Our most recent test drive was the Volkswagen Golf 1.4l TSI which we deemed a “pocket rocket”. This 6th generation Golf comprises of the evolutionary TSI engine (a World’s first), a relatively new exterior design, a refined cabin and a quieter ride.
The new Golf 1.4l TSI is expected to be the second bread and butter variant after the Beetle for Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VWGM). Introduced in the third quarter of 2010, the new Golf represents “Das Auto” in its truest form.
  From the outlook, the new Golf comes in an accentuated front styling and dynamism but the rear is slightly flat which interprets a minor mismatch. However, any automotive enthusiasts would tell you that exterior design doesn’t represent the most important of elements and what really counts is the performance of the vehicle as well as the overall package.
 Its exterior contours differ almost completely to the previous generation Golf, and intrinsically provide sharper and bolder motives, especially on the svelte front end. At the front, immediate noticeable elements are the forward-thrusting shape, semi-boomerang headlights, the unprecedented huge VW logo smacked at the center of a singular grille and a couple of menacing fog lamps below. The rear’s appeal somehow does not match its front’s aggression; perhaps it is VW’s intentions to tone down a little on this pocket rocket variant. However, its 16” wheels mated with 205/55R16 tyres do profoundly bring out the exterior’s broad appeal once again.
  Interior wise, the new Golf 1.4l provides an exceptionally roomier cabin and much needed additional space, it sits five adults quite comfortably on the contoured seats and thanks to the other thoughtful interior improvements; such as ample headroom and legroom. The extended cabin gives the Golf a boost in its compact class status. Additionally, the trunk space allocation with split fold and load through provision is another excellent upgrade from the previous edition. Overall, the cabin room within the new Golf and the boot space make for one of the largest in its class.
  The driver’s cockpit is highlighted by an impressive speedometer, tachometer and multi-info display cluster. The overall dashboard color scheme and tone are enhanced by “Black Pyramide” decorative inserts on the instrument panel, centre console and door panel trims. The centre console houses your basic amenities; a rather complicated single-disc audio system and the “Climatronic” dual-zone air-conditioning panel. Seating positions in the new Golf are straight forward consist of semi-bucket front seats incorporated with lumbar support.
 Looking under the hood, the 1.4l TSI powertrain, twincharged direct petrol injection 4-cylinder, is expected to churn up to 160 PS or bhp at 5800 rpm with a torque capability of 240 from a 1500 - 4500 rpm range. The TSI/FSI engine is dual-charged through a combination of an exhaust gas turbocharger and a mechanical compressor (twincharger). The compressor and turbocharger are connected in series. At low speeds the compressor provides the extra air necessary while the turbocharger cuts in at a higher torque. At higher rev speeds the compressor is no longer necessary and switches itself off automatically. This smooth transmission allows for lazy gear changes yet the performance of the car is still sporty, so that one can overtake other vehicles with ease, even at higher speeds.
With this much of raw power, this latest Golf does yearn to be driven at full throttle whenever and wherever. The 7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG holds the suspension system in check to contribute an absolute sturdy and blissful driving experience. In addition, the new Golf's much improved handling, smaller turn ratio and significantly reduced gear shifting put the driver in control at corners or tricky bends, minus the usual slide and tyre screeching effects. Both the engine and transmission system are carried over from previous generation Golf.
As with most continental makes, the new Golf Is evident in terms of safety features.
Its safety package consists an array of dynamic systems to ensure the utmost for the driver and passengers alike, it includes; 3-point inertia front and rear seat belts, 7 airbags, an electronic differential lock (EDL), ESP/ASR, Traction Control, hydraulic brake assist and your regular ABS/EBD features. All these features along with front ventilated disc and rear disc brakes, power assisted drive with speed detection, optimized front head restraints, an immobilization device, pedestrian protection measures and ISOFIX have garnered the Golf 1.4l TSI a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
 On the driving experience, given that most felt that the new Golf has a great balance of performance
and driving bliss, there are others who believed the Golf could attain a more dynamic exterior design or incorporated with an ‘evil’ look. The red unit we had definitely proved to contain massive interior improvements with better sound proof and reduced outside noise, most noticeable and obvious on the road even at slower speed. As you get into the driver’s seat; the speedometer, the necessary tachometer stuff and information display are pin-pointed towards you. To access the audio system or the info display functions, simply press a button on the 3-spoke leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Another worthy mention of the Golf is its very effective stopping power and the ‘halt’ factor where the Golf is prevented from its lunge forward (most cars would move forward very slightly), instead ‘back-up’ ever so slightly when the car comes to an idle under extreme traffic conditions and stop lights.
Due to the car’s hatchback compliance, the car would present a slight understeer on entry and oversteer on exit when negotiating sharp bends in the excess of 100km/h. The highways were a sort of playground for the new Golf and we maxed out at 200km/h at about 5,000 rpm on the NSE, the car could probably push a further 10 to 15 km/h by our reckoning (talk about exhilaration!). When breaking the 120km/h mark, the twinchargers went into overdrive to kick it up another notch, and in the excess of 160 km/h, a surge was felt as the TSI got more power for further action. Therefore, the new Golf really does put that big grin on anyone’s face!
The cruise control function on the Golf was to near perfection as I didn’t bother too much with the tiptronic on the highways. Playing the cruise control was even more fun that the paddlie shifters as it reacted almost in a hundreds of a second to change the speed of car. I could practically press up and down from the 110 – 150 km/h speed limit and it could only be interpreted as the ultimate ease of driving. But for speed above 150km/h, it would be advisable to switch back to auto or the tips for a more instantaneous response.
Besides the proven speed thrills, the Golf held its handling and stability solidly on uneven surfaces and the crappy Malaysian inner city roads thanks to its robust suspension system. On braking, the Golf stopped dead on its track from 60km/h between 3 - 4 seconds, much was accredited to the ventilated front disc brakes on a FWD platform vehicle.
Fuel efficiency was pertinent with the new Golf 1.4l which achieved an average of 8.0 - 8.2/100km for combined city and highway drives. The new Golf certainly offers very respectable fuel economy without sacrificing sheer performance and rather incredible technological breakthroughs.
 In a nutshell, the new Golf has the look and performance for lots of fun with power on demand anytime and anywhere. It is a balanced vehicle based on its four affluent concepts: performance, comfort, superior safety standards and fuel efficiency. Minor qualms for us include; a complex audio entertainment system primed for VW equipments rather than general devices, Bluetooth compatibility only for VW-factory devices and a rather basic dashboard layout. However, the interior color scheme blends tastefully and that cool reverse sensor, which read Look! Safe to move?, on the audio display more than make amends to the minor reservations.
The new Golf 1.4l TSI, available in eighth special colors, is priced at just under the RM149,000 bracket without insurance and taxes. All new VW cars now include VWGM's 5-year warranty.
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