VW Golf V 2.0 FSI Sportline

[Steve Magee]

Does anybody know of a review of the above? Time to replace the VT soon -
it's been a good car - but I want something a little different, this is in
the lead of the other vehicles I am considering (Nissan Maxima and Honda
Accord Euro). Um - if tis a Wheels or Motor review though, I think I will
pass. Good mags to hang on a dunny wall, not much use for anything else.

My main question is the build quality - I understand they're built in South
Africa, how does the quality stack up? Any other little foibles? Any
comments on the 6-speed auto v the similartly cogged manual?

TIA

Steve

[Nix8860]

These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on this car,
if i find more reviews will re-post
The build quality is excellent, BMW's & Toyotas are also built in seth
efrica, so i dont believe there is any comprimise, the entire body is laser
welded and it comes with a 12 year paint/corrosian warranty also received 5
Stars in EURONCAP.
Most of the parts are made in other coutries( germany, italy and the engines
are built in wolfsburg germany.
( I could be slightly wrong on this) & the car is put together/built in seth
efrica

The AUTO is a 6 speed Tiptronic with DSP ( Dynamic shift program) & is about
0.8 seconds slower than the Manual the TDI comes with the DSG ( Direct Shift
Gearbox) Borrowed from Audi. Which is a much better Gearbox and is actually
slightly quicker than the Manual, the gear change is instant.
Unfortunantly the TDI does not come out in the sportline spec.

The major differences between the Comfortline & sportline are 16 inch
wheels, sports suspension 15 mm lower.
Colourcode side mouldings & door handles, sports seats & trim.
however you also loose a heap of options with the sportline compared to the
Comfortline.

For the same price of the sportline you can get the 2.0 TDI which is
wonderful engine and delivers great fuel economy... Im not saying you
should buy the TDI, but you should test drive it to compare to the FSI

here are the reviews
http://www.motorsm.com/AUS/cars/new/Volkswagen/2004_Golf.htm
http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__carpointau/tabID__6485/ArticleI
D__6457/DesktopDefault.aspx
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,10484406%255E27286,00.ht
ml
http://www.nextcar.com.au/n.vw.golf.bca.04nov.html
http://yahoo.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=8164&vf=1
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/xrt-vw-golf.htm
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=5524&vf=1

Also the Golf V won whatcar in the UK against BMW, Audi, & Volvo, here is a
scanned copy of the magazine courtesy of VW UK, this is probably the best
review, however the car tested was a TDI GT.
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/pdf/BigGroupTestSepLowRes.pdf




"Steve Magee" <sjmagee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:fFoLd.6745$i6.56839@nasal.pacific.net.au...
> Does anybody know of a review of the above? Time to replace the VT soon -
> it's been a good car - but I want something a little different, this is in
> the lead of the other vehicles I am considering (Nissan Maxima and Honda
> Accord Euro). Um - if tis a Wheels or Motor review though, I think I will
> pass. Good mags to hang on a dunny wall, not much use for anything else.
>
> My main question is the build quality - I understand they're built in
South
> Africa, how does the quality stack up? Any other little foibles? Any
> comments on the 6-speed auto v the similartly cogged manual?
>
> TIA
>
> Steve
>
>

[Nix8860]

Sorry forgot to mention the Sportline also gets dual zone climate control
over semi automatic in comfortline.

