2009 Volkswagen Golf MkVI – First Steer
February 27, 2009 by Paul Maric
2009 Volkswagen Golf Mark VI – First Steer
- by Paul Maric
Leaner, meaner and greener. That’s the message Volkswagen wants to send with its new Golf. Launched to the Australian motoring press yesterday in Byron Bay, New South Wales, the next generation Volkswagen Golf comes with a set of new engines that increase fuel economy by up to 25 per cent.
90TSI
The base model – and baby of the group – is the 90TSI. Featuring a turbocharged, 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine, the 90TSI brings with it a smaller capacity engine of 1.4-litres, compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre featured in the Golf V.
On first glance, you’ll be able to spot the 90TSI by the plastic hubcaps, along with the ‘I’ in TSI being red.
Inside the cabin, it’s a pretty restricted affair. The ghastly looking plastic steering wheel and lack of steering wheel controls – and cruise control – are the only things that let this base model down. The seat trim is attractive, as is the well made dashboard and the quality of materials used throughout the cabin.
Due to the lack of steering wheel controls, the trip computer and vehicle options menu is adjusted via the windscreen wiper stalk.
On the road, it’s very hard to spot the turbocharger. When we arrived at the airport, this was the first car I jumped into and without knowing which models were being introduced into Australia, we didn’t know what engines were on offer. After some umming and ahhing, we deduced that it was the carry over 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine from the Golf V.
It turns out that this model does in fact use a turbocharger – a very small and low pressure one – to help get the base model Golf moving. The assistance of the turbocharger has increased power to 90kW. The most miraculous feat of all is the drop in fuel consumption and engine capacity to reach a higher power figure.
Also different in this model is the introduction of Volkswagen’s seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). Rated to withstand torque of 250Nm, the gearbox is used in the base model 90TSI and the higher powered 118TSI. In addition to the seven-speed DSG, a six-speed manual comes as standard for the 90TSI.
On the road, the 90TSI soaks up bumps tremendously well for a car in this price bracket. Some of the roads surrounding Byron Bay and onward to our lunch stop at Emerald Valley were abysmal. The taught suspension set-up in the 90TSI handled them with absolute ease.
This came at a cost to its cornering capabilities though. There is considerable amount of body roll on sweeping bends, which in addition to the cheap, narrow Hankook tyres makes it a bit of a non-event. Don’t despair though. The 90TSI is the base model in the range and has fleet buyers and people with lower expectations in mind.
In saying that, the car feels much like Golf V. It has the same handling characteristics and steering response, it has just been fine tuned to deliver a slightly more rewarding drive.
The 90TSI is priced from $25,990 for the six-speed manual and $28,490 for the seven-speed DSG. While fuel consumption is rated at 6.4-litres/100km for the six-speed manual and 6.2-litres/100km for the seven-speed DSG.
118TSI
In my opinion, this is the pick of the bunch. A 1.4-litre, twin-charged, four-cylinder engine headlines this act. With considerable torque throughout the rev band, the engine works in unison with the new seven-speed DSG to deliver an extremely pleasing drive.
The 118TSI can be identified with the ‘S’ and the ‘I’ being red in the ‘TSI’ boot logo.
Much like the outgoing Volkswagen Golf GT Sport, which uses a more powerful variant of this motor, the supercharger works to deliver torque at the lower end of the rev range which keeps things moving before the turbocharger has spooled up.
Once the supercharger has done its job, it hands over to the turbocharger to finish the task, which is pre-spooled and ready to go by the time the supercharger switches over.
The end result is an engine that is responsive throughout the rev band. The new seven-speed DSG helps immensely by always selecting the correct gear (even when it’s in the regular drive mode).
It’s not much use in a straight line though, so we attacked a few corners to see how well the 118TSI reacted to power on mid corner and the way it handled being thrown about on what were essentially C-grade roads.
Volkswagen seem to have taken the handling characteristics of the already impressive Golf V GT Sport and honed them even further to deliver an affordable car which can be used both as a cruiser and apex slayer – certainly something others find hard to achieve in this price bracket.
The car remains flat and sharp on turn-in to the corner. The responsive steering has a bit of weight to it as you turn in, while the suspension holds strong and keeps things as flat as possible. Where the 90TSI would start rolling and continue until it understeered, the 118TSI turns in and keeps holding with a commendable amount of grip.
Even the rippled and rutted roads we were driving through didn’t unsettle the car, indicating a brilliant chassis. Power on mid corner, which generally causes boosted front-wheel-drive cars to jitter and understeer didn’t seem to bother the 118TSI.
