|
|
|
|
18/12/2010
By MURRAY HUBBARD
|
|
|
It would be easy to pigeon-hole Volkswagen’s 77TSI Golf as a dumbed-down version of the one of the world’s all-time best selling cars. Sales of almost 27 million speaks for itself on Golf’s above-par popularity. The 77TSI is not so much dumbed-down as bling-free. The important bits are still there like front, side, knee and front and rear curtain airbags, stability control and classic VW build quality. Close a door and you hear clunk, not clink.
VW have cleverly done away with the modern trappings which the motoring industry call features, that our must-have-one-with-the-lot society demands. For instance, if you have never had your car’s audio controls replicated on the steering wheel then you won’t miss this feature in Golf 77TSI. It does this the old fashioned way, by turning a knob or pushing a button on the radio. Simple. This offering caters for people who want uncomplicated quality. The same type of people would also buy a simple mobile ‘phone: forget Bluetooth, emails, Google, 5 megapixel cameras and incorporated iPod. They just want a ‘phone.
By simplifying the 77TSI, and equipping it with the remarkable 1.2 litre, four-cylinder engine already found in Polo, the Golf now has an entry level model that will set you back just $21,990 for the manual variant, before on road costs. Our test car was equipped with the seven speed auto DSG transmission that increases the bottom line to $24,490 before on roads.
BODY STYLE
The 77TSI is the same core Golf as the rest of the range – a five seat hatch that oozes practicality. The wheels are 15” x 6” steel not alloys. This new player in the Golf stable inherits the same features as the previous entry level car, the Golf 90TSI Trendline. This means no day-time LED running lights or front fog lamps.
POWERTRAIN
When we first drove the new Polo with the 1.2 litre engine we were greatly impressed. You could not pick this engine from a 1.4 litre, and the same goes when its under the bonnet of the larger Golf. With the 1.2 litre Polo accumulating a 2010 `World Car of the Year’ award, it is a natural for the entry-level Golf. The seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission is well suited to the engine, although it retains the DSG’s unhappiness when in auto mode crawling around in the urban traffic jams. It operates much better in manual mode when in heavy traffic. VW claim economy of 6.1 litres/100 km on combined highway/urban running. We were slightly under this after our week in the car. With an engine this size – even with turbo-charging – there is always the question of adequate grunt for highway running and steep hills. The answer is simple: there is no problem cruising at 110 km/h and steep hills are taken in a single bound. Impressive.
SAFETY
Seven airbags, ABS brakes, crash-saving electronic stability program, safety optimised head restraints and daytime running lights ensure there’s no compromise here.
INTERIOR DESIGN/FUNCTION
One of the great assets Golf has is its size. Small on the outside yet roomy inside for four or five passengers. Good rear-seat legroom, headroom and adequate shoulder room mean this is not just a car for those who sit up front. The rear seat has a 60/40 split if you need extra luggage space, although the boot is already well endowed with space. The ergonomics are simple and functional so that after a short time the driver feels completely at home. There is nothing fancy about this – just a tried and true layout that works in the real world. 77TSI keeps the usual functions of power windows and mirrors. The seats are comfortable and supportive.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
If anyone had told me five years ago I’d be not only happy but living in bliss with a car powered by a 1.2 litre engine, I’d probably accused them of being on some form of weed not generally available to the public. The 77TSI, like the Polo with the same engine, is a revelation. The 1.2 litre turbo is the `new’ 1.4 litre in performance. Being a Golf the car’s handling is sure-footed, but let’s face it this is not a car aimed at enthusiastic driving. In most situations the DSG transmission is extraordinary. The car is quiet, unless under heavy acceleration, although there is a bit or road noise at speed. By the way when travelling at 100 km/h the engine is ticking over at around 2300 rpm, so it is not working hard on highway cycle. This also explains why the economy is so impressive across the board.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING Golf 5 door hatch
77TSI 1.2 litre $21,990
90 TSI 1.4 litre Trendline $24,990
77TDI 1.6 Trendline $27,490
118 TSI 1.4 litre Comfortline $29,490
2.0 103TDI Comfortline $31,990
2.0 GTD $39,290
2.0 GTI $40,490
2.0 R 4Motion $49,990
FEATURES (Golf 77TSI)
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: optional
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: N/A
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.2 litres (1197cc)
Configuration: In line, turbo charged direct injection
Compression Ratio: 10:1
Bore/Stroke: 71.0 mm x 75.6 mm
Maximum Power: 77 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 175 Nm @ 1550 – 4100 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: front
Manual Transmission: 6 speed
Automatic Transmission: 7 speed DSG
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4199 mm
Wheelbase: 2574 mm
Width: 1785 mm
Height: 1479 mm
Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
Kerb Mass: 1233 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Towing Ability:1200 kg (kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, lower A-arms
Rear Suspension: Independent, four link, coil.
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: 95RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.1 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 7.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 8.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/ unlimited km |
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
