Devon test drives Volkwagen's Golf Wagon (Used)

Compact crossovers maybe all the rage right now but not everyone finds them appealing; and for those few individuals the Golf wagon is the perfect alternate. Here’s why:

The standard 1.8 turbo is the best combo for low running costs and flexibility in performance; plus it is priced within reason too. The 2-liter TDI is also priced within reason too but finding one will be a chore because this is the most popular form of Golf wagon. Both engines can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG auto gearbox.

Whatever wagon stigma you may have in your mind should be immediately thrown to the birds when you look at the Golf Wagon. The steering feedback is good and the ride comfort is excellent; all while offering decent handling and good body control. Most will think that since it is a wagon it will be noisier than a sedan but you’ll be wrong again here because wind and road noise are both kept to a hush and you won’t even hear a peep out of the suspension.

Volkswagen does know a thing or two about infotainment display and user-friendly functionality. Both are well regarded in the Golf Wagon. Front driver and front passengers will be greeted with the most comfortable seats and even the second row passengers won’t complain much about legroom and headroom. The boot space is what makes a wagon a wagon and yes it is generous even with the second row seat folded down. Roof rails are standard as well to add versatility.

S trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, V-TEX leatherette seating surfaces, air-con, cd-player and Bluetooth for your mobile phone. SE trim adds panoramic sunroof, keyless start and a rearview camera. Top of the range SEL trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, navigation system and power-folding exterior mirrors.

The Golf Wagon is the best choice for anyone refusing to follow the trend of the compact crossover segment. However, the Golf wagon doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive and for those who may want that option will have to venture elsewhere. Everyone else will be happy with the Golf because even the SE trim offers decent value for the money in both the 1.8 turbo and TDI. Discounts should be available and resale value should be strong especially with the TDI.

Volkswagen hasn’t been the best in terms or reliability but we have very little doubt the Golf Wagon reliability will be top notch. Interior materials have been gradually improved over the previous generation and the safety kit is comprehensive; electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution all come standard.

Don’t want to follow the trend of compact crossovers and don’t mind the lack of all-wheel-drive. The Golf Wagon hands down is the best choice money can buy. You seriously will not be disappointed here.

Likes: Space for passengers and cargo are both generous. Standard kit is decent too and both engines manage good flexibility and low running costs well.

Dislikes: No all-wheel-drive option; the GTI’s engine would be a nice addition too.

Devon's Pick: SE trim manages to combine decent kit at a decent price in both 1.8T and TDI.

Volkswagen Golf Plus

The Volkswagen Golf Plus is a car that was manufactured by Volkswagen between 2004 and 2014. As a five-seater compact MPV (C-segment), it was developed as a taller alternative to the Golf hatchback and positioned below the seven-seater Touran in Volkswagen's product catalogue, the vehicle is based on the Golf Mk5, riding on the PQ35 platform. An alternative appearance package was sold as the Volkswagen CrossGolf in 2006. Throughout its life cycle, it has been sold alongside the Golf Mk5 and Golf Mk6. In 2014, the Golf Plus was replaced by the MQB-based Golf Sportsvan.

The Golf Plus was presented to the public at the Bologna Motor Show in December 2004. It is 95 mm (3.74 in) taller than the Golf Mk5, and 150 mm (5.91 in) shorter than the three-row Touran. It offers higher seating position, and more space in the cabin with an extra 50 litres of boot space at 395 litres, which is expandable to 505 litres by lowering the boot floor. The rear seats can slide by 160 mm and folded in a new system, resulting in an almost level luggage space when folded. It also split 60:40, with the middle seat doubling as a fold-down drink table. Many parts of the Golf Mk5 were also used in the Golf Plus, such as engines, transmissions, headrests and exterior mirrors. In contrast to the normal Golf, standard LED rear lights were used in the Golf Plus, the first in the C-segment.

In December 2008, the facelifted version was revealed at the Bologna Motor Show, featuring a revised front end which seen the introduction of the horizontally aligned band front grille and new headlights with daytime running lights, aligning its styling to the Golf Mk6. The revised variant went on sale in early 2009. It retains a largely similar design of the rear end and the interior. For the first time on the Golf Plus, a parallel parking assistance system called ParkAssist was be offered. A rear-view camera mounted behind the Volkswagen badge was also available as an option.

At the 2006 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen released the CrossGolf which is a version of the Golf Plus with black-plastic body cladding and slightly increased ride height. Part of the Volkswagen Cross family which also includes the CrossPolo and CrossTouran, it was developed by the Volkswagen Individual division, which also developed the Golf R32. The CrossGolf is only available in front-wheel drive configuration, and is powered by two petrol engines, 1.6 and 1.4 TSI, and two diesel engines, 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI, with outputs ranging from 102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp) to 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp). In the UK, this model is badged as Golf Plus Dune and sold with the 1.9 TDI outputting 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp). The facelifted model was introduced in February 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show. Throughout its production run, seven petrol engine variants are available with an output between 75–170 PS (74–168 hp; 55–125 kW), and five diesel engine variants with an output of 90–140 PS (89–138 hp; 66–103 kW). All diesel engines are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The BlueMotion model was also available with 105 PS (104 hp; 77 kW) and a 5-speed manual gearbox. For efficiency, the BlueMotion model received changes in engine tuning such as lowering the idling RPM. It also received aerodynamic changes such as underbody cover, low-friction tires and lowering the right height by 15 mm (1 in). The third, fourth and fifth gears of the transmission have a longer gear ratio. Average fuel economy was rated at 4.8 L/100 km (21 km/L; 49 mpg‑US).

