Volkswagen Golf Plus Review
Published: 30th May 2005
Volkswagen Golf Plus
Comfort and Refinement
The Golf Plus features a logically designed interior with excellent head and leg room in both the front and rear. All seats are positioned higher and the position of the steering column and the angle of the accelerator pedal have been ergonomically adjusted to the higher seating position.
The level of refinement is high and includes: driver's seat height adjustment, electric windows, front and rear, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, exterior temperature gauge, heat insulating tinted glass, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, interior light with delay, reading lights, independent front and rear, sliding and reclining rear seat and air conditioning, 'Climatic' semi-automatic control with air-conditioned glovebox.
How It Looks - Exterior
Undoubtedly, the Golf Plus is 'cute', having evolved from the same DNA as the Golf Hatchback. The most distinguishing figure is the height, at some 95mm taller than the conventional Golf. The elevation works well and is in balance with the rest of the car. The Golf hatchback and Plus might share the same DNA but the body and interior have been totally redesigned sharing only door mirrors, ‘VW’ logo, door handles and the antenna for the satellite navigation system.
VW have introduced LED rear lights, indicators and brake lights to the Plus, a first for a car in this class. They are most welcome as not only do they last longer but LEDs react a lot faster than conventional bulbs, i.e. your brakes lights come on faster.
The overall appearance of the Golf Plus - in particular the grille and C-pillars - were inspired by the look inherited from over three decades of Golf evolution. However, while the Golf Plus is obviously a Golf, it is also immediately apparent that it is a new model.
The V-shaped bonnet and radiator grille emulate that of the Golf hatchback. Yet while this ‘V’ can be found between the front wings of the Golf hatchback, the proportions used in the Golf Plus are different. The ‘V’ moves into the wings, while the line of the bonnet becomes more vertical as it meets the windscreen. In this respect, the Golf Plus follows the design set by both the Touran and the Touareg, meeting the demands of a comparably tall vehicle, as in this case the bonnet must form a more homogeneous shape with the windscreen.
The headlights, with their three round integrated elements (indicator, low beam and high beam), are large and distinctive. These extend, as with the Touareg, far into each front wing. Directional headlights feature as an option, where the beam follows the direction of steering, offering a clear safety advantage by enabling the driver to see further into bends.
At the rear, the bold trapezoid tail lights lend a high quality appearance to the Golf Plus. Using bright LED components for the tail lights, brake lights and indicators, they follow the style set by the Phaeton luxury saloon, and are a first for this class of car. The inner parts of the lighting unit, featuring the fog lights and reverse lamps, are fitted with conventional light bulbs as they are used far less often than the main lights.
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