Volkswagen Golf VI: A deserving winner

Wolfsburg, Germany – Launched almost 30 years ago to replace a Beetle that was fading fast, back then the Golf was a simple car powered by a none-too-powerful engine and equipment that was on par with that of economy cars at the time. However, it revolutionized the design world with its silhouette designed by none other than Giugiaro. It’s also noteworthy that this car’s technical side was the work of Ferdinand Piech, the grandson of doctor Porsche, who went on to become the head honcho of the Volkswagen Group. Okay, enough with the history lesson… The new generation Golf, the most popular car in Europe, is arriving in Canada and promises to be exceptional. Moreover, the stage was set last year when this car, distributed in Europe and other markets for several months, was named 2009 World Car of the Year. Thus, the sixth generation Golf arrives with a very impressive résumé.

And this time, it won’t be called the Rabbit as was the case with the fifth generation. Volkswagen Canada had decided to forego this comical name associated with a version of the same name launched in the 1980s that was a miserable failure. Indeed, it was decided to produce the Golf-Rabbit in the United States and to modify it to the tastes of American buyers, which made a good car almost unbearable. Fortunately, our next door neighbours decided to return to a more intelligent solution and this time, keep the Golf name for the new generation.

The same, but different

It would be easy to argue that this newcomer is only a slight evolution of the model it’s replacing, but those in the know will tell you that this sixth generation has in fact undergone significant presentation and design changes even though the stylists kept the original shape. First off, the grille is brand new and made up of two bars that cross the front end from one side to the other. On each side, these bars touch the stylized headlights that wrap around to the fenders. Their crystal clear lenses house this model’s traditional two circular lights. There’s also a prominent Volkswagen symbol in the middle of the front grille. The bumper colour is harmonized with the body and it overhangs a large air vent, the sides of which are made up of fog lights in the case of the diesel engine version.

The side panels used to be flat, which made the car seem a little clumsy. To soften the lines, the stylists used a raised panel under the beltline and above the door handle. In fact, the raised wheel wells literally fit into the doors, whose lower parts are equally sculpted and give the car a dynamic quality. This raised lateral line connects the tail lights that wrap around to the fenders a little like on the Mazda3. The horizontal tail lights are in two parts: one on the fender and the other on the hatch, which opens by pushing on an oversized Volkswagen symbol placed right in the middle that moves forward to open the hatch and lets you access the very spacious baggage hold. There’s also a large rear opening as well as a reasonably low loading height.

Everyone likes VW’s passenger compartments because of the elegance of their design, the quality of materials and finish in addition to their comfort. The new Golf lives up to this reputation. Sure, some will find the dashboard a little bit overdone as though the stylists couldn’t decide between the ultra-modern and the slightly retro. In particular, the bone of contention is the command centre of the audio system with its LCD screen on which the white buttons are displayed and flanked by the auxiliary control buttons circled in chrome. It’s a little convoluted if you want my opinion. Two sizeable air vents overhang this command centre while the climate controls are situated in the lower part of this console, just above quite a large storage compartment. Speaking of climate controls, the commands to select the air conditioning and heat settings in the base version needs a second look. It’s nearly impossible to read the different modes.

The driver’s seat is firm and comfortable and offers better than average lateral support for the category. The large circular indicator dial on the right is the speedometer, and the one on the left is the rev counter. There’s an information centre between the two. And comfort isn’t just for the front seats...The backseat is easy to access, the right height and the head room is excellent. You’ll find the seats very firm when you first sit down, although they don’t seem as firm as those of the previous version. On the other hand, you’ll find them more and more comfortable with each passing kilometre. 

Finally, the materials and finish are practically without reproach. However, if you’re one of those people who love flashy things, cool little needless gadgets and the neo classic futuristic design of certain Japanese cars, you’re going to find this Golf very hum-drum. Again, this is just a question of taste and perception.

Top billing for the diesel

I’m still fascinated by the fact that Americans think of hatchbacks as cheap, common and uninteresting cars. In spite of the inherent practicality of this configuration, they prefer the less practical three-seat Jetta sedan to the Golf. However, this doesn’t prevent them from buying utility vehicles equipped with a rear hatch. Try to figure that one out! And their dislike for cars with diesel engines is just as significant. Ask an American what he thinks of a diesel engine and he’ll tell you that diesel is good for trucks and nothing else.  Period!

True, at one time the only advantages of diesels were their toughness and fuel economy, but that’s no longer the case. The noisy, nauseating engines that produced a thick black smoke and weak performances are a thing of the past. Common rail direct high pressure fuel injection engines are powerful, quiet and even more fuel efficient. These qualities seem to have finally touched a chord at Volkswagen USA since the new generation of the Golf favours the TDI version with turbo diesel engine and possesses more substantial standard equipment and better transmissions.

Let’s take each element one at a time. The base model is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5 litre gas engine that features 170 hp and 177 lbs-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. If you order the diesel TDI version, this 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 140 horses and a spectacular 236 lbs-ft of torque. The basic transmission is a six-speed manual while the automatic DSG dual-clutch is offered on option. And on top of that, the diesel engine features an approximately 30% reduction in fuel consumption without hurting performance since it goes from 0-100 km in 8.9 seconds while the gas version covers the same distance in 8.3 seconds. Basically it makes no difference.

But it’s not only the transmissions that are better with the diesel version. It has 17-inch alloy rims, a leather-covered steering wheel with controls on the spokes, a more sophisticated radio, fog lights and a central armrest. On the other hand, both versions have the same rigid platform, four-wheel independent suspension, and four disc brakes. As you might suspect, ABS brakes and antiskid and lateral stability systems come standard. Another noteworthy accessory is the electronic differential lock. More modern production methods use laser welding machines, which help make the body more rigid than before.

The driver is the boss

During the launch of the new Golf in the Wolfsburg region of northern Germany, I had the opportunity to try this newcomer under all sorts of conditions. There was a race track, winding back roads aplenty, and of course, on German highways with often non-existent speed limits. I definitely prefer the version with the diesel engine since this engine with its impressive torque is as well adapted to city driving as it is to highway driving. Even at more than 190 km per hour on the autobahn, it was quiet and efficient. Those who aren’t interested in this engine will be pleased to learn that the 2.5-litre engine hasn’t lost any of its pep and resources. It seems quieter than before but I wonder if it’s not the car’s improved soundproofing rather than the engine that accounts for the difference. However, the manual transmission’s gear ratio should be changed since the engine revs too high at a cruising speed of 120 km/hr.

The electromagnetic power-assisted steering is quite well adjusted but a little more effort at high speed wouldn’t hurt. Overall, its steering is precise and guides the car with completely mastery. As with all other previous Golf versions, you feel like you’re the boss. Regardless of the situation, you’re in charge behind the wheel, not the car, which isn’t a very common feature for vehicles in this category.

Finally, the price. The base version sells for less than $21,000, which is a very competitive price considering the quality of the car. It’s very important to note that this newcomer at Volkswagen will be offered in three-door, five-door and wagon (yes, wagon!) versions. Thus, Volkswagen adds another facet with a model that combines all of the characteristics of the more regular versions while offering more roominess and a greater loading capacity. The diesel version should be favoured.

This Golf truly earned its 2009 World Car of the Year title.