Volkswagen Golf Plus Review
Published: 30th May 2005
Volkswagen Golf Plus
How It Drove - Performance
The Golf Plus will feature four engines from launch a 1.4-litre 75 PS and 1.6-litre FSI 115 PS petrol units; plus 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesels. A 1.4-litre FSI 90 PS, 2.0-litre FSI 150 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS will be launched later in the summer. The technically advanced designs of both the FSI and TDI power units result in class-leading efficiency and therefore lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This is not only less harmful to the environment, but also to the wallet - in particular, company car drivers can significantly reduce their annual tax bill by opting for a car in a low-emission band.
We tested the 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS Sport model which was coupled
to a 5-speed manual gearbox and performed exceptionally well with
plenty of power and was relatively quiet even at high revs.
The 1.9 TDI engine produces 105 PS at 4000 rpm enabling the Golf
Plus 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS Sport to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 11.9
seconds (it felt faster than it is on paper) and continue to a top
speed of 114 mph.
A five-speed transmission is fitted as standard to the 1.4 litre 75 PS and 1.4 litre 90 PS petrol engines and to the 1.9 litre TDI 105 PS diesel. A six-speed manual is fitted to the 1.6 litre FSI 115 PS, 2.0 litre FSI 150 PS and 2.0 litre TDI 140 PS models. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox is offered as an option on the 1.6 litre FSI 115 PS model and shortly after launch, the 2.0 litre FSI 150 PS model. The Golf Plus TDI models can be combined with the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). DSG combines the comfort of an automatic gearbox with the agility and economy of a manual shift gearbox.
All the gearboxes in the Golf Plus range are filled with lifetime oil and need no routine maintenance.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The similarities between the Golf Plus and the Golf hatchback are no coincidence - the two models are very similar underneath, sharing the same wheelbase and major mechanical components. Despite the increased space the Golf Plus retains the Golf hatchback's class-leading driving dynamics and we were very impressed with the Golf Plus' ride and handling. It is not quite as agile as a Golf hatchback, as the higher centre of gravity impedes some fun but body roll is kept to a minimum and it is very good to drive. The Sport model features standard sport suspension which is lowered by approximate 15mm.
The electro-mechanical power steering (EPS) is able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation - firm and direct when driving hard and effortless at parking speeds. It also includes a mild self-centring action to compensate for different driving hazards like crosswinds and steep road cambers it also has a beneficial effect on fuel economy.
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