For nearly three decades, the Volkswagen Golf has been a best-seller in Europe. According to VW, approximately 2,100 customers worldwide have bought a Golf every day over 30 years. The Golf is considered a benchmark by the European competition, as the only vehicle in the compact class with a status that crosses social boundaries. It is a versatile vehicle, available in three or five door styles, with either the usual front-wheel-drive form or the rare all-wheel-drive 4Motion form. Not all models are sold in this region however.
Redesigned right down to the last detail, the new body front end takes on a more aerodynamic shape. Here again, a distinctive feature is the twin round headlights which taper strongly towards the centre with their transversal turn signals in the style of the VW Phaeton luxo-sedan. The front wing surfaces arch upwards and rise above the headlights. As an integral part of the bonnet, the headlights together with the radiator grille create a hinted V-shaped design feature that further accentuates the design of the new Golf Mark V. The distinctive tail lights with their twin round design reflect the new Volkswagen design philosophy. They are half-integrated in the boot lid. Optically, the large rear window provides clear visibility, and, stylistically, it lends the vehicle a uniqueness typical of Volkswagen with its glass body that extends as far as the C-pillars. Sporty and aerodynamic final touches are provided by the roof spoiler, which is integrated above the boot lid. To unlock the boot lid, the rear badge now swings upwards. As the recessed handle moulding is concealed, fingers stay clean at all times.
The new Golf MKV is 1.759 metres wide, 1.485 metres high and 4.204 metres long. It is 24 millimetres wider, 41 millimetres higher and 55 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The increased dimensions make the car's interior space rival that of some midsize sedans. The basic version already features luxury features such as electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors and central locking with remote control as standard. In addition, all Golf models contain height adjustment for the driver's seat and the 1/3 to 2/3 assymetrically split rear seat back. The two-door model is also equipped with seats with an easy-entry function. Higer models have more comfortable seats, automatic anti-dazzle interior rear-view mirror, alloy wheels and cruise control. The sport-tuned models feature sports suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, special interior trim, front sports seats, a leather steering wheel and a leather gearshift knob. All materials are of a high quality, and the dashboard design, though simplistic, is very upscale in look and feel.
Alongside the already generously appointed basic versions, the Golf can be further individualised from a wide range of optional extras. Here Volkswagen offers extras such as various leather trim, decorative burr-walnut inserts, two air-conditioning systems (Climatic and Climatronic) or multifunction steering wheels with different steering wheel rims (leather or wood-leather). Radio systems for the front and back, each with integrated CD player, a high-end navigation system (also with CD player and radio unit), CD changer and a car phone system are also available, raising the base price to astronomical proportions. All models have in common the same comprehensive safety package including six airbags, five head restraints (front active) complete with three-point seat belts, a new safety steering column and foot controls that retract during a crash. On the safety front, the Golf is close to unbeatable.
Build quality has always been a strong point of Volkswagen and the superior quality of the fifth-generation Golf can be discerned immediately. There are no irritating noise or vibrations from the body. The innovative bodyshell structure enables the sound level to set new standards. Furthermore, high body rigidity, thanks to the new chassis, forms the basis for the new Golf's balanced handling performance. The body is galvanised and a 12-year warranty against rusting increases the Golf's long-term value.
The new Golf is available with a host of petrol and diesel engines. The Middle East consumer will of course be interested in the petrol versions for the most part, though not all are sold here. The worldwide petrol engine range includes a rather basic 75 hp 1.4-litre motor, a more advanced 90 hp 1.4-litre FSI motor, and a more reasonable yet economical 113 hp 1.6-litre FSI engine. More powerful choices include a 150 hp 2.0-litre FSI engine, and a 200 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine for the GTI sports models. All engines are wonderfully smooth and rev hard when pushed, while being easy to manage around town due to enough torque available at low rpm.
All Golf models now have four-wheel independent suspension, which was lacking in previous models. This improves the Golf's handling immensely, bringing it almost to the standard set by the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus. The GTI models are sportier and corner harder, though no match for racing machines like the Honda Civic Type-R. The variable power steering is light when you’re parking and firm when you’re driving fast. The electromechanical steering system not only offers power assistance as a function of road speed, but also contributes to straight-line stability. The fuel consumption of the Golf has also been reduced through the new steering.
The lower models are equipped with a five-speed manual, while the higher models get a six-speed manual. Both manual shifters are easy to use. A six-speed manual is rare in compact cars. A six-speed automatic is optional, which is rarer still. Even more fancy is an optional fancy DSG gearbox available in some models. The DSG system is a clutchless manual that offers very quick shifts, and can be used to shift gears by hand or automatically.
The new Golf is also equipped as standard with the latest generation of ESP and "Dual Brake Assist". The newly designed brake system with optimised cooling provides the basis for excellent braking performance. Four-wheel disc brakes all round are rare in such small cars, but standard in the Golf.
The new Golf is a great European car, better than before and expected to be more reliable than before. The only criticisms, it would seem, are the relatively conservative styling and, more importantly, the high base prices for what are essentially slow city cars. However, the more powerful models are good fun and worth a look. The Golf has always been a favourite among rich young kids looking for a German status symbol, and this new one will surely hold on to its niche in this region.