An LPG variant (BiFuel) was also offered with an output of 98 PS (97 hp; 72 kW) and a 5-speed manual gearbox. 1.2 TSI 1,197 cc I4 CBZA 86 PS (85 hp; 63 kW) 160 N⋅m (16.3 kg⋅m; 118 lb⋅ft) 2010–2014 1.2 TSI 1,197 cc I4 CBZB 105 PS (104 hp; 77 kW) 175 N⋅m (17.8 kg⋅m; 129 lb⋅ft) 2009–2014 1.4 1,390 cc I4 BCA 75 PS (74 hp; 55 kW) 126 N⋅m (12.8 kg⋅m; 92.9 lb⋅ft) 2004–2006 1.4 1,390 cc I4 BUD/CGGA 80 PS (79 hp; 59 kW) 132 N⋅m (13.5 kg⋅m; 97.4 lb⋅ft) 2006–2014 1.4 TSI 1,390 cc I4 CAXA 122 PS (120 hp; 90 kW) 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft) 2007–2014 1.4 TSI 1,390 cc I4 BMY 140 PS (138 hp; 103 kW) 220 N⋅m (22.4 kg⋅m; 162 lb⋅ft) 2006–2008 1.4 TSI 1,390 cc I4 CAVD 160 PS (158 hp; 118 kW) 240 N⋅m (24.5 kg⋅m; 177 lb⋅ft) 2008–2014 1.4 TSI 1,390 cc I4 BLG 80 PS (79 hp; 59 kW) 132 N⋅m (13.5 kg⋅m; 97.4 lb⋅ft) 2006–2014 1.6 1,595 cc I4 BSE/BSF/CCSA 102 PS (101 hp; 75 kW) 148 N⋅m (15.1 kg⋅m; 109 lb⋅ft) 2005–2010 1.6 MultiFuel 1,595 cc I4 CMXA 102 PS (101 hp; 75 kW) 148 N⋅m (15.1 kg⋅m; 109 lb⋅ft) 2010–2014 1.6 BiFuel 1,595 cc I4 CHGA 98 PS (97 hp; 72 kW) (LPG) 102 PS (101 hp; 75 kW) (petrol) 144 N⋅m (14.7 kg⋅m; 106 lb⋅ft) (LPG) 148 N⋅m (15.1 kg⋅m; 109 lb⋅ft) (petrol) 2010–2014 1.6 FSI 1,598 cc I4 BLF/BLP 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) 155 N⋅m (15.8 kg⋅m; 114 lb⋅ft) 2004–2007 2.0 FSI 1,984 cc I4 BLR/BVY 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft) 2005–2008 Diesel engines 1.6 TDI (CR) 1,598 cc 14 CAYB 90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW) 230 N⋅m (23.5 kg⋅m; 170 lb⋅ft) 2009–2014 1.6 TDI (CR) 1,598 cc 14 CAYC 105 PS (104 hp; 77 kW) 250 N⋅m (25.5 kg⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) 2009–2014 1.9 TDI (PD) 1,896 cc I4 BRU/BXF/BXJ 90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW) 210 N⋅m (21.4 kg⋅m; 155 lb⋅ft) 2005–2008 1.9 TDI (PD) 1,896 cc I4 BKC/BXE/BLS 105 PS (104 hp; 77 kW) 250 N⋅m (25.5 kg⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) 2004–2008 2.0 TDI (CR) 1,968 cc I4 CBDC 110 PS (108 hp; 81 kW) 250 N⋅m (25.5 kg⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) 2008–2009 2.0 TDI (PD) 1,968 cc I4 BKD 140 PS (138 hp; 103 kW) 320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) 2004–2008 2.0 TDI (PD) 1,968 cc I4 BMM 140 PS (138 hp; 103 kW) 320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) 2005–2008 2.0 TDI (CR) 1,968 cc I4 CBDB 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) 320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) 2008–2014

Devon Test drives a Volkwagen Jetta (Used)

The more Americanized Volkswagen Jetta is supposed to appeal more to buyers that haven't considered one before. With a lower asking price, and more interior space. Will the new Jetta offer more value than its keen rivals? The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Performance: The Jetta comes with two engines. A 2-liter four-cylinder with 115hp, and the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder producing 170hp. The base engine is best avoided. Its sluggish and doesn't offer a fuel economy benefit over the five-cylinder engine. If you're you're after fuel economy or performance. Both the turbo-diesel and turbocharged 2-liter engine from the GTI will be available at the end of the year.

