Mark Whittam drives the new Mk six Golf (From Dorset Echo)

Mark Whittam drives the new Mk six Golf

1:02pm Monday 29th June 2009 in

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THE new Mk six Golf comes with a range of new engines and the 1.4TSI is fighting back against diesel models.

In the past it was always diesel that won the mpg stakes and low running cost battle vs. unleaded.

Have VW changed this theory?

The 1.4TSI 160PS packs a real punch with its twincharger, you could easily be mistaken for being in a GTi!

This little 1.4 engine produces 160bhp and yet produces just 139g CO2 and returns 47.1mpg.

There is plenty of low down power, similar to a diesel.

The unleaded 1.4TSI revs higher than the diesel model, but still pulls through the gears in the same progressive way.

The seven speed (yes seven speed!) Dual Shift Gearbox (DSG) gearbox is a dream.

The seamless shift is barely noticeable. This has to be the slickest gear change against any similarly priced car.

Select ‘auto’ which does what it says on the tin, however unlike older automatic models where you put your foot down then wait for the kick down, the DSG gearbox gives a rapid change that you barely notice. Select ‘sport’ and the gearing holds the revs all the way to the red line, giving a more responsive feel under the accelerator pedal.

Select ‘manual’ and whip through the gears you’re self by nudging the gear lever back and forward.

The little 1.4 is an impressive performer getting from zero to 60mph in just eight seconds then continuing all the way to 136mph where the law allows.

Handling and damping is good thanks to the suspension being lowered by 15mm on GT models.

There is little body roll and the steering gives good driver feedback, all in all very similar to the previous model.

The new Golf feels a little more refined than the older model.

There is less wind noise, however there is some tyre noise on certain surfaces, but this is to be expected from the optional eighteen inch wheels shed with 225/40 R18 rubber.

VW has continued with its successful interiors, the soft touch dashboard is way out of its class, the leather sports seats are supportive and have the traditional rugged feel.

It would have been hard to improve the driving position of the Golf and I have to say it feels the same as the older model.

Visibility is not compromised and parking is easy especially with rear parking sensors.

Feel safe and secure in the Golf with a Euro NCAP rating of five out of five for protection to passengers.

Front air bags for driver and passenger, curtain air bag system with side impact protection, and new for the Golf a driver’s knee air bag.

Front headrests are whiplash optimised to take the strain in the event of a head on accident.

VW has included all the usual extras including climate control, electric windows and mirrors, ABS, power steering, cruise control, multi function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring, MP3 compatible CD radio etc.

The model tested had the upgraded DVD touch screen satellite navigation with Dynaudio sound pack which really does give fantastic sound quality with no distortion.

Although this upgrade is expensive if you like high fidelity sound and want the option to watch DVDs I would suggest you opt for this extra.

The best option for company car fleets used to be diesel, however with the cost of diesel now around 6p per litre more than unleaded, things are changing.

VW responded by producing the 1.4TSi.

Although the Golf is more expensive than its rivals, it feels in a different class, and I would say worth the extra investment.