8 February 2011
It's been said that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
When the original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 first saw the light of day in the early '70's, it took the world by storm for its front wheel drive hatchback configuration, a complete departure from anything the German carmaker had done before.
The old technology air-cooled Beetle which had been Volkswagen's mainstay for almost three decades had become outdated and something new was required. Not a company to do things by halves, Volkswagen sat down with a clean slate and came up with a concept which helped change the motor industry from that day on.
The Golf has perhaps been a more significant car than the original Beetle was. Front wheel drive hatchbacks are now the staple diet for motorists the world over.
As a driver's car, the Mk1 Golf set new standards in its day. The attractive 2 box design turned heads, and the concept of a compact city car with station wagon type practicality became instantly popular.
As the third largest carmaker in the world today, behind Toyota and General Motors, the Volkswagen Group had a record year in 2008 with each brand within the group setting new records in volume and profit.
In New Zealand, Volkswagen is sitting in a comfortable first place in the European sector.
The Golf currently accounts for 43% of Volkswagen's overall business. However, Volkswagen New Zealand General Manager, Dean Sheed predicts that Golf VI and Golf derived Scirocco will account for 55% to 60% of the VW model mix in New Zealand.
So, six generations on, what has changed for the Golf? Well, everything and nothing. With each new model comes change and improvement. But equally, with each new model, the Golf maintains its place as one of the motoring world's iconic benchmarks.
No newcomer to picking up awards, Volkswagen has had to expand the trophy cabinet further thanks to the new Golf VI. Having already picked up no fewer than six major awards, the crowning glory would have to be the award picked up last week, on the eve of the New Zealand launch.
From a panel of 59 journalists from 25 countries and an initial list of 51 entrants, the Golf VI has been awarded the title of "World Car of the Year".
Currently offered in New Zealand in the new Golf VI are two petrol engine options and one diesel, with others to follow later in the year.
The entry level petrol model is a 90kW 1.4 litre Turbo engine producing its maximum power at 5000rmp, and a peak of 200Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. With a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres per 100 km, the 90kW TSI emits just 139 g/km of CO2.
The 118kW TSI Twincharger (Supercharger and Turbo) produces 118kW at 5800rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1500rpm. Fuel consumption and emissions are 6.0 litres per 100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 respectively.
The 2.0 litre 103kW TDI CR produces its maximum power at 4200rpm and 320Nm at 1750rpm.
All models get Volkswagen's excellent DSG transmission, with a 6 speed 'box for engines producing over 250Nm, and lower output engines getting 7 cogs.
Mid-year we will see a 155kW GTi and 1.6 TDi. The1.6TDi may be a Bluemotion 2 version with fuel consumption under 4 litres per 100km and a clean breathing 99g/km of CO2.
The entire range meets Euro 5 emission standards, with the Bluemotion 2 already meeting Euro 6, which will come into force in 2014.
European NCAP crash test criteria has been made more stringent from February 2009, with the Golf VI achieving 5 stars under the new system.
Standard safety features include daytime running lights, Electronic Stability (ESP), 7 airbags including a knee airbag and whiplash-optimised head restraints. Rear side airbags are optional.
Cruise Control, Hillhold, Climate Air-conditioning and leather steering wheel are standard across the range, as are alloy wheels; 15" for the 90kW TSI and 16" for the 118kW TSI and 103kW TDI. 17" alloys are available as options.
Other options available are three different parking aid systems. Park Assist, which takes over the steering function and self-parks the car; Rear Assist, a parking camera feature, or Park Pilot, Volkswagen speak for the now familiar parking aid system with audible warning.
Current pricing is $40.590 for the 90kW TSI, $46,590 for the 118kW TSI, and $48,790 for the 103kW TDI.