpg (9.8 lt/100 km), Extra urban 46 mpg (6.1 lt/100 km) and Combined cycle 38 mpg (7.4 lt/100 km). This gave an exhaust emission of 174 gm/km, putting the car into Irish road tax band E with an annual rip-off, at present rates, of 630 euro.
Then in April 2009 I had the opportunity to road test another 1.4 litre TSI engine. On this occasion it was mated to a seven speed DSG gearbox and its power output was 118 kW and 240 Nm. Its top speed was identical to that of the GT and its 0-100 kph was only very marginally inferior at 8.0 seconds. However, it was far superior in its fuel consumption, with an Urban cycle figure of 37 mpg (7.5 lt/100 km), Extra urban 54 mpg (5.2 lt/100 km) and Combined cycle 47 mpg (6.0 lt/100 km). This gave it a much lower exhaust emissions figure, of 139 gm/km, allowing it into Irish road tax band B with an annual charge of 156 euro. The other huge advantage in its favour, was its price as tested, of Euro 28,510, compared to the as tested price, of the GT of Euro 33,595. Also the DSG gearbox made the car so much more effortless to drive, without in any way detracting from its pure driving enjoyment and pleasure.
In November 2009 I had the Golf GTD on test. It had a 2.0 litre diesel engine delivering 125 kW and 350 Nm, driving through a six speed DSG gearbox. Its top speed was marginally better than the two 1.4 litre, petrol engined models, at 222 kph (137 mph) but it was marginally slower in its acceleration, with a 0-100 kph time of 8.1 seconds. Its strong point was a better fuel consumption with an Urban cycle figure of 40 mpg (7.0 lt/100 km), Extra urban 65 mpg (4.3 lt/100 km) and combined cycle of 53 mpg (5.3 lt/100 km). This also resulted in an exhaust emission of 139 gm/km. Its price as tested, was Euro 35,446, making it the most expensive of the three.
This leaves me with a slight dilemma, as to which I would choose if I were buying a new Golf. My bank manager tells me that the 1.4 TSI at Euro 28,510 is perfectly adequate for my needs and much better for my bank balance. I am in absolute agreement with him on that score.

The GTI on test here is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine delivering 155 kW and 280 Nm, driving a six speed DSG gearbox. Let me say straight off, that once you have driven a car with the DSG gearbox, everything else seems to be horribly old fashioned. Performance is this version’s strong point with a top speed of 238 kph (147 mph) and a 0-100 kph acceleration time of just 6.9 seconds. Interestingly its fuel consumption is almost identical to that of the 1.4 GT with the manual gearbox. Urban cycle is 28 mpg (10.0 lt/100 km), Extra urban 47 mpg (5.9 lt/100 km) and Combined cycle 38 mpg (7.4 lt/100 km). This gives exhaust emissions of 173 gm/km, resulting in tax band E and the annual rip-off of 630 euro. However, the car as tested had a recommended retail price of Euro 42,247 ! That has to make one stop and think very carefully.

Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed every minute of driving it. Its two sports design front seats are superbly comfortable. Its thick rimmed, leather covered steering wheel has an excellent feel and although geared to give a comfort oriented 3.0 turns from lock to lock, it still felt precise and accurate for sports oriented driving. Surprisingly I hardly noticed the flattened rim at the bottom of the wheel when manoeuvring or taking sharp corners. Depending on the level of velocity demanded, the engine is mainly quiet in operation. The DSG gearbox is silky smooth and silent contributing in no small way to the absolute driving pleasure.
In city and suburban conditions the engine remains silent and effortless. If you can get above 60 kph (40 mph), the car shifts into sixth gear and stays there. The most annoying part is when you get stuck behind a driver dawdling along at 50 kph (30 mph), as then the gears shift up and down between third and fifth as the road undulates and the torque requirements vary with the road conditions. Fortunately all this is effortless from a driving point of view, as the DSG gearbox manages it smoothly, silently and efficiently. The only indication the driver has, is the gear selected display in the instrument panel, which is constantly changing. When the opportunity arises and you need a burst of rapid acceleration, all that is required is a slightly firmer pressure on the accelerator and the engine responds with a burst of electrifying performance. It is sheer and unadulterated joy.
If you are in a hurry and have a stretch of open road at your disposal, the car performs like a true thoroughbred. The acceleration is sparkling, the roadholding superb and the brakes very reassuring. It is pure driving pleasure and complete enjoyment. Even better is when you have an open road, traffic free and with challenging twists and corners. Select the S position, which reprograms the engine management system for a more sports oriented performance and the car delivers magnificently. This is when you move into a heaven of pure driving pleasure, that puts a permanent smile onto your face.
The test car came fitted with a number of optional extras. The privacy glass in the windows behind the B-pillar, I could live without, as well as the paddle shift on the steering wheel for those who want to practise for a career in Formula One. The parking distance control was very welcome when manoeuvring in tight spaces, while in the wintry weather we have been experiencing, the climatronic air conditioning was greatly appreciated. It really is very effective in keeping the interior warm and comfortable. Those Detroit 18” alloy wheels are perhaps essential to identify this as a Golf GTI, while the touch screen radio does nothing for me, but may well be a “must have” for a younger generation.

The instruments and driving controls are beautifully laid out. The two main analogue instruments have black faces, white lettering and red needles. The tachometer on the left also houses the engine temperature gauge, while the speedometer on the right houses a matching fuel level gauge, The digital panel between the two gives a whole host of useful information like the time, trip and total distance, outside air temperature, gear selected, range on remaining fuel, average fuel consumption and a whole lot more. Naturally the steering wheel adjusts for both reach and height. The panel in the centre console, just ahead of the gearlever, houses all the heating/ventilating controls, while the screen above is the audio system with its touch screen radio. Exterior mirror and window controls are conveniently located in the driver’s door armrest.

As already mentioned, the interior is comfortable and well finished. Like most cars today, the rear seat can accommodate three at a squeeze, but is much better for only two, if the intended passengers are adults. ISOfix fittings are provided on the two outer rear seats. The rear seat backrest is split 60/40 to facilitate a more versatile luggage carrying ability. The 60 portion contains a folding central armrest and a ski-hatch for items like skis, fishing rods and similar long items.

Normal luggage space, when all five seats are in use is a generous 0.350 cubic metres, between the boot floor and the underside of the rear shelf. This can be expanded to 1.305 cubic metres when only two passengers are travelling and you load to the roof. If you need even more space you can carry up to 75 kg in a suitable container on the roof, while for those who tow trailers or caravans, the Golf GTI can take braked trailers of up to 1400 kg in weight or unbraked trailers of up to 700 kg.

Above left : Normal luggage space ----------------- Above right : Maximum luggage space

The only difficulty from a towing point of view is that the car comes with a Spacesaver spare wheel. These are not recommended for use when the car has the additional weight of a trailer on the back.

In April 2009 I had a Volkswagen Scirocco on test. It had a similar 2.0 litre, turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine to this Golf GTI and it was also linked to a six speed DSG gearbox. There was a slight difference in that the engine output was slightly lower at 147 kW although the torque was the same at 280 Nm. I liked that Scirocco and would have been perfectly happy to have it as my daily car. Although it was almost 100 kg lighter in weight its velocity, acceleration and fuel consumption was all inferior to this Golf GTI. I know a sporty coupe appeals to an entirely different market, but the Golf GTI, with its four passenger doors, is a far more practical car and in this case it also offers a better all round performance.
Between the Golf in all its various forms and the Scirocco, Volkswagen are offering buyers a tremendous variety and choice. Look carefully at each, weighing up its merits and decide which is the best for your particular requirements and aspirations. The choice is yours !

Technical data

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