Volkswagen has released its most
fuel-efficient model – a Golf powered by an new super-efficient 1.6
litre diesel engine (above) . At the same time it announced changes
to the 2010 Jetta range. The five-speed manual Golf 77TDI can cover
100km using 4.9-litres on the ADR 81/02 combined cycle. In highway
running consumption drops to just 4.3-litres per 100km. Volkswagen
Australia say the car has a potential range of more than 1100km.
“The sixth generation of the Golf
establishes an elegant new design direction in the evolution of the
iconic model,” said a Volkswagen spokesman. “In conceiving the
interior for the new Golf, Volkswagen’s designers unashamedly set
themselves the target of defining new benchmarks in quality in this
class,” he said. “This goal extends to all aspects, from
ergonomics, through the feel and look of the materials used to the
overall refinement within the cabin.”
The new interior look is combined
with advances made by Volkswagen engineers in reducing wind noise,
including a completely new design of door and window seals, a new
sound-damping inter-layer within the laminated windscreen and a new
engine mounting system. The result is the quietest Golf yet produced.
The new 1.6-litre diesel, shares the
same technology as the 2.0-litre diesel (103TDI) with 16-valves and
common rail fuel injection. It produces peak power of 77kW at
4400rpm, while maximum torque of 250Nm is delivered between
1500-2500rpm. Fitted with a standard DPF (diesel particulate filter)
to reduce particulate emissions, this new engine is not only one of
the most efficient but also one of the cleanest diesels available.
Two transmissions are on offer, a
five-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG. In adopting seven-speeds,
Volkswagen engineers were able to lower first gear to improve
acceleration from a stand still. By contrast seventh gear has been
raised to act as an overdrive function making it ideal for motorway
driving with the additional effect of further improving economy and
comfort levels.
Since the clutch does not require
cooling the quantity of oil has been reduced from 7 litres in the
six-speed DSG gearbox to only 1.7 litres in the new seven-speed
system.
The Golf uses MacPherson strut-type
front suspension. Ride and handling benefit from the car’s mounting
concept for the lower wishbone with separate mountings for spring and
damper on the suspension strut tower, including a lightweight
twin-sleeve damper unit and optimised spring rates.
The previous Golf’s completely new
four-link rear suspension system was a major stride forwards for this
market segment in terms of providing the optimum combination of
handling dynamics and ride comfort. Among the benefits of the almost
neutral layout are excellent straight-running stability
characteristics on highly uneven road surfaces and minimised tyre
wear.
The Golf uses a third generation
electro-mechanical power steering system (EPS) which is able to vary
the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving
situation: firm and direct when driving hard, effortless at parking
speeds.
Other advantages of the system
include its mild self-centering action, its ability to compensate for
different driving hazards, like crosswinds and steep road cambers,
and a beneficial effect on fuel economy.
The Golf features a sophisticated
braking system, with ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme)
as standard across the range.
On the passive side, there is a
further perfected safety body (including additional reinforcement in
the door area and optimized pedestrian protection), seven airbags
including a knee airbag on the driver’s side and a patented safety
optimised head restraint system for driver and front passenger.
As the entry-level diesel the Golf
77TDI starts at $28,690* for the five-speed manual, while the 7-speed
DSG variant is priced from $31,190. (Prices do not include dealer or
government charges)
Volkswagen also announced the model
year 2010 Jetta range has been extended and now offers five engine
options. Two petrol engines and three diesel variants make up the new
line-up of Jetta models.
The popular 1.6 77TDI engine –
also introduced to the new Golf range - is now also available on the
Jetta ensuring low fuel consumption and emissions, while offering
great performance at the same time. The second new diesel engine is
the 2.0 125TDI, which brings high performance and sportiness to the
range. The new 7-speed DSG gearbox is now available with the 1.4
118TSI and the 1.6 77TDI Jetta.
Several new features have been
introduced to the range to make it even more appealing to customers.
Parking distance sensors in the front and rear combined with the
Optical Parking System (OPS) come fitted on every vehicle. A new
choice of trims give the range an attractive update and are combined
with a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster.
Pricing in the Jetta range starts at
$28,990 (not including delivery charges) for the entry model 1.6
77TDI 5-speed manual, while the top of the range 2.0 125TDI Highline
and 2.0 147TSI Highline with 6-speed DSG are both offered from
$38,990*.
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