Passat is bigger and better than ever, Polo is merely a facelift keeping all the ‘oily underbits’ from the old car while Golf + (€22,340) is all new and set to compete in the mini MPV sector. It’s more expensive than the standard 5 dr Golf hatchback (€20,620) and with just five seats the big question is “What’s the point to it?”
VW already has the 5/7 seat Touran in its comprehensive stable so on the surface the Golf + is just a tall hatchback, and who wants one of those over the standard well proportioned car?
Golf + has a tough job to impress me because with three kids in the Sheridan household we have to run a 7 seater as our family car. Between school runs and other activities all seven seats get used regularly so I really have a problem with five-seat hatchbacks calling themselves MPVs.
Golf + joins a long list of tall five-seat only hatchbacks like C-Max, Altea, Meriva, Picasso etc. all offering just a higher driving position with only Seat’s Altea looking half way attractive.
Okay rant over what is the upside to Golf +? You get a driving position that is nice and tall (SUV-like) plus additional storage that a smuggler would envy including a false boot. Golf + has perhaps the coolest looking air vents you’ll find anywhere and split/sliding rear seats that can make the boot a decent with less cabin space or vice versa.
The Golf + is boring to look at, but then again this sector is about functionality over form but look at a Seat Altea and it’s clear the German manufacturer could have tried a bit harder. Inside the Golf + is comfortable with sturdy high backed seats. The controls and switchgear are 100% VW and there are no surprises. There is sadly an abundance of grey and black plastic but the build appears robust enough for family use.
The front passenger airbag can be switched off via a key slot in the glovebox. In the back you can slide one or two thirds of the seat bench fore or aft by a decent amount.
The rear seats recline also. Kids and adults in the back will get use out of the seatback trays that feature built in cup holders. Other standard kit includes six airbags, LED rear taillights and parking distance control.
Prices are competitive starting at €22,340 for the 1.4 FSI petrol, rising to €27,530 for the 1.9 TDi.
Volkswagen is gearing up for the bumper years when SSIA accounts mature. The Bora (which replaced the Vento) was never a huge hit but that is set to change when it is replaced in January 2006 by the Jetta. Jetta had a bit of a cult following particularly with Taxi drivers and farmers but the unnecessary name changes over the years lost it most of that legend. A stunning hard top cabrio is due in February 06 that will feature a tilting sunroof.
VW expects a decent share of the 14 Billion SSIA windfall to come the motor industry’s way. 1.1 billion is expected to be spent on new metal, so Ireland’s new car market will rise to 190,000 in 2006, reaching 210,000 in 2007.
- Michael Sheridan
