2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39
The Golf Plus impresses with its variability. However, if you want to be more sporty on the road, you shouldn't opt for the 1.6 FSI.
By Frank Mertens
Anyone for whom the VW Touran or the Opel Zafira is too big in terms of dimensions, but still values variability, will not be able to ignore the mini-vans. They offer an excellent compromise with a cut in load volume.
The Golf Plus - the high-roof version of the Wolfsburg bestseller - showed the way. The rear bench seat, which can be moved 16 centimeters in length, allows the cargo space to be expanded from 395 to 505 liters. If you fold the back seat, it is up to 1450 liters. Compared to its little brother, the Golf Plus has grown in height by 9.5 centimeters to 1.58 meters, which increases the trunk volume by 45 liters, but not in length: the car is 4.21 meters extremely compact.
Convincing compactness
Anyone who visualizes the length of the VW Touran (4.39 meters) or the Opel Zafira (4.47 meters) will appreciate this compactness in the city, especially when parking in tight spaces. An electronic parking aid is definitely recommended (345 euros surcharge). Due to the poor visibility to the rear, it facilitates dent-free maneuvering. However, it is incomprehensible why VW is not also offering this system for the front - it would also make sense here.
The interior of the Golf Plus is beyond reproach. The quality impression is - typically Volkswagen - very good. The seats are comfortable and offer sufficient lateral support. The instruments are intuitive to use and do not pose any puzzles. The rear passengers also have nothing to complain about: You too can sink into the seats in a very comfortable way. To move the seats in the rear, all you need to do is pull the bracket below the rear bench seat - and they'll slide forward effortlessly.
Adjust the backrest
However, anyone who pushes the seats forward to the last position to achieve the loading volume has a problem: Nobody can sit comfortably behind the driver or front passenger. Small consolation: the rear seat system can be moved independently in a ratio of two-thirds to one-third. Very pleasant: the backrests in the rear can be adjusted in several stages: an aspect that is particularly appreciated on long journeys.
Anyone who not only wants to be comfortable on the road, but occasionally also a little faster, shouldn't opt for the 1.6 FSI (85 kW / 115 PS) we tested. The four-cylinder does its work pleasantly quietly, but nothing more than a leisurely glide is possible with it. If you want to move the 1318 kilogram car faster, you have to drive it into powerful high speed ranges, but even then it cannot convince. The 1.6 FSI develops its maximum torque of 155 Nm at 4000 revolutions per minute. It accelerates from zero to 100 km / h in a leisurely 11.8 seconds, and the top speed is 189 km / h. As a consumption of 7.2 liters of super is specified by VW. A value, however, which was exceeded in the test drives over 1.5 liters. This FSI is a real swallowing woodpecker.
So that no misunderstandings arise: If you don't value sportiness, but are looking for a car for everyday use, the 115 hp 1.6 FSI (starting price in Trendline equipment 19,500 euros) is well served. Those who, however, also want to be more dynamic on the road should opt for a high-torque diesel. If you want a gasoline engine, the FSI is also available with a 150 hp engine. Apart from the 1.6 FSI engine, however, the Golf Plus offers a harmonious package: the chassis is state-of-the-art, the steering reacts very well and offers good feedback and the six-speed transmission is easy to use.
At the starting price of 19,500 euros, the end of the road is far from being reached. If you value convenience such as air conditioning, you have to pay 860 euros extra for the “Cool & Sound1” package (including CD player) with the Trendline equipment. The variable loading floor costs 150 euros, the cruise control system 190 euros and lumbar supports cost 260 euros. This quickly adds two to three thousand euros.
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