Volkswagen Golf 2009 review: snapshot

It's a similar story with the car.

Anyone who knows the Golf knows exactly what to expect when Volkswagen starts a fresh round with a new model. It will look a certain way, drive a certain way and feel a certain way.

So the sixth-generation Golf is no surprise. And in a lot of ways it is just a mega-facelift update of the previous model, the super-good fifth generation that was great for owners but tough for Volkswagen to build at a reasonable profit.

Explore the 2009 Volkswagen Golf range

• Volkswagen Golf 2009 review: snapshot
• Volkswagen Golf 2009 review

A lot has changed for Golf 6 but the best news for buyers is the price line has been held at $25,990, with more value and a lot of tweaking of details as minor as the dash lamps and mirrors and even the quality of the optional leather trim. The engines are smaller but there is better efficiency and double-clutch gearboxes are available across the range.

Later this year, of course, there will be a new GTi.

Volkswagen is aiming high with the new Golf, and not just because it is the backbone of the brand in Australia — and globally.

It knows the competition is getting tougher as everyone from Ford and Holden to Peugeot and Renault and all the rest look to cash-in on global downsizing and a green movement which is providing a lot of power for compact cars.

Volkswagen also knows it must work harder in Australia because of the classy competition — particularly the Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer and upcoming Mazda3 — which are clustered much closer to the $20,000 price point than it can manage.

It is using the smoother new body, the powerplant choices, and an Audi- style emphasis on cabin quality to do the job.

There are six models in the new Golf range, with a choice of three engines and three transmissions. The $25,990 starter car comes with a 90kW turbo petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox while the $35,690 hero is a 103kW turbodiesel with a six-speed DSG manu-matic gearbox.

The one in the middle is the 118kW contender with the same engine package as the GT from the previous model, using a combination of supercharger and turbocharger on the same basic 1.4 litre engine as the base car.

At the bottom, the trim level is called Trendline and this jumps to Comfortline once you pass the $30,000 threshold.

But Volkswagen is following BMW with its optional equipment, which includes everything from the metallic paint and a sunroof to parking radar, satnav with 'Excite' sound, and adaptive chassis control with switchable settings to match the driver's mood.

Driving

The first time I drove the new Golf I was underwhelmed.

The car looked and felt far too much like the old Golf to justify an 'all new' tag. It didn't help that a lot of the major building blocks in the car, from the chassis to the roof panel, are carried over.

At the time I was convinced the Golf 6 was really, in computer-speak, the Golf 5.1.

But I used a fresh set of eyes when a Golf rolled into the garage for more than just the usual one-week evaluation. And I was able to get it onto familiar territory to test a lot of the subtle changes.

But a word of warning — the Golf in the garage is a $45,160 car, not a $25,990 base model, thanks to the 118 TSI engine, DSG gearbox, Comfortline trim and a long run of extras including a sports package, parking radar, satnav, premium sound and an alarm.

It's not the car I would have chosen, but it is nice. Actually, it's very very nice.

But the price means it goes up against cars like the Honda Accord Euro when most buyers will shop it against Mazd3 and Focus and Lancer.

So, let's get the basics out of the way.

Golf 6 looks a little cleaner and smoother, and will fit right in at the trendy schools and coffee shops.

The cabin feels a touch roomier, and the improvements to plastics and switches and even the colour monitor lift it to a new level. It looks and feels like a premium compact.

The super-turbo motor is a gem. No-one would know it is only a 1.4 because it kicks like a 2-litre when you ask the questions. It is also sipping at just 7 litres/100km, despite regular bursts of acceleration.

The DSG gearbox is equally good, sliding through gears or responding quickly to a manual call for a downshift.

But...

Some of the Carsguide test team both complained about the car's jerky response, particularly in stop-start traffic or when parking. And there were also grumbles about poor response on light throttle.

So the DSG takes some learning. And it's not perfect.

But the suspension in the test car is sublime. A smooth ride with good grip and all the cornering power you could want, unless you really want the GTi. The Golf just follows the wheel and soaks up bumps.

There seemed to be a lot of tyre noise at first, but that impression has faded. But it's something to consider.

As for the rest, the Golf has won me over.

It's a great little car and, despite the Euro-style price premium, looks good and good value. It's definitely a car to recommend to friends.

Now we have to wait and see how it goes against the Mazda3, which will be the new Japanese hero in the compact class.

HOW IT COMPARES

Ford Focus (from $20,490): 74/100

Mazda3 (from $21,490): 72/100

Mitsubishi Lancer (from $21,490): 73/100

Peugeot 308 (from $25,990): 68/100