Gossip, Gossip and more Gossip

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. In its 35 odd years history VW has sold about 26 million Golfs making the car a sub icon mostly because there exists a Beetle. And yes along the way VW had its best sellers the likes of the cheap Citi Golf and the Polo for sale still in most countries. But the original Golf is the most 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. The design of the Golf has always been a draw card to lure buyers. Even today, the Golf 5 still looks modern bacause when lauched the design was just ahead of its time. Five years later VW has not made that much change in terms of design.

Is this a good or bad decision? Well if you liked the previous shape then you might be slight disappointed as this is a little conservative in appearance. The new and the old do not look that much different from each other. 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. VW claims the car costs them 20% less to produce and that they will get smarter at reducing these costs.

VW has done a very good job in reducing their costs of making the Golf which is to the benefit of the buyers. 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.

But if VW has one area to brag about, it has to be the fuel efficiency of the new models. 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.

Major improvements in terms of safety have been made for the Golf with head and knee protection system together with 7 air bags. Golf is actually very safe by NCAP standards, awarded 5 stars.

Interior quality is another big talking point about the golf six. Audi A4 For SaleVW rather (Audi’s parent/Uncle) has made the cabin and overall quality of the product more upmarket. 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. Which is good for the buyer because VW manages to cut the productions costs while adding cool features. So the driver ends up with a super golf 5 at roughly the same price.