Volkswagen Golf VI test drive 5 doors since 2008 Hatchback

Wind Point

Volkswagen Golf is a reference point for a whole class of cars, a standard, reference value
Since Golf No. 1 was made in 1974, so at this time every subsequent Golf became a model for work, copying, creative competition and envy. And completely justified the entire European class with the people called the golf class.
The sixth -generation Premier test Golf, Volkswagen conducted in Iceland. The choice of geographical place is not accidental. The organizers wanted to recall that the name of the model does not come from the game, but is a reduction in the name of the warm current of the gulfstream, which was washing Iceland.
As expected, VW proposed a look that not everyone likes. This is quite often the GOLF models happen to him that fans are back that fans are staggering, pulling Validol in the mouth, dripping valerian and its certified Euroanologists, but then they come to their senses and obediently transplanted behind the wheel of a new model. Golf has never been famous for special achievements in style. But it is functional to the smallest detail. At first, when you see Golf No. 6, you wonder: how does it differ from the number of the fifth? Then, looking closely, you notice that the novelty is more acute, the older fellow's grandmother. Seeing them nearby, you understand that this is just another car, only preserving the most recognizable elements of external design: a common silhouette, the shape of the doors and windows. But in general, everything is different here. The shape of the wheeled arches differs, and the bumpers, and the lines of their docking with the body. A waist line appeared, and the back door is not at all the same. And the block factor is completely different, and the grille of the radiator. And there is no talk of the rear lights at all. Seeing the shape of the front panel, you will never tell anyone that it was somewhere once. Around the driver everything is free, spacious and, if you want, is light. Otherwise, naked functionalism. But very solid. For which people value Volkswagen.
Which feature is the most inherent in the Germans? Scrupulousness, meticulous attention to trifles. And Golf VI, as, in fact, his predecessors, this only confirms. After all, the good is usually imperceptible. For example, if the door handle is located too low or the opened door strives to hook with a sharp angle, this is annoying. And if you get into the car unnoticed for yourself, no one thinks that someone has foreseen all this, as well as the fact that you do not touch your head behind the doorway. Yes, the roof is not fashionable for Golf, not rolling from behind. But landing in the back seat is no problem. That's how remarkably entered and walked remarkably in a chair. Side support is excellent, adjustments too. You sit like a glove. Apparently, by virtue of their meticulousness, the Germans are beautiful ergonomists. That is why your hands find all pens-sknops where it was expected.
As for the dashboard, the main controls, door handles, glass -lift buttons and other things, after a few minutes all this seems to you infinitely familiar. And the door closes with a thoroughbred muffled sound. The car moves sedately and goes to a meeting with Icelandic roads and attractions.
Immediately pleases the magnificent sound insulation. Inside is a very high level of sound comfort. In the Golf VI movement is solid and comfortable. He goes very correctly in a straight line and reliable in corners thanks to a completely independent rear multi -link suspension. Plus, the body is more tough than that of its predecessor. The suspension is elastic and energy -intensive. Minimum rolls, the absence of pronounced biting during acceleration and braking. Everything speaks of the good work of the settings, and this, as practice shows, is the most expensive and complex process that is not available to all manufacturers.
For the test, the organizers have prepared three engines options. The famous TSI 1.4 L with a capacity of 122 hp and 160 hp And a new diesel with a volume of 2 liters with a capacity of 140 hp. And only one type of KP DSG. The first tested car with a navigation system. Its study requires several free hours and strong nerves. She begins her work with a polite welcome to Volkswagen. The main menu quickly highlights the main menu, and you go on swimming for the settings, the waves of ether or studying a huge number of cards and reference data for a long time. It is better to immediately turn the key and go.
Engine in 122 hp causes pleasant surprise. Suddenly frisky, providing a rather hard car, cheerful acceleration and soft work in the entire speed range. This engine will already satisfy many.
Well, the 160-horsepower will please even more. With it, the car accelerates extremely dynamically. Moreover, after 3500 rpm, the acceleration intensity increases. Power units perfectly agree with the 6- or 7-speed automatic transmission DSG, the advantage of which is a very flexible adaptation to the driving style. The engine braking is excellent. It seems that the box even encourages when switching to a low gear.
Few people expect special agility from turbodiesel. And in vain. A large torque already at low revolutions provides such a start that gasoline neighbors at the traffic light will be aligned. You can safely twist it up to 5000 rpm. He perceives this for granted. And with such a motor, the car easily produces 200 km/h. But before going, think about the consequences. Golf still has a hereditary tendency to go out of turn. And in Iceland, a prison is unambiguously relied for such an excess.
Golf VI sets in its class a new standard of quality and comfort. He has an adaptive suspension, a system for parking, automatic distance control, rear view camera. And seven more aerobes in the base, including protecting the knees of the driver. And, having traveled on the new product, you recall the times when, on the roads, even more primitive and less dynamic, but such a perky and obedient Golf I ...
In the year of the debut of Volkswagen Golf I, wise elders from the jury of the competition of the Car of the year glowed with such prohibitive professionalism that they did not give the car of the first place. They calculated more worthy Citroeon CC. And the question is, does anyone remember this Citroeon today? Well, at least how did he look? And Golf has since become the founder of the canons in the whole class, and few will not remember the appearance of each of its five generations.
By the way ...
Golf V the current debutant spoiled the bridgehead. All his predecessors diverged in the world at least 4 million copies, and the founder of the clan in general reached almost 7 million cars sold. But the fifth barely overcame the mark of 2.5 million. And although marketers talk about the total decrease in human addictions and reduction over the past 10 years of grade C in Europe from 30 to 22%, this is still a large extent due to a decrease in the popularity of the leader himself. Claims against the predecessor were reduced to his high price and great technological complexity. But Golf VI will become even more difficult and interesting, but not much more expensive (its basic price is only 200 euros more than Golf V). But engineering and technological complexity makes the car really better. Most likely, again the best in the class.
Alexander Pikulenko
 
 

Source: Mkobil magazine [October/2008]