Is the new 1.6TDI (105) engine any good?

[JohnVulcan]

205/55 R16 91H Michelin Energy Saver

I think they are quite hard, but wet grip is satisfactory and dry grip is good, if not excellent.
I would say that they contribute a little to cabin noise (harshness) but we're not talking about a major issue. Depending on price I might be tempted to go for a softer tyre in future, as those last couple of MPGs aren't that important to me.

Thanks for your reply ukpm, superb tyres! As I got my Mk6 through the scrappage scheme, my 1.6 TDI 105 was restricted to S trim level which unfortunately ruled out the good looking Atlanta's, however I'm very pleased with my Wellington's, which the dealer throw in for free and was even more pleased to find I have ContiEcoContact3 fitted, the Continental's low resistance tyre. I must keep an eye out for the Autoglym Alloy Wheel Sealer you mentioned, which sounds a very good idea.
To get back on subject, I'm delighted with my 1.6 TDI 105 engine which has ample pulling power at normal revs to go for a gap in the traffic and not leave you embarrassed, together with excellent economy. I’m still running in, but I’ll still averaging over 60mpg going to work. I feel the Golf could get away with a little less power, but not much. I use to have a 1.9 ltr normally aspirated Peugeot 405 and that was an embarrassment in traffic and the 105 is nothing like that!

[ukpm]

I'd agree with that; you do have to use more revs in first gear than might be considered 'normal' as take up in second gear needs to happen above 1500rpm.

I'm essentially a bit lazy and like cars that have strong lift in second gear from idle speeds - but in truth this is a minor point as you get used to the car. The engine is also so smooth, with a transmission system that's a joy to use, that a few more revs in first gear are not really an issue.

[huckle]

I'm just wondering, out of interest, what revs do you start getting some decent acceleration in the 1.6 TDI CR engine (IE, when does the turbo kick in?)

I have a 2.0 TDI CR 110 in my new Passat highline, which i'm finding horribly horribly slow for such a big car. Makes it a real chore to drive.

The specs say the maximum torque is available from 1500RPM, but i'm findng there's just no power available until around 2000RPM.

[ukpm]

The turbo makes an appearance around 1500rpm, but it's not at full boost until 1700 - taking a little while to spool up. I'd hoped it would be a little more responsive having fully variable geometry; I suppose the Bluemotion is tuned for all-round economy though and having lots of overboost would not fit that profile!