Ride & Handling: The Jetta feels well composed on most surfaces. The ride feels settled and irons out bumps. Although its bigger on the outside, Volkwagen has done a great job keeping the character of the Jetta the same.

Refinement: The Jetta offers a solid engineered feel. There's little wind and road noise at highway speeds. The base engine will fill the cabin with a drone when pushed hard.

Behind the wheel: No matter what driver sits behind the wheel of a Jetta. You'll find the ideal driving position for you. Visibility is good all-round, and the steering wheel adjusts for reach and height. The dash is laid out clearly, but rather bland and traditional. All controls are easy to use.

Space & Practicality: The Jetta is a bigger car. The extra length and width offer more cabin space. With plenty of space for five adults in the rear. The trunk has large and can hold more than the class favorites. The rear seats fold down 60/40 for more space.

Equipment: All Jetta vehicles come well equipped. The base trim loses out on a few features that most may desire, but its not seen as stingy. For a low asking price, you get air-conditioning, remote central locking and a full safety kit. However, alloy wheels aren't fitted on the base trim. You'll need to step up to the higher trims for iPod-connector, cruise control and split-folding rear seats.

Buying and owning: The base trim level is best avoided. The engine doesn't offer enough punch, and feels gutless at times. The trim with the 2.5 liter engine feels well worth the extra cash. If you go any higher, then the Jetta doesn't seem much of a bargain. Fuel economy is decent, and resale value continues to lead rivals.

Quality and Reliablity: The interior doesn't feel up to Volkwagen par, but they look and feel long lasting. Most mechanicals have been tried and tested, so there should be little to no worries. The DSG gearbox may cause some worries in long term reliablity.

Safety & Security: The Jetta comes with a very large safety kit. Side airbags, ESP and anti-lock brakes. Items that are not common among the class favorites. Deadlocks and alarm are fitted as standard.

Likes: Roomy interior and trunk, sophisticated alternate to the class leaders, German engineering at a lower price.
Dislikes: Bland styling inside out, base engine is embarrasing compared to rivals, some options should be standard across the range.
Overall: The more Americanized Volkswagen feel solid in build. With plenty of features for the money. However, you'll have to step up to the higher trims to get items that should be standard across the range. The base engine feels like an after thought, and should be avoided. 

(Used) We test drives a Volkwagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the classiest hatchbacks you can buy. It offers an excellent blend of comfort and sporty handling. All this with a decent sized boot and massive kit level. The Golf pushes all the right buttons, but can it lure the sedan loving U.S. buyers?

Performance: There's two engines available for the Golf. A 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 170hp, and a 2-liter turbo-diesel with 140hp. The pick of the bunch is the 2.5-liter engine. Although it doesn't have the fuel economy benefit of the diesel. It's not as expensive, and finding one won't be difficult.

Ride & Handling: The Golf is in a class of its own. Handling is excellent as well as ride comfort. There's plenty of grip, and the steering is well weighed. The Golf is a doddle to drive. Around town the ride is smooth and well composed. On the highway the suspension soaks up bumps well.

Refinement: The Golf's cabin is hushed, making it a great vehicle for long journeys. The engines are smooth and quiet. There's very little wind and road noise.

Behind the wheel: Driver's can easily get comfortable behind the wheel. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height. Visibility is good all round, allowing for more confidence when squeezing around tight urban areas. The dashboard has a minimalistic approach, with everything within reach of the driver's hand.

Space & Practicality: The Golf has plenty of passenger space. There's plenty of head and legroom for four adults. There's plenty shoulder room so a fifth passenger isn't out of the question. The boot is big and well shaped, but the rear seats don't fold flat.

Equipment: Every Golf comes well equipped for the money. There's air-conditioning, cd-player and remote central locking. Automatic headlamps, speed sensitive headlamps and optional rear curtian airbags. The top of the range adds a body-kit, alloy wheels and bluetooth connectivity.

Buying & Owning: The Golf isn't the cheapest in its class, but its definitely worth the money. Reasonable discounts are available, and your purchase will be secured thanks to Volkswagen high resale value. Running costs are low thanks to decent fuel economy.

Quality & Reliability: The Golf is the best in its class. The interior is up to par with Volkswagen quality. All the textures used are excellent in quality. They look and feel well put together. Build quality is generally solid and reliability has been rated above average by owners from JD Power customer satisfaction surveys.

Safety & Security: Every Golf comes with an extensive safety kit. ESP, ABS and side curtain airbags are all standard. There's a theft alarm and deadlocks to keep theft away.

Likes: Upscale interior, roomy interior for four, benchmark handling and ride comfort, frugal diesel engines.

Dislikes: Five-cylinder engine droan, diesel engine commands premium price, no manual gearbox on five-door 2.5 trim.

Overall: The Golf is the benchmark in its class. An extensive safety kit with plenty of equipment for the money. If you're willing to dish out the extra cash, the Golf will provide you with German quality for a low asking price.

Devon M