"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
> These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on this
car,
> if i find more reviews will re-post
> The build quality is excellent, BMW's & Toyotas are also built in seth
> efrica, so i dont believe there is any comprimise, the entire body is
laser
> welded and it comes with a 12 year paint/corrosian warranty also received
5
> Stars in EURONCAP.
> Most of the parts are made in other coutries( germany, italy and the
engines
> are built in wolfsburg germany.
> ( I could be slightly wrong on this) & the car is put together/built in
seth
> efrica
>
> The AUTO is a 6 speed Tiptronic with DSP ( Dynamic shift program) & is
about
> 0.8 seconds slower than the Manual the TDI comes with the DSG ( Direct
Shift
> Gearbox) Borrowed from Audi. Which is a much better Gearbox and is
actually
> slightly quicker than the Manual, the gear change is instant.
> Unfortunantly the TDI does not come out in the sportline spec.
>
> The major differences between the Comfortline & sportline are 16 inch
> wheels, sports suspension 15 mm lower.
> Colourcode side mouldings & door handles, sports seats & trim.
> however you also loose a heap of options with the sportline compared to
the
> Comfortline.
>
> For the same price of the sportline you can get the 2.0 TDI which is
> wonderful engine and delivers great fuel economy... Im not saying you
> should buy the TDI, but you should test drive it to compare to the FSI
>
> here are the reviews
> http://www.motorsm.com/AUS/cars/new/Volkswagen/2004_Golf.htm
> http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/
>
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__carpointau/tabID__6485/ArticleI
> D__6457/DesktopDefault.aspx
>
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,10484406%255E27286,00.ht
> ml
> http://www.nextcar.com.au/n.vw.golf.bca.04nov.html
> http://yahoo.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=8164&vf=1
> http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/xrt-vw-golf.htm
> http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=5524&vf=1
>
> Also the Golf V won whatcar in the UK against BMW, Audi, & Volvo, here is
a
> scanned copy of the magazine courtesy of VW UK, this is probably the best
> review, however the car tested was a TDI GT.
> http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/pdf/BigGroupTestSepLowRes.pdf
>
>
>
>
> "Steve Magee" <sjmagee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:fFoLd.6745$i6.56839@nasal.pacific.net.au...
> > Does anybody know of a review of the above? Time to replace the VT
soon -
> > it's been a good car - but I want something a little different, this is
in
> > the lead of the other vehicles I am considering (Nissan Maxima and Honda
> > Accord Euro). Um - if tis a Wheels or Motor review though, I think I
will
> > pass. Good mags to hang on a dunny wall, not much use for anything else.
> >
> > My main question is the build quality - I understand they're built in
> South
> > Africa, how does the quality stack up? Any other little foibles? Any
> > comments on the 6-speed auto v the similartly cogged manual?
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
>
>

[Bernd Felsche]

"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> writes:

>These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on
>this car, if i find more reviews will re-post
>The build quality is excellent, BMW's & Toyotas are also built in
>seth efrica, so i dont believe there is any comprimise, the entire
>body is laser welded and it comes with a 12 year paint/corrosian
>warranty also received 5 Stars in EURONCAP.
>Most of the parts are made in other coutries( germany, italy and
>the engines are built in wolfsburg germany.

Engines from Salzgitter, or Chemnitz, IIRC.

>( I could be slightly wrong on this) & the car is put
>together/built in seth efrica

The plant code is in the VIN; the letter before the serial number
(last 7 digits). It's probably a "U".

>The AUTO is a 6 speed Tiptronic with DSP ( Dynamic shift program) &
>is about 0.8 seconds slower than the Manual the TDI comes with the
>DSG ( Direct Shift Gearbox) Borrowed from Audi. Which is a much

DSG is VAG/Borg-Warner co-development, IIRC.

Lot's of IIRC tonight because I'm too lazy to check and the wine has
fogged my memory.

>better Gearbox and is actually slightly quicker than the Manual,
>the gear change is instant. Unfortunantly the TDI does not come
>out in the sportline spec.

Not in Oz. Not yet, anyway. Maybe after the GTI.

>The major differences between the Comfortline & sportline are 16
>inch wheels, sports suspension 15 mm lower.

Suspension kit can be purchased and fitted by dealer if you ask
nicely. It's a VW option that's probably available if you can wait.
--
/"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia
\ / ASCII ribbon campaign | I'm a .signature virus!
X against HTML mail | Copy me into your ~/.signature
/ \ and postings | to help me spread!

[Steve Magee]

"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
> These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on this
> car,
> if i find more reviews will re-post

Thanks you Nix and Bernd - most helpful indeed. Looks like the VW's lead in
my "next car stakes" just got bigger! :-)

Steve

[Ben Thomas]

Steve Magee wrote:
> "Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
> news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
>
>>These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on this
>>car,
>>if i find more reviews will re-post
>
>
> Thanks you Nix and Bernd - most helpful indeed. Looks like the VW's lead in
> my "next car stakes" just got bigger! :-)
>
> Steve
>
>

Is it really worth the extra money compared to Astra, Corolla, and Focus?

--
Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.

Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as neither
given nor endorsed by it.

[Sarch]

On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:58:22 +1100, Nix8860 wrote:

> The AUTO is a 6 speed Tiptronic with DSP ( Dynamic shift program) & is about
> 0.8 seconds slower than the Manual the TDI comes with the DSG ( Direct Shift
> Gearbox) Borrowed from Audi. Which is a much better Gearbox and is actually
> slightly quicker than the Manual, the gear change is instant.
> Unfortunantly the TDI does not come out in the sportline spec.

I'm keen to get the TDI 2.0 with DSG but I'll wait until the Sportline
scheme is available for this model. Otherwise a nice car to drive.

