Volkswagen Golf 2004 review: road test

Volkswagen had no such qualms at the launch of the fifth-generation Golf in the NSW southern highlands last weekend.

And that is because when the two are beside each other, the old model looks positively Spartan and ugly.

The old Golf is angular and fussy. It's new kin is cute. Or, as VW would have you believe, "lovely".

Explore the 2004 Volkswagen Golf range

• Volkswagen Golf 2004 review
• Volkswagen Golf 2004 review: road test
• Volkswagen Golf V 2004 review
• Volkswagen Golf diesel 2004 review
• Volkswagen Golf 2004 review: snapshot

VW is advertising the new generation Golf by using the 1970s Stevie Wonder hit, Isn't She Lovely?. And it is.

Styling is more rounded, smoother and simpler than its bland predecessor.

It has cuter and bigger seal-pup-eye headlights and taillights, flared wheel arches, a higher rear door sill, a discrete hatch spoiler lip, blinkers integrated into the door mirrors and a VW emblem on the hatch which doubles as the handle, making the rear less cluttered.

Golf V comes in four engine variations, including the 1.6-litre petrol powerplant from the previous generation in the base model.

A powerful 110kW two-litre fuel stratified injection (FSI) high-octane petrol engine from the Audi A3 also has been added as well as two diesel variants -- also from the A3 line.

The 1.9-litre turbo direct-injection diesel pumps out 77kW of power and 250Nm of torque, while the two-litre TDI yields 103kW and a massive 320Nm starting at just 1750 revs.

That is the sort of pulling power you would expect from an Australian-made, family, six-cylinder car.

On the road, this torque thump translates into safe passing and red-light derby victories. But you will pay an extra $4500 for the privilege.

The 1.6-litre has a five-speed manual or auto/tiptronic while the two-litre FSI has a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic/tiptronic for $2300 extra.

The diesels have a direct-shift auto gearbox which uses two-weighted clutches, operating alternate gears for swift and near-seamless changes.

All auto boxes have a normal or sport mode, which is a little hesitant. If you really want rapid response, use the tiptronic selector.

The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel are available in the base Trendline and mid-range Comfortline trims, the two-litre diesel only comes in Comfortline and the two-litre FSI comes in mid-spec and top-end Sportline.

Most include cruise control, tripmeter and traction control, and there are many options, including a high-quality sound system, leather seats, sunroof, satellite navigation and metallic paint.

The instrument panel is straight out of the new range of Audis and looks top-notch with its classy blue and red illumination.

Its handling behaviour is typical of a sporty, front-wheel drive. There is manageable understeer with little body roll and adequate damping.

Brakes have anti-skid control and EBD which equalises the pressure across all four discs, but despite hydraulic brake assist, they require a fair old push to yield good results.

Road noise is low for this size of car.

Drivers will appreciate the down-sized steering wheel, pin-sharp electromagnetic speed-sensitive steering, adjustable seat and two-way steering wheel adjustment.

Rear passengers will appreciate the head room, thanks to the straight roof line, the ample legroom and the generous seat squab that comes out all the way to the back of your knees.

But few country motorists will appreciate the lack of a full-sized spare.

The 125mm 80km/h-limited space-saver tyre allows a flat, boot floor, but leaves no room to put the flat, 235mm tyre when it is taken off the car.

Unfortunately, this Golf retains that rear three-quarters blind spot care of the combined C and D pillars and lack of a window between them.

And the rear blinker can be difficult to see when the brake lights are on, as it is small and surrounded by huge stop lights which tend to 'drown it out'.

The car achieved record 12-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests, thanks to better intrusion design, a 30 per cent stiffer chassis and six airbags standard across the range.