MK6 Golf TDi (105) Match mini review

[james_tiger_woo]

My Golf (Mk6 2.0 GT TDi) has finally been repaired and I'll pick it up later on today - I've had my loaner Golf for nearly 3 weeks and just over 1000 miles so I feel I can give my view of it.

In short, I rather like it - I like the bluetooth, parking sensors and all the other refinements of a Golf. It rides more comfortable than mine and is a damn sight more economical - I have had an indicated 49.8 mpg average during my time with is which has included motorway, cross country drive to Whitby, rural driving and a little spirited driving thrown in a couple of times. Not bad at all - my Golf would have returned about 45 at best.

I thought I'd hate the 5 gears, as opposed to 6, but I've adjusted to it quickly and I've discovered that the engine seems happiest with 5, pulling nicely and well - albeit slower than my Golf. The performance hasn't, I've noticed, been noticeably lacking - it goes, it pulls, it makes most of the right noises and I'm pleasantly surprised by it.

The ride is a lot softer than a lowered GT on 18" wheels, but you'd expect that - I'm not sure how I'll adjust to the harder ride as I've grown happy with the softer ride... I fear my family won't like it!

It was a nice experience - so much so that when my Golf goes back in April, I may look at a 1.6 diesel (depending on what the Mk7 offers) instead - saying that, I may end up with a Leon due to company car costs

Watch this space for my lamenting later!

JTW

[The PM]

Funny you mentioned the gears, when I was looking for the replacement to the Roomster the Golf was the only one that didn't have six gears! I thought it a backward step, but looking back I'm not so sure, I do wonder if in fact VW have got it right, do we really need six (or seven!) gears on a manual, is it more trouble than it's worth... as it is I let the DSG box sort out the seven I ended up with!

[Seboni121]

I've the golf 5 speed box 1.6 tdi 105 and it's amazing in all aspects,comfort and economic and goes well if pushed I get 60 mpg easy

[vc-10]

I seem to remember hearing that the Mk.7 1.6TDI Bluemotion Technology (not full-on Bluemotion) is supposed to get 74.3mpg and 99g CO2/km. The new A3 1.6 TDI does. The next Golf Bluemotion is supposed to get 88mpg!

[Seboni121]

I can get the 74 mpg I've even had 80 on a 10 mile run, I've the bluemotion tech on mine, the mk7 how different are they chassis maybe ?

[andyCYM]

The lease on my my GTD is up in January. I no longer do the mileage to justify the tax bills so I've just had a three day test drive of a 1.6tdi match with dsg.

It was a revelation. Much quieter, much smoother and much more comfortable ride without the handling feeling much different. What surprised me most is the the 1.6 did not feel underpowered. Obviously it doesn't have the poke of the 2.0 170 but for everyday driving with diesel at £1.40 it's fine.

I was extremely impressed with the dsg as well, I think it made the most of the engine because it was quick to drop a gear or two when needed.

Kids loved it and didn't want to get back in the noisier, bumpier GTD.

Had VW not stopped making the 1.6 with the dsg I think I would have placed an order.

Question now is can I hang on long enough to get a 1.6 dsg mark 7? Or will it have to be an A3?

[james_tiger_woo]

I'm officially sick of my car on 18"s - roll on the end of lease...

[andyCYM]

Yes, I now think ordering 18" wheels was a mistake. Less is more I think.

[Boblell]

Yes, I now think ordering 18" wheels was a mistake. Less is more I think.

There is me rolling on 16" alloys with 205/55/R16 tyres, enjoying a smooth quiet ride, but desperately looking for some 18" alloys to make the car look better. Had I better forget that idea?

[james_tiger_woo]

There is me rolling on 16" alloys with 205/55/R16 tyres, enjoying a smooth quiet ride, but desperately looking for some 18" alloys to make the car look better. Had I better forget that idea?

Yes. Unless you want your spine jarred all the time.... Look at 17s perhaps?