Sarch

[Bernd Felsche]

Ben Thomas <nosp@m.thanks.mate> writes:
>Steve Magee wrote:
>> "Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
>> news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...

>>>These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on
>>>this car, if i find more reviews will re-post

>> Thanks you Nix and Bernd - most helpful indeed. Looks like the
>> VW's lead in my "next car stakes" just got bigger! :-)

>Is it really worth the extra money compared to Astra, Corolla, and Focus?

It depends on what you value. Take a 2.0 TDI for a test drive.
--
/"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia
\ / ASCII ribbon campaign | I'm a .signature virus!
X against HTML mail | Copy me into your ~/.signature
/ \ and postings | to help me spread!

[Ben Thomas]

Bernd Felsche wrote:
> Ben Thomas <nosp@m.thanks.mate> writes:
>
>>Steve Magee wrote:
>>
>>>"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
>>>news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
>
>
>>>>These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on
>>>>this car, if i find more reviews will re-post
>
>
>>>Thanks you Nix and Bernd - most helpful indeed. Looks like the
>>>VW's lead in my "next car stakes" just got bigger! :-)
>
>
>>Is it really worth the extra money compared to Astra, Corolla, and Focus?
>
>
> It depends on what you value. Take a 2.0 TDI for a test drive.

Don't have time. What's so great about it?

--
Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.

Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as neither
given nor endorsed by it.

[Sarch]

On Tue, 01 Feb 2005 03:20:05 GMT, Ben Thomas wrote:

> Bernd Felsche wrote:
>>
>>
>> It depends on what you value. Take a 2.0 TDI for a test drive.
>
> Don't have time. What's so great about it?

It's nice to drive. Shame about the engine noise.

Sarch

[Nix8860]

320 NM of torque on tap from 1,750 - 2,500 RPM, the pulling power is
Execllent
Thats more than a Subaru WRX and the same as a V6 Commodore.
Fuel consumption of 5.7 Litres per 100KM's, engine is very advanced and
driving through the gears feels alot quicker than a Petrol equivalent &
overtaking is a breeze, if your lazy you dont even have to Gear down so long
as the revs are in the 1,750 - 2,500 range, its a different driving
experience.

"Ben Thomas" <nosp@m.thanks.mate> wrote in message
news:jbsmtc.r1r.ln@192.168.11.2...
> Bernd Felsche wrote:
> > Ben Thomas <nosp@m.thanks.mate> writes:
> >
> >>Steve Magee wrote:
> >>
> >>>"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
> >>>news:ctla1c$80n$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
> >
> >
> >>>>These are the main reviews...ive already done lots of research on
> >>>>this car, if i find more reviews will re-post
> >
> >
> >>>Thanks you Nix and Bernd - most helpful indeed. Looks like the
> >>>VW's lead in my "next car stakes" just got bigger! :-)
> >
> >
> >>Is it really worth the extra money compared to Astra, Corolla, and
Focus?
> >
> >
> > It depends on what you value. Take a 2.0 TDI for a test drive.
>
> Don't have time. What's so great about it?
>
> --
> Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
> 2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
> Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
> Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.
>
> Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
> relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as
neither
> given nor endorsed by it.

[Ben Thomas]

Nix8860 wrote:
> 320 NM of torque on tap from 1,750 - 2,500 RPM, the pulling power is
> Execllent
> Thats more than a Subaru WRX and the same as a V6 Commodore.
> Fuel consumption of 5.7 Litres per 100KM's, engine is very advanced and
> driving through the gears feels alot quicker than a Petrol equivalent &
> overtaking is a breeze, if your lazy you dont even have to Gear down so long
> as the revs are in the 1,750 - 2,500 range, its a different driving
> experience.

Cool.

And what do they cost?


--
Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.

Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as neither
given nor endorsed by it.

[Nix8860]

Its list price is $32,490, where as the Audi A3 2-Door, with the same motor
/ platform sells for $46,000

"Ben Thomas" <nosp@m.thanks.mate> wrote in message
news:v21ntc.n23.ln@192.168.11.2...
> Nix8860 wrote:
> > 320 NM of torque on tap from 1,750 - 2,500 RPM, the pulling power is
> > Execllent
> > Thats more than a Subaru WRX and the same as a V6 Commodore.
> > Fuel consumption of 5.7 Litres per 100KM's, engine is very advanced and
> > driving through the gears feels alot quicker than a Petrol equivalent &
> > overtaking is a breeze, if your lazy you dont even have to Gear down so
long
> > as the revs are in the 1,750 - 2,500 range, its a different driving
> > experience.
>
> Cool.
>
> And what do they cost?
>
>
> --
> Ben Thomas - Software Engineer - Melbourne, Australia
> 2001 manual 2.2l Holden Astra SRi - a real pleasure to drive;
> Michelin Preceda - $250 each but last a lot longer than $200 tyres;
> Alpine Type S speakers and amp, JVC MP3 CD playing head-unit.
>
> Opinions, conclusions, and other information in this message that do not
> relate to the official business of my employer shall be understood as
neither
> given nor endorsed by it.

