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…It Commenced This Towing Test on a High… TEST : VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MATCH 2.0TDI wonder if Major Ivan Hirst and Colonel Charles Radclyffe ever dreamt that their efforts in reconstructing a car factory in Wolfsburg in 1946 (intended for the Irepair and construction of vehicles for the British and Allied forces), would result in the creation of so many iconic cars? Having unearthed a Type 1 prototype in a factory shed, which was subsequently evaluated and dismissed by various long-established car makers as useless and unsalable, could they have dared imagine that this funny little rear-engined runabout would eventually number over 21 million examples made during six decades? Find a winning formula and stick to it: that’s The Type 1 Beetle created Volkswagen, what VW is good at. Clive White samples the but then very nearly bankrupted the company years later while the conception sixth generation of the perennial hatchback of a worthy replacement proved elusive. After a few attempts, that replacement eventually turned out to be the Golf (itself passing the 25-million mark by 2007), which helped turn the company into one of the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturers. Incidentally, few if any of the car makers who originally rejected the Type 1 are still with us… Golf has been in production since 1974 operation of pretty much every control is wheel seemed more noticeable than in Restrained but and continues to go from strength to immediately obvious. For those who prefer previous Golfs. The wheel-arch trim effective cabin styling is waiting for strength. It’s still frequently held up as the not to be confronted with slashes of curiously replicates the shape of the the Golf driver benchmark for compact hatchbacks and swoopy, curvy silver trim inserts, Golf’s transmission-tunnel-side footrest and, the one that many manufacturers strive to embellishment consists of tastefully- initially, I wondered why there was no emulate. It undergoes regular refreshment restrained silver or chrome bezels. throttle response as my right sole pressed while ignoring any extravagant excesses of Instrumentation is entirely conventional harder… Having discovered the correct bit contemporary styling whim, yet remains as with clearly-marked analogue primary to press, the 2.0-litre TDI demonstrated popular as ever despite (or because of) this dials (fuel and temp gauges being inset its usual willingness. restraint. The MkVI version achieves its chronograph-style), between which is an While not the quietest diesel in town, modern look with a slender, full-width easily-assimilated driver’s digital info the engine’s prodigious torque enables early grille and gently wrapped-around light display. Atop the centre console resides the upshifting to keep the revs and noise low. clusters, with discreet chrome £1,195 optional RNS 510 DVD 6½in With six ratios in the easy-shifting manual embellishment – a technique which is colour touch-screen navigation/radio unit gearbox at your disposal and the TDI’s repeated inside to great effect. with 30GB hard drive, SD card reader, useful torque spread, you are unlikely >> MP3, WMA, DVD video-data CABIN COMFORT compatibility, AUX-in and highline Golf must take some credit for raising the multifunction computer. …it commenced this quality of materials and construction of So, with good materials well put together, many of its competitors. It took them a nice in-car entertainment and dual-zone while to cotton on to this perceived climate control, Golf is a comfortable, if towing test on a high… quality thing, but run your fingertips over cosy, place to be. But if there has been an “ the soft plastics, grasp the door handles area for criticism over the years, it was a lack and press the buttons in many a Golf rival, of rear legroom when front-seat adjustment ” and you’ll realise how the VW has was fully extended. Seems like that influenced them. But, even though lots of problem’s been addressed, but this time at challengers now equal this build-quality the expense of front-seat travel. As a long- perception (some even exceed it), there’s legged six-footer, I would have appreciated With thanks to still a certain something that makes the the ability to move the driver’s seat an inch Chichester Golf feel ‘right’. or two further back, though shorter drivers Caravans, Redhill for the loan of Not sure what it is, but it’s not flashy should be perfectly comfortable. Towcar Test styling devices as the Golf’s fascia and caravans. Call interior are restrained to the point of being DRIVING DYNAMICS 01737 768266 or dull in some people’s eyes. But it is logically Possibly accentuated by my restricted seat see chichester- designed and ergonomic, where function adjustment, the offset of the pedals in caravans.co.uk