Strictly speaking, this latest edition of the iconic Volkswagen Golf hatchback is a Mark 5.5 rather than a Mark 6.
A major update, in other words, and not a full model change per se. The exterior dimensions, wheelbase and interior space have all been carried over from the previous model, which also contributed its roof panel wholesale to its successor.
The restyling, too, is more of the same, with a hint of the Scirocco at the front, a touch of the Touareg at the back, and just a bit of sheet-metal sharpening everywhere else.
Inside the cabin, again, it’s more of the same – much more, especially in terms of the feel-good factor. The dashboard materials, switchgear, upholstery – the quality is sky-high.
The on-board amenities, headlined by state-of-the-art driving aids new to the Golf segment, are impressive. And the entire car, from bumper to bumper, is built like a Deutsche Bank vault.
Reshaped steering wheel is similar to the one used in the Passat CC.
Some of the Volkswagen Golf’s fancy cockpit features are derived from those in the Passat CC, Volkswagen’s premium niche model inspired by the Mercedes CLS.
The most noticeable is the steering wheel, which looks and feels fantastic, followed by the instrument meters, which are classy and clear.
They are now backlit in clean white instead of cool blue, which might disappoint some Volkswagen Golf fans, but it’s arguably easier on the eye during night driving.
Also taken from the Passat CC are the infotainment and climate control panels, both of which are stylish and user-friendly.
And soft-grain materials abound, making some of its rivals’ cockpits seem almost agricultural by comparison.
Ergonomic improvements made include repositioning the switch array for the power windows and wing mirrors, and moving the steering column’s adjustment lever from the centre to the left side.
Another thoughtful detail is the tougher leather, which resists dirt and stains more effectively than before.
Despite the obvious revisions, the basic cabin architecture remains similar to that of the “old” Volkswagen Golf, which is probably how its devotees like it.
With the wheelbase retained and no packaging tricks employed, the car’s interior room is unchanged.
But it continues to be competitive. Instead of squeezing a little more space out of the Golf, Volkswagen squeezed more luxury in, creating what is likely to be the Rolls-Royce of hatchbacks today.
Reshaped seats can be found in the Mk 6 Golf cabin.
For starters, the standard airbag count is now seven, with a knee “cushion” for the driver supplementing the front, side and curtain airbags.
In addition, the front seat head restraints have been optimised for superior protection against whiplash, and there is a new buckle-up reminder for rear-seat passengers.
Also impressive is the Golf’s new hi-fi set-up.
If you specify a system with all the bells and whistles, you’d get DAB radio reception, a 30GB hard disk for navigation and entertainment, a 5-inch colour touch-screen, SD and USB plug-in ports, and concert-standard audio reproduction through top-notch Dynaudio loudspeakers.
A rear-view parking display mode, in conjunction with a nifty wide-angle camera hidden in the tailgate’s VW emblem, can also be specified.
The turbo-cum-supercharged 1.4-litre engine continues to impress.
Techno-geeks will also appreciate other optional Golf gadgets like “hands-free” Park Assist (already proven in the high-spec Tiguan), laser-based Adaptive Cruise Control (that automatically maintains a preset distance to the vehicle in front) and DCC Adaptive Chassis Control.
This newfangled device, also available on the Passat CC and the Scirocco coupe, continually adjusts each wheel’s damping based on signals sent from strategically placed sensors within the body and wheels.
The idea is to make the suspension go with the flow, so to speak. During hard acceleration or braking, for example, the dampers are stiffened in fractions of a second to reduce pitch and roll.
In Normal mode, the Golf’s damping already feels spot-on in most situations. But you can toggle between Comfort (softer) and Sport (harder) modes if you like to “play” with your car’s suspension, with Sport also making the steering noticeably heavier.
Light on its feet is the 160bhp twin-charged 1.4-litre Golf we sampled, which effectively replaces the outgoing Golf GT.
Power has dropped by 10bhp, apparently throttled by Euro 5 emission requirements, but the torque figure is still a punchy 240Nm.
Transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed, DSG dual-clutch semi-automatic, which is responsive when your right foot is aggressive, and refined when you just want to cruise along. Small paddle shifts carried over from the predecessor complete the gearbox.
On the run, the DSG maximises the lusty little powerplant that punches above its weight.
Whether picking up steam from point to point in urban areas or overtaking on long, forlorn highways surrounded by rural nothingness, the Volkswagen Golf drivetrain delivers convincingly, with no flat spot anywhere and decent fuel consumption to boot.
In keeping with the car’s veneer of cultured comfort, the Volkswagen Golf’s innate sportiness works in the background and only comes to the fore when hurried along.
Quiet cruising is what this new Golf does best. Driven over gritty Icelandic asphalt, battered by stormy weather, the Golf cabin is an oasis of Phaeton-like serenity, climate-controlled to perfection.
There is very little wind turbulence at speed, heavy traffic din is kept at bay and rolling noise from the sizeable 17-inch 45-profile tyres is uncannily low.
At the same time, the ride quality is smooth and composed, even over the roughest Nordic roads, and the body rigidity is rock-solid.
So they do work – the measures adopted by Volkswagen engineers to make the Golf a picture of sheer refinement.
These include a special noise-reducing film within the windscreen, 10 percent thicker front windows and “silent” door seals.
Volkswagen’s genteel Golf version 6 will be introduced to Singapore in the second quarter of next year.
2008 Volkswagen Golf Mk 6 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1390cc
Bore x stroke 82mm x 85mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 160bhp at 5800rpm
Max torque 240Nm at 1500-4500rpm
Power to weight 124.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8 seconds
Top speed 220km/h
Consumption 16.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4199mm
Width 1779mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2578mm
Kerb weight 1286kg
Turning circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE To be announced
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Genuine driving refinement, comfortable and classy cabin, highly efficient performance
– Rather predictable redesign, no improvement in roominess, not all the gadgets are standard
Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R are Wolfsburg in sheep’s clothing
