advice re sports body kit

[c4a5er]

Greetings golf gurus,

I been around the Audi section for a while but I'm considering selling my 2.0Tdi 170 and buying a used Mk6 Golf Bluemotion.
I accept this will be a dramatic change performance wise but I don't rush about anyway. Future financial planning means that I have to have an economical car hence the 1.6 105ps bluemotion is seeming like a good idea up to now.

I've tried a search of previous threads that might of answered my question but found nothing relative.

Can you guys advise if there is a SE spec that includes the sport body kit that I can see on some late 1.6 bluemotions. I can't see any on autotrader at the moment so I'm wondering if they exist at all?

[c4a5er]

OK it seems there's no longer an 'SE'. The latest models go from 'S' to 'Bluemotion' (with sport body kit) then on to 'Match' which doesn't appear to have the sport body kit? Can anyone confirm?

[steve67]

hi

,with the bluemotion you do get lower suspension and skirt kit etc but,

with the bluemotion technology1.6 match you get all the toys, front and rear optical sensors, touch screen dab radio, auto lights/wipers, better wheels etc , etc,

it is the spec to go for ;)

[vc-10]

It's not really a sports bodykit, more an improved aerodynamics package. The Match and SE specs don't have it, just the lower spec Bluemotion ones. The Bluemotion is effectively the S. Manual rear windows, cheapo stereo, plastic steering wheel, no sensors, no DAB, manual lights and wipers, no cruise control....

I'd go for the Match unless you live in London, as the Bluemotion is congestion charge exempt.

[slowhand]

Wierd isn't it, in these days of fuel economy driven purchases, if the bluemotion body kit actually did anything you would think they would fit it to all golfs, as they don't one has to surmise that it does nothing to improve mpg.

[vc-10]

It does help, but it looks a bit naff IMO, and it'll cost more than normal. Certainly the side skirts would cost more than on a regular Golf.

[slowhand]

It does help, but it looks a bit naff IMO, and it'll cost more than normal. Certainly the side skirts would cost more than on a regular Golf.

OK if it works why not fit it to all golfs, I could do with a couple more miles to the gallon, I guess we all could.

[vc-10]

The extra €€€€€ it costs to put it on! The only bit that is a direct replacement for the regular Golf parts is the front bumper. The normal Golf doesn't have the side skirts or the boot spoiler.

[c4a5er]

Thanks for your replies fellas, they pretty much confirm what I was beginning to think. I kind of like the more aerodynamic front bumper of the bluemotion but as has been pointed out you only get a very basic equipment level. Shame it's not available on the Match bluemotion.


Now I need to decide whether for the same money to go for higher spec but slightly older car or a more basic but newer example.

Typically when I buy a car the manufacturer soon brings out a facelift which pees me off. I can see the possibility of that front bumper finding it's way onto other Golfs

[vc-10]

It depends on what you use it for. If it's just quick trips around town, then maybe the better MPG of the Bluemotion is enough to offset the better kit of the Match, as comfort is less of an issue. But on long journeys, things like the cruise control and better stereo would make me want a Match instead.

[c4a5er]

Well I can see it being used for all journey types as the other cars get sold. Currently have the luxurious Touareg for holidays with the caravan, mrs also uses it for work locally but costs are escalating rapidly so it will have to go after this summer holiday. The Audi can go now as it just a toy, only done 27k, lovely car but can't justify keeping it any longer.

Been doing more research online today and particularly noted mpg figures for the 1.6tdi match bluemotion (seems favourite at the moment). The manual versions urban mpg figure is considerably LESS than the DSG version?? You would naturally think the auto would be worse on fuel, even the download of the golf brochure says this, do you think it's right or misprint? If true a DSG would be nice unless there are inherent problems with them.

[vc-10]

Dunno, sounds off to me, but that's not to say that it's not right! I wouldn't be surprised if the manual can get better MPG than the DSG, but that in the particular parameters of the government tests, the DSG comes out on top. Shame about the A4 having to go, but in this economy.... makes me glad I've got another 6 years until I graduate, and then straight into working for the NHS (not sure if that's a good thing or not!)

[steve67]

Bluemotion technology match 1.6 is the way to go...:D

[vc-10]

I have to say, having rented a regular 1.6 TDI Match from ZipCar, I agree, the kit level is fantastic.

[steve67]

when i picked my car up on 1st march i popped round to a mates to show it off, as you do..2 days later he had ordered one , he was that impressed with spec price etc.

[vc-10]

There's a good reason why the Golf is the top selling car in Europe at the moment (and the Polo at #2)- they're a bit of a bargain!

[SC03OTT]

Why not just keep the A4 and use it as the daily if you still like it?

[c4a5er]

Mainly be cause these 170 PD engines with DPF don't like the short journeys and MPG wouldn't be great by todays needs and standards either so I plan to sell it on while it still has a half decent retained value.

[percymon]

a couple of points...

1. the 1.6TDI has a PDf too so you'll have exactly the same concerns and potential issues as with your A4 re short journeys. Fine if it will get longer runs once a week though

2. Are you selling the caravan too ? - I wouldn't want to tow with a 1.6TDI

3. I'd personally be looking for a 2.0 TDI 140 - you'll get the same mpg as the 1.6 in the real world and you won't have the HUGE drop in power from your current A4

4. Go drive a 1.6TDI - it might not be what you need at all.


As an alternative - you may be able to find an early 2.0 11bhp TDI, which at least has the beneift of more in built torque than the replacement 105 1.6.

