Test Drive Volkswagen Golf Plus 2005 - 2008 Hatchback

Genetic Engineering

It is known that minimal differences in the genetic set of living organisms can determine a significant difference in their phenotype - appearance, forms of organs, painting. It turns out that this rule is valid for cars.
 

Experimentators from Wolfsburg changed in the genotype of their beloved pet Golf only one component. And in the end, a new car appeared - Golf Plus. If we look at the documents of both machines, then there can be no difference - the wheelbase, the length and width in both Golf are the same. The only significant difference is the height, the Golf Plus is higher than the usual hatchback by 9.5 cm.
 

The result of the living inspection is completely different. Cars have practically no common body parts, optics have completely changed, and the front is performed in absolutely not characteristic of the Volkswagen vein. As a result, learn the fifth Golf in the car is problematic. General features - except the grill of the radiator and the light elements of the rear lights.
 

The car even appeared glass triangles in the front stops and swing wipers! So pulls to summarize: the next CD-VEN on the Golf Hatchback Base.
 

This come across many. But Volkswagens clarify: Golf Plus is not a CD-VEN, but an ordinary hatch-back of high capacity. Nobody thought to invade the territory of Volkswagen Touran (the one more 7 cm above). All they have sought, - to make Golf even more spacious, retaining the maximum of his famous advantages. It is for this reason that the circle of competitors of the model, with which it could be correctly compared, disastrically narrowed. Why not listen to the exhortations of the creators and do not take to compare ... Ordinary Golf? We did it.

 
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons we had to be content with a 3-door version of the mod legislator. But both Golf have a 1.6-liter motor with a distributed fuel injection. These same aggregate that are not equipped with European modifications and which has been preserved in the model line only due to the demand in developing countries (read in Russia). Our Golf Plus is equipped with a 5-speed mechanic, and simply Golf is a 6-speed automatic machine.

 
But the main thing is in the cabin. Indeed, the place inside has become much more. Almost all 10 additional growth centimeters went to an increase in the installation height of the chairs (front - by 75 mm, rear - by 85). Therefore, spaces above the head did not increase much, but for the legs of the place appeared abound. This is especially true of the rear passengers - they got the opportunity to sit with almost completely elongated legs. True, pull them out not forward, but down.
 

Interestingly, despite the increase in landing height, it did not become more vertical - the sofa back is installed with the same tilt as on the usual hatchback. Regarding the sofa, a small reservation should be made - it is divided into two unequal parts, which can independently move from each other in the longitudinal direction. Due to this, it is possible to temporarily increase the volume of the trunk, shifting the rear passengers by 160 mm forward. The growth of the freight compartment will, of course, will affect their comfort, but repressive such measures should not be considered - the place of place in the knees allows you to save the necessary space. By the way, the gap, which isged in the floor of the trunk behind the seat when it is shifting, is closed with special panels - they are spring-loaded with rubber bands and follow the sofa back and forth. This study is bribed.
 

Naturally, the trunk has increased - due to the same height. The increase in the amount compared to Golf was 45 liters, and it became more convenient to use it - due to the rising floor level and the inner door handle throughout its width.
 

The economic owner of the Golf Plus can offer 395 liters of useful volume. But - add 110 l due to the mobility of the rear seats, and it will turn out to be 505 liters. And folding the back, you can achieve an indicator of 1450 liters.
 

What is the driver? Did he stay in the plus? Nothing lost - this is certain. Because the reference golf interior was converted to rustic. The front panel expected climbed up and acquired a minivan appearance - mainly due to the massive central console and 4 pairs of round ventilation deflectors. All individual elements remained the same as we are used to communicate with Volkswagen Golf. As it should be the model, even in an inexpensive performance, everything looks solid and cool. But it is dry, inspiration is not enough. But it does not arise for the ergonomics of claims. Is that the purple backlight confuses ... and yet the salon of the usual Golf seems more attractive. First of all, because of the more familiar low landing. Yes, and find the optimal position of the steering wheel and the chair is better.

 
What Golf Plus added, so it is in the number of economic tanks, which is understandable, will have to do the target audience. Pockets in the doors, like Golf, Togo and look at the capacity with the trunk. In addition, a whole battery from speakers and organizers appeared under the ceiling - one else is more. It seems to fill them with everything, each of the saddles must have at least two pairs of glasses and even in the ullary of all small things. However, it's time to move on the road. Who will it work faster? Of course, Golf. Everything is obvious here. In both cases, 102 horses, but Golf Plus weighs exactly 100 kg more compared even with a 5-door Golf. Of course, it tried to compensate for changes in the transmission - the transfer numbers of all 5 gears increased. But all the same Golf 1.6l with a 5-speed mechanic is slightly faster - and in overclocking up to 100 m / h (0.8c), and at maximum speed (184 km / h against 180).
 

However, differences in dynamics can be recognized by insignificant. Like differences in the overall character intensity. Being noticeably above and harder, Golf Plus has retained the driving qualities of Golf, in any case, to catch the difference from the first time will not work. Both go excellent. Especially like behavior in turns - rolls are minimal, reactions to steering steering are accurate and predictable. The car simply conquers coursework, even on a snowy caress. But the soft Golf will not be called - the suspension will not allow. Plus the traditional rigidity of German chairs - and you get a maximum of information about any pavement flaws. On a three-year, it is also appropriate, but the spacious family-run Golf Plus seems to be more mercy to passengers. However, in the fight against overweight and height, the car provided even more rigid springs. So there is no difference here.
 

On the other hand, this is a completely acceptable price of excellent handling. As for acoustic accompaniment, the main party in it belongs to the engine. The modest motor allows you to dynamically move only on high speed, and its not the most pleasant voice will be heard in the cabin every time you need to make an energetic maneuver. However, the overall impression of the archaic motor is positive. Adds points to it and well-coordinated operation with transmission, the clarity of the inclusion of transmissions from which is traditionally high.
 

With brakes, too, everything is in order - and dosing efforts, and the dynamics of slowdowns deliver pleasure. But the clutch pedal is unnecessary long-time. Gas - an adult outdoor, and that's good. You can state - the creators achieved their goal. Minimally changing the genotype, they created another Golf, more spacious and comfortable. Does this fruit of genetic engineering in taste to buyers? Those who appreciate the qualified qualities - undoubtedly. And those who are indifferent to them, will be enough and the usual Golf, which is little in which is inferior to its modified relative. Another question - price
 

Prices and equipment Volkswagen Golf Plus
 

The difference in the price of Golf and Golf Plus in a similar equipment is from $ 1000 to $ 1500. Unlike Golf, Golf Plus is not offered with 1,4-liter gasoline engines. The company is a single gasoline engine (1.6 liters, 102l.s.) consists of 2 diesel engines - 1.9l (105l.s.) and 2.0l (140l.s.). Already declared the appearance of a modification of 2.0 FSI (150l. Its cost - $ 21293, 6-speed box for $ 2311 more expensive. Diesels will cost $ 25777 (1.9l, 5-speed gearbox) and $ 27578 (2.0l, 6-speed PPC). You can install the DSG box to all diesel cars, it will cost another $ 1764 or $ 1849. COMFORTLINE machines are $ 23330 (1.6 l), $ 27407 (1.9l) and $ 29208 (2.0l). Similar Golf PlussportLine will cost $ 23465, $ 27515 and $ 29316, respectively. All configurations in the database have ABS + ASR, front, side and window airbags in front, electric camera, 6 speakers in front. The list of additional equipment is more than great.

 
Text: Sergey Zamensky

 
 
 

A source: Motor magazine [March 2006]