Road test report ---- April 2009 --------------------- by Kevin Fenix.

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI

Absolutely magnificent !

Back in September 2007, I took a mark five Volkswagen Golf 1.4 GT on test from Dublin to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and back. Its 1.4 litre twin charged petrol engine delivered a magnificent 125 kW with 240 Nm, driving through a six speed manual gearbox. Its performance was so effortless, that I was able to reduce my normal travelling time from Stranraer to Newcastle, from four hours, to three and a half hours, whilst still retaining a normal cruising speed of 60 mph (100 kph). Its magnificent acceleration allowed me to pass long lines of slow moving traffic with an effortless ease. That model had a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds, with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 38 mpg (7.4 lt/100 km) and exhaust emissions of 174 gm/km.
This mark six Golf has a similar 1.4 litre, twin charged petrol, but is tuned to deliver 118 kw and 240 Nm. It drives through an absolutely excellent seven speed dual clutch manual gearbox, with automatic/manual operation. It has a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 8.0 seconds, with combined cycle fuel consumption of just 47 mpg (6.0 lt/100 km) and exhaust emissions of 139 gm/km. Thus although it is not a GT, it has a very similar performance, velocity wise, but a markedly improved fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Its seven speed gearbox, if left in automatic mode, is absolutely effortless in operation, whilst supplying a magnificent performance and it is so smooth and quiet in operation, you may imagine that a stepless electric motor is the power source. It is Absolutely Magnificent !

Driving this car is pure pleasure all the way. In fact it is so good, I am surprised that Volkswagen have not produced an open two seater roadster, with a proper folding soft top, using this engine, to give the Mazda MX5 some serious competition. I know that Audi produce an open version of the TT, but it is a lot more expensive. The sort of sports car I have in mind, is the type of car produced by MG in the nineteen thirties and nineteen fifties. On MG’s demise, Mazda picked up the mantle in the nineteen nineties, with their excellent MX5, but without competition, like MG faced from Triumph, Sunbeam and Austin-Healey, the edge is quickly lost. Mazda needs that competition and Volkswagen would be the perfect company to supply it. As five door family hatchbacks go, this car is an engineering masterpiece and I have every confidence, that they could do the same with an open two seater roadster. Not only that, they have the expertise to produce a world beating diesel version as well !
The TSI petrol engine uses an engine driven supercharger and an exhaust driven turbocharger, together with direct, high pressure fuel injection, to give it its sparkling performance. Normally a performance of this calibre, uses a lot of fuel, which in turn results in a higher level of exhaust emissions. Volkswagen have, however, managed to retain the terrific performance, whilst at the same time reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. To put the Golf’s overall performance into perspective, although its unladen weight is more than that of the current MX5 and it has a smaller engine, it produces more power, uses less fuel and has lower emissions. That is some achievement !
Although it has a very sports oriented performance, if you care to exploit it, it will also amble along at a very relaxed pace, if that is what you prefer. You are in absolute control and the power resides in your right foot. The electric power assisted steering, is geared to give a very relaxing 3.0 turns from lock to lock, but even when you are exploiting the performance to the full, this is never a problem.
The brakes have large diameter 314 mm ventilated discs at the front and 252 mm plain discs at the back. They always gave a very powerful and reassuring performance. The braking system has anti-lock with emergency brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. It works in perfect harmony with the electronic stability programme which incorporates an electronic differential lock and an anti-slip regulator. The test car was running on substantial 205/55 R 16 Michelin X Energy Saver tyres. Although they put a large area of rubber on the roads, it was all too easy to spin the front wheels momentarily on a rapid take off, until the ASR took control of matters. The car comes with a Spacesaver spare wheel, but I am not happy about this, as that puny narrow tyre is hardly suitable to transmit all that power to the road, or provide the grip necessary, even when ambling along a damp stretch of tarmac.
Fingal has pathetic road surfaces, so it is very difficult to avoid the numerous, crater sized potholes, especially on county roads that are far too narrow in the first place. If you hit a pothole you can feel it, but if you can avoid these hazards to road safety, the suspension gives a smooth and comfortable ride.

From a driving point of view, the instruments and controls are all beautifully laid out. The large analogue tachometer on the left, also houses the engine temperature gauge, while the matching speedometer, houses a small fuel level gauge. The speedometer also has warning signs for things like an open door, an unfastened seatbelt in an occupied seat etc. Between the two there is a large rectangular digital information panel showing the time, the gear currently engaged, the distance to empty, the speed selected for the cruise control, a trip recorder and total distance odometer, plus the speed in miles per hour, amongst other things. The top panel in the centre console houses the audio equipment, while the smaller panel immediately below looks after the heating and ventilation. A panel on the driver’s door handle has the window and exterior mirror controls, while a large circular switch on the facia between the steering wheel and the door controls the lights. Close to this rotary switch, there is a roller type control for adjusting the level of the headlamp beams. The left hand stalk looks after the main/dipped beams, direction indicators and cruise control, while the right hand stalk operates the wipers/washers. The steering wheel adjusts for both reach and height.

The two front seats are very comfortable. The rear outer seating positions are also comfortable, although not quite up to the standards of the two front seats. Surprisingly the centre section of the rear bench seat is not too bad. The cushion section is reasonably soft and the backrest also has some padding. An adult could certainly sit there in reasonable comfort over shorter journeys. The only negative aspect, is like most cars today, an adult passenger in this position rather reduces shoulder room for adults on either side as well. The two outer positions have ISOfix fittings for child safety seats.
Luggage space is an acceptable 0.350 cubic metres,when all five seats are in use and the rear shelf is in place. The 60/40 split rear seat backrest allows a large degree of flexibility in the luggage arrangements. When fully folded, loading to the roof and only two seats required, this increases to 1.305 cubic metres.

Left : Normal space

Right : Maximum space

This Golf 1.4 TSI can carry up to 75 kg in a suitable container on the roof. It will also tow braked trailers/caravans of up to 1400 kg in weight, or unbraked trailers of up to 680 kg. However, it is as well remember that the Spacesaver spare wheel is next to useless when it comes to towing.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, that this Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI is a fabulous car all round. I have only one concern and that is that it is also rather expensive. I know and fully understand, that engineering quality of this order has to be paid for, but in these difficult times, it could well turn potential buyers away towards less expensive versions, without it fantastic overall performance.

Technical data