dictates form and where the location and relation to the fully-adjustable steering 68 www.caravanclub.co.uk August 2012 The Caravan Club Magazine 69 TEST : VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MATCH 2.0TDI With a VW factory-fit towbar kit, once the trailer is connected it is integrated into the car’s security system, so offers peace of mind against unauthorised tampering. Golf’s ESP programme includes a trailer-stability function, so add a caravan with integral stability aids such as Al-Ko’s AKS hitch stabiliser and/or ATC Trailer Control, and a correctly matched and ballasted caravan should remain as steady as a rock. The car’s gently-curved door-mirror cowlings accepted our clamp-on towing mirrors securely, providing the visual confirmation that the caravan never put a foot wrong. The 0-60mph dash proved a little disappointing at 15.4 seconds, but perhaps my technique was a little off that day as 30-50mph in 3rd gear was a very brisk 6.4sec. It’s also probable that the traction control stepped in, as the engine’s considerable torque could unstick the tyres on both standing and hill starts, prompting the traction system’s almost immediate and Reversing camera is to reveal any performance inadequacies. On the other hand, the across-the-gate effective intervention. hidden behind the Indeed, in some circumstances, the car may spring detent was rather weak, sometimes During these spirited acceleration trials VW badge seem over-endowed with gears when it’s allowing wrong-slotting into the 4th or 6th the engine became quite vocal, but in most easily possible to intentionally miss out one position. Familiarisation tended to reduce other circumstances cabin noise was or two (3rd or 4th to 6th, for instance) in an this possibility and generally the gearbox commendably low. Golf was just as happy upward shift sequence. was a joy to use in conjunction with the cruising the motorways as it was at But swapping gears is no chore, which light, smooth clutch. demonstrating its agility along sinuous back can be effected with a mere flick of a finger Steering weight and gearing have been roads, where the nicely-weighted and on the stumpy, light-action lever’s knob. well judged, its brisk, accurate response geared steering enabled easy placing of the facilitating crisp directional changes. outfit through narrow gaps. The ride, too, Bodyroll is fairly well controlled, though while feeling firm and controlled, possessed the rear wheels could hop out of line if a just enough compliance to comfortably mid-bend bump was encountered, take the edge off all but the worst bumps. TECHNICAL unsettling the car momentarily. Suspension With the aforementioned generous RATINGS CABIN COMFORT is a nice blend of compliance and control, torque and six gears, Golf is never likely DRIVING DYNAMICS and only when the surface deteriorated to be wanting for pulling power, and PULLING PERFORMANCE badly would the Golf show signs of even when cruising at 1,500rpm in 6th VERDICT becoming unsettled by way of a joggly ride. (60mph) it still had a bit more in reserve 01 2345678910 for that motorway incline before having PULLING PERFORMANCE to change down. ■ RRP £21,105 OTR With Golf and its derivatives having Engine 1,968cc, in-line 4-cyl, common-rail been tested many times before, as well turbodiesel. Transverse enjoying much success through the years Power 138bhp (185kW) @ 4,200 rpm in The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Torque 236lb ft (320Nm) @ 1,750-2,500rpm competition, the signs were that the CO2 126g/km current model was unlikely to spring any Transmission Six-speed manual, FWD unpleasant surprises. Fuel/tank/econ Diesel/12.1gal (55 litre)/53.2mpg Indeed, it commenced this towing test solo/33.1mpg towing 1,140kg on a high with a nifty reversing camera that Kerbweight 1,351kg (85% = 1,148kg) is cleverly concealed behind the VW Ample loadspace Gross vehicle weight 1,920kg tailgate-release badge. I’d wondered what Gross train weight 3,460kg the whirring noise from the boot was, Noseweight limit 75kg every time I selected reverse, and VERDICT Towing equipment Detachable towbar £265; 13-pin electrics discovered it to be the motorised badge, With years of continual development kit £250 inc VAT, plus fitting which partially rotates on its central pivot and enhancement behind it, we Spare wheel Temporary use to provide the rearward view. Unlike the shouldn’t really be surprised that Golf Insurance Group 21E cameras fitted to some cars, Golf’s did is so accomplished at what it does or Golf model-range £15,865 (S TSI) to £33,390 (R 2.0 TSI) actually include the towball in the frame so confident in what it is. Perhaps it so single-handed hitching was easily could be your perfect match? Club insurance: 0800 028 4809 • Info: volkswagen.co.uk achieved at the first attempt.
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