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VW Golf: economic certainty

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2 March 2009

VW Golf SE 1.4 TSI 122PS 5dr road test report

VW Golf SE 1.4 TSI 122PS 5dr road test report

Volkswagen Golf SE 1.4 TSI 122PS 5dr

What is it?

The VW Golf has been with us for an astonishing 35 years – from 1974 with the launch of the original MkI to now with introduction of Golf MkVI. And while the family resemblance is close with the outgoing model, the new Golf majors on refinement and safety features. There are four petrol engines in the current range: 1.4-litre 80PS; 1.6-litre 102PS; 1.4-litre TSI 122PS; 1.4-litre 160PS. This test is the 122PS model. It has a lightweight engine and a turbocharger to boost performance.

What’s hot?

  • It’s a Golf. We all need dependability in uncertain times
  • Engine is a gem – likes to rev but also has plenty of low-down power
  • Supple suspension smooths out road surface bumps and thumps
  • Electro-mechanical power steering provides graded assistance…
  • …but wonderfully accurate on the move
  • Brakes provide solid and secure stopping power…
  • …assisted by Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) for emergency stops
  • Simple and easy to use CD/radio controls
  • Company car tax is low: 16% tax banding
  • And there’s over 45mpg fuel economy
  • Beautiful attention to detail throughout
  • Bountiful spec includes air con, anti-skid ESP and alloys

What’s not?

  • It’s a Golf – not easy to see what’s new from the outside
  • High boot lip makes dragging boxes or bags out of boot awkward
  • Budget for an additional £1000 to get metallic paint…
  • …leather steering wheel and gearknob, plus parking sensors

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 15,962
Monthly Rental*: 289 (CH)/£332 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 16%
Monthly BiK: 42 (20%); £83 (40%)
Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbocharged
CO2 Emissions: 144g/km
Power/torque: 122PS/148lb ft
Economy: 45.6mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

The new Golf: its virtues aren’t apparent on first inspection. It’s very similar to the MkV – and yet more modern, more contemporary. The new Golf is also very sophisticated inside, from the simple but delightfully functional interior, to the exceptional levels of interior quietness. The Golf has always been a classless car: in an economic downturn, the new Golf does all you need. In that solid, dependable Golf way.

Further information

For more commentary on the new VW Golf, read the Editor’s Blog New Golf: virtues lie below the skin

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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