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. Golf has been around for about 35 years now and to date has sold close to 26 million units which means it is an icon albeit not in the same way as the beetle. And yes along the way VW had its best sellers the likes of the Citi Golf and the Polo for sale still in most countries. The first batches of Golf will always be 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. Golf 5 took a radical step in terms of design making it one of the hottest affordable cars to be seen driving. Five years later VW has not made that much change in terms of design.
Is this a good or bad decision? Golf VI is a lot more toned down in exterior design and this might dissapoint those who loved the outgoing shape. And if you did not like the previous design, then you will definitely not bother about the current one. Put in simple terms, VW played it very safe with the design of the Golf. More like boring to be exact.
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. Manufacturing process of the Golf is said to be improved by 20% with further reductions planned.
Some of it is genuine engineering and some of it is parts refining. 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.
The new models are keeping very well with the theme of reducing fuel consumption. 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).The car is close to self parallel park with the assistance system where the driver is only required to brake for once the sequence is complete.
With seven air bags, sophisticated head restrain system and a knee protection VW has made the Golf to be much safer. With an NCAP rating of 5 stars, the Golf is a pretty safe car to drive.
Interior quality is another big talking point about the golf six. Audi A4 For Sale, oh sorry VW has really brought the quality levels to a more premium level without charging the consumer much more than the previous model. 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. Good news for the buyer is that VW is able to reduce manufacturing overhead at the same time packing more items on the car. The new car is really value for money as it is essentially all the good things about Golf 5 plus more features.
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