'sports' bodykit additions are available via the dealer fit accessories brochure (no doubt at silly prices, but possibly could be sourced via VW parts specialists)

[c4a5er]

Thanks for your thoughts percymon,
It’s all a bit complicated to explain but changing work circumstances mean Touareg has to be replaced by a Golf (no towing). Unfortunately the Audi will need to go first to help finance Golf purchase as her new job starts before caravan holidays. Then after the summer sell the Touareg and possibly the caravan unless I buy a very cheap towcar.

I understand the points you are making but my priority is to change to vehicles that are much more fuel efficient while still maintaining a reasonable level of equipment and quality.

My only concern regarding DPFs is with my current ‘old technology’ combination of a 170 PD engine and DPF and the necessity for frequent regeneration.

Unless there are particular complaints re DPFs on these common rail Tdi’s that I’m unaware of I’ve assumed the later engines, being designed with dpf in mind should be more acceptable for urban motoring?

I would of liked to have the more sporty looking front bumper and rear spoiler if it was available but I’m not sure it’s that important that I would retro fit given the costs.
Torque isn’t a huge issue, with the Touareg being 2.5ton it’s not that sprightly so I doubt she’ll notice a difference ;).
The fuel figures for 2.0ltr 140ps bluemotion are pretty close to the 1.6/105 comparing manual gearbox versions. No DSG version in 2.0/140 though and the DSG 1.6 bluemotion claims 60.1 urban mpg! (which is double that of the Touareg)

[percymon]

I wouldn't believe the economy numbers !

I don't have the bluemotion gizmos, but i am currently running narrower, efficient winter tyres (which i know to be 5-10% better economy than my heavy 17" summer alloys). Just look at my fuelly account (link in signature). I have a 25 mile dual carriageway commute, interspersed with 6 roundabouts. Drivin like miss daisy, with the cruise on 61mph, coasting into roundabouts and timing them so i don't stop, I can just about get a 70mpg on a dry , mild day. Add rain or a wet road and that drops 5-7mpg, as it does if i have to stop at two or three junctions.

Touring West Wales a few weekends ago where the speed was fluctuating (a lot) between 30mph in the villages to 50mph on open road i could get no more than 53mpg -even after 45-50 minutes driving.

For town driving I reckon 40-45mpg is about where I am - and thats not being stuck in traffic , where bluemotion would be better by shutting off the engine.

Test drive a Blue Motion in town - you might be surprised by the economy numbers you actually achieve compared to the claims (which are based on a rolling road in a lab with no road/wind resistance and a prescribed pattern of acceleration/deceleration).

My experience of the 1.6TDI suggests you really do have to be a economy junkie to get good numbers.

[vc-10]

Hmmm. I borrowed a regular 1.6 TDI Match from Zipcar, and reset the trip when I got in. Lots of traffic in Bristol and it was getting 50mpg with my heavy right foot. Out on the country roads it was getting about 60mpg if I was being nice to it (which I wasn't very often). It was an 11 plate car, with the standard alloys on, and had done about 10,000 miles.

[c4a5er]

Sure real world mpg will be different, as a retired mechanic I know not to believe the published fuel figures but they’ll do for comparison between vehicles. After allowing for exaggerated figures I’d be happy if we could get into the 50s urban driving, that would instantly knock off about £1000/yr from the fuel bill for one car.

Took the mrs to the dealer today just to browse, her reaction wasn’t good, didn’t like the MK6 front. As with many new shapes they tend to grow on you as the older ones become more dated. We didn’t get as far as a test drive in the limited time we had so will have use my powers of persuasion for a second visit.

I have to agree with the advice that the Match is the equipment level to have (also bluemotion technology for us).
One other thing, never had a VAG car with cloth seats, is the fabric good, do they snag easily? We once bought a new Nissan X-trail, the seat fabric was a nightmare and began to look very second hand within the first 6 months!

Thanks to all for the helpful opinions and advice so far…..;)

[vc-10]

The fabric on my 127,000 mile Polo is holding up well!

[c4a5er]

The fabric on my 127,000 mile Polo is holding up well!

Cheers.....

[steve67]

Sure real world mpg will be different, as a retired mechanic I know not to believe the published fuel figures but they’ll do for comparison between vehicles. After allowing for exaggerated figures I’d be happy if we could get into the 50s urban driving, that would instantly knock off about £1000/yr from the fuel bill for one car.

Took the mrs to the dealer today just to browse, her reaction wasn’t good, didn’t like the MK6 front. As with many new shapes they tend to grow on you as the older ones become more dated. We didn’t get as far as a test drive in the limited time we had so will have use my powers of persuasion for a second visit.

I have to agree with the advice that the Match is the equipment level to have (also bluemotion technology for us).
One other thing, never had a VAG car with cloth seats, is the fabric good, do they snag easily? We once bought a new Nissan X-trail, the seat fabric was a nightmare and began to look very second hand within the first 6 months!

Thanks to all for the helpful opinions and advice so far…..;)

you won't be disappointed with the bmt match. since we picked ours up, 9 weeks ago we are averaging 55mpg plus around town.

:)