You would get a tugging at the wheel as the tyres traversed the rutted portions of road, but there would never be the sense that the car was about to push the nose wide on you. The increased tyre width of 205mm, compared to the 90TSI’s 195mm, also helps give the car a more planted feel on the road.
The 118TSI gets bigger brakes in comparison to its base model sibling, giving it a bigger edge when it comes to continuous brake applications. The brakes feel quite strong in all Golf variants tested. Pedal feel is also very consistent, meaning that there is never any doubt over what the brakes are up to.
The 118TSI gets different seat trim and funky new looking steering wheel controls over the base model. You will also find dual-zone climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a few other bits and pieces to justify the additional price.
Fuel consumption sits at 6.2-litres/100km for the six-speed manual and 6.5-litres/100km for the seven-speed DSG. Pricing begins at $30,490 for the six-speed manual and $32,990 for the seven-speed DSG.
103TDI
The Golf wouldn’t be the Golf without a diesel engine. As expected, Volkswagen have launched in Australia with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel unit, producing 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm between 1750-2500rpm.
Noise suppression inside the cabin has been increased, reducing road noise and engine noise considerably. A 10 per cent increase of thickness on the side glass and an extra layer of film on the windscreen mean that external noises remain external.
We were also lucky enough to drive a 103TDI with the Adaptive Chassis Control. As the only Golf in Australia with this feature fitted, we were sure to keep this car to ourselves. Three suspension modes – Normal, Comfort and Sport – differentiate suspension comfort for your drive preference.
Adaptive Chassis Control works independently on each wheel to adjust suspension firmness. It’s a contrast to most other systems which only adjust suspension firmness as a whole, opposed to each wheel.
The seven-speed DSG can only support 250Nm, so the six-speed DSG is used in the 103TDI, which is capable of 350Nm.
There’s plenty of torque throughout the rev range, this engine is consistently spooling and ready to roll. It gets a bit noisy inside the cabin when you reach the upper end of the rev range, but it’s not overly bad.
Fuel consumption sits at a miserly 5.3-litres/100km for the six-speed manual and 5.6-litres/100km for the six-speed DSG. Pricing starts at $33,190 for the six-speed manual and $35,690 for the six-speed DSG.
Safety
We all know that Volkswagen is big on safety. The entire Golf range will come with seven airbags, including a knee airbag.
Already tested overseas by EuroNCAP and most recently tested in Australia – just last week in fact – by ANCAP, both tests have rated the Golf at five-stars.
The entire range will also come with Electronic Stability Program, ABS brakes with EBD and BA, along with engine immobiliser and deadlocking.
Volkswagen is setting a benchmark in this segment and wants everyone to know about it.
Features
Although the standard equipment list is what you would expect, the options list includes some pretty nifty things, some of which until now weren’t even considered as availabilities on vehicles in this price bracket.
You can option your new Golf with Volkswagen’s Park Assist feature. Park Assist will automatically park your car for you. Line it up in between two parked vehicles and the system uses front, rear and side parking sensors to direct your vehicle into the open space.
Until this feature became available in the Tiguan, mid last year, it was only available in the $200,000+ Lexus LS600hL.
The Golf can also be fitted with the new RNS510 system, which includes satellite navigation. The system can also be optioned with a reverse camera which pops out from under the Volkswagen logo boot lid.
Conclusion
Although some may argue it looks much the same as the outgoing Golf (which isn’t such a bad thing), I’m of the opinion that Volkswagen is yet again onto a winner.
People complain about the good press we give Volkswagen, it’s hard not to when they keep releasing cars like the Golf VI. It’s hard to fault the package, price and drivetrain offerings.
There is a model in the line-up to please almost all tastes at the moment.
Volkswagen’s CEO, Jutta Dierks has told CarAdvice that unless there is a miracle, the GTI won’t arrive to our shores before early 2010. The car will be unveiled at next week’s Geneva motor show and will be launched to the European public in the middle of the year.
Head of exterior design, Frank Bruse told CarAdvice that the GTI will be an impressive looking machine. He also hinted that VW will follow Audi’s lead with LED portions of the headlight, making the GTI visible from a kilometre away.
Until then, this is what we have on offer and it will undoubtedly sell well for Volkswagen.
If you’ve been holding off until the Golf VI to upgrade or purchase your next Volkswagen, it’s been a well earned wait.
The Volkswagen Golf VI is sure to blow your socks off.
Print it: 
Hey Boney,
I obtained more info from Germany regarding the proposed new water-pump. A member of the German Motor-Forum has contