Volkswagen Golf V > Reviews (13)

Hooray, I've been promoted!!......I was lucky enough to be able to choose a VW Golf as my new company car!!. Seeing as I've already had it 2 weeks, I felt that that was plenty of time to give it a bit of a mention on ciao!

I'll concentrate the majority of this op on the model that I have, rather than VW Golf as a whole make of car, as I know next to nothing about the other models in the range!

I have a 1.4 FSI (5 door)

Now....a little background for you.....

This all new, sparkly, newer, better, Golf is the fifth generation from VW. From what I can see, it is the most radical change that VW have made with the Golf over the years.

It's dimensions are increased everywhere compared to it's predecessors. It is indeed taller, wider and has a longer wheel base. The boot is larger as is the rear leg room.

The front and rear cluster of lights have also been radically re-designed. The front head lamps have the 'VW' logo fitted onto the front of the bulbs (halogen) and the rear cluster has a circular design, making it look more like an ultra-modern fashion statement (yet they're functional too!!)

Although it feels more 'solid'...more 'chunky', it is much less angular in every way to previous versions. It could be compared to the Peugeot 206, with the more 'tear drop' shaped front lamps and 'spear head' bonnet.

The HUGE VW badge on the rear of the car, hides a clever opening device for the boot (yes, it DID take me a day to work out how to open the boot!)

The wing mirrors have indicator lamps inserted into the back of them...(pretty, but not practical if anyone should 'clip' your wing mirror I'm sure!)

Standard spec is:

ABS anti-lock brakes
Rear side airbags on the 5 door
Electronic Stability Programme
6 airbags (driver, passenger, curtain & side)
Split folding rear seats
Air conditioning
2 remote folding keys

0-62 in 12.9 seconds (thrilling I know, but someone may want to know!!)

Some other fab bits of info:

The radio is designed to increase in volume if the engine level increases for a set length of time...
The windscren wipers, when on intermittent can be set at varying 'levels' of intermittent...
The power steering is speed sensitive!...
The central locking keys 'fold' to save space in your pocket (open like a 'switch blade'!!)
Chrome bits on interior (door handles, air vents, gear stick collar, etc!)very pretty!
Dash backlight on brilliant gorgeous blue, against the red of the dials, it's like s cockpit come disco! really nice at night!
Central locking using the key fob is indicated by flashing rear lights as well as lights on wing mirrors!

Right, now how does it drive?

The steering is excellent and the car handles brilliantly, it really feels 'solid' on the road. The brakes are sensitive as expected and seating seems comfortable. The only problem is that I find the 1.4 engine just too small to cope with such a mountain of car as the Golf. It really should come as 1.6 minimum engine size. The power just isn't really there to pull you uphill or for that instant acceleration for overtaking, etc.

That's just a small niggle because it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a beauty of a car! The air conditioning is instant as is the heating. Electric wing mirrors are very useful as are the numerous storage compartments throughout the car:

One in 'roof' at light level, one at sterring wheel level, one between front seats, 'coffee cup' sahped inserts between front seats, oh and the glove compartment is lockable and has interior lighting!

Steering wheel is adjustable both up and down as well as telescopically!

Boot is HUGE and has plenty of room for shopping/suitcases/mutliple bags or boxes.

I am proud to finally be able to drive the VW badge around at LAST!!!!! (oh and can the bar-steward' who thought it funny to rip my drivers side mirror off last weekend, kindly remember that murder isn't totally beyond the realms of my thought process in terms of exacting revenge)

Try the site for more in-depth details regarding engine details well as pics and prices of other models!

Watch me find ANY excuse to drive somewhere for the next 6 months!

:o)
www.vw.co.uk