[Toby Ponsenby]

On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 16:33:29 +1100, Nix8860 wrote:

> Its list price is $32,490, where as the Audi A3 2-Door, with the same motor
> / platform sells for $46,000
>
Duh,
And virtually everything else the same size and shape sells for less.
Unless of course it's also a Euroshoppingtrolley.

--
Toby
quidquid latine dictum
sit, altum viditur

[Russ]

Toby Ponsenby wrote:
> On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 16:33:29 +1100, Nix8860 wrote:
>
>> Its list price is $32,490, where as the Audi A3 2-Door, with the
>> same motor / platform sells for $46,000
>>
> Duh,
> And virtually everything else the same size and shape sells for less.
> Unless of course it's also a Euroshoppingtrolley.

I went for a spin in a Peugeot 307 HDI (2.0L turbo diesel) on the weekend -
it goes for $30k - engine noise internally was very low. Certainly had
torque, but wasn't as sprightly as a petrol vehicle, although it seemed to
accelerate up steep hills easily and made for a very smooth ride.

The Peugeot is 66kW and 250Nm whereas the Golf diesel seems to be 77kW and
250Nm (which is strange - didn't someone say 320Nm?)

[Richard Fay]

"Nix8860" <nobody@nowhere.net.au> wrote in message
news:ctn4b8$7bg$1@news-02.connect.com.au...
> Its list price is $32,490, where as the Audi A3 2-Door, with the same
motor
> / platform sells for $46,000
>

That's Accord Euro money.... not sure a golf is better than that...

Richard

[C Bell]

>
>
> That's Accord Euro money.... not sure a golf is better than that...
>
> Richard
>

Yep, agreed. Especially since you're looking at the FSI (Petrol) model. Why
not get a more powerful, better handling, more spacious Accord Euro for very
similar money?

[Bernd Felsche]

"Russ" <nomail@hotmail.com> writes:

>Toby Ponsenby wrote:
>> On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 16:33:29 +1100, Nix8860 wrote:
>>
>>> Its list price is $32,490, where as the Audi A3 2-Door, with the
>>> same motor / platform sells for $46,000
>>>
>> Duh,
>> And virtually everything else the same size and shape sells for less.
>> Unless of course it's also a Euroshoppingtrolley.

>I went for a spin in a Peugeot 307 HDI (2.0L turbo diesel) on the weekend -
>it goes for $30k - engine noise internally was very low. Certainly had
>torque, but wasn't as sprightly as a petrol vehicle, although it seemed to
>accelerate up steep hills easily and made for a very smooth ride.

>The Peugeot is 66kW and 250Nm whereas the Golf diesel seems to be 77kW and
>250Nm (which is strange - didn't someone say 320Nm?)

Wrong Golf diesel... You're looking at the 1.9TDI. You want the 2.0TDI:
http://www.volkswagen.com.au/2004/Passenger/golfv/spec.asp?model=2.0comTDI&Car=golfv
--
/"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia
\ / ASCII ribbon campaign | I'm a .signature virus!
X against HTML mail | Copy me into your ~/.signature
/ \ and postings | to help me spread!

[Forg]

C Bell wrote:
....
>> That's Accord Euro money.... not sure a golf
>> is better than that...
....
> Yep, agreed. Especially since you're looking
> at the FSI (Petrol) model. Why not get a more
> powerful, better handling, more spacious
> Accord Euro for very similar money?
....

The main reason I would consider the Golf, given the above, is because
it's smaller!

Also, is it a dead-cert that the Accord is better-handling? I suspect
the top-of-the-line Golf is "better equipped" than the base model Accord
(which is closest in price).

I also dunno if there's a monetary reason to get the turbodiesel Golf
here; I'd only get it for gimmick value, or if I enjoyed the chunky
torque-curve more.


--
---
Forg! -DUH#6-

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[Stan Marsh]

I really want to take a GTI for a test drive, but they won't be here for a
little while.

If you'd like to speak to several MK5 owners, visit:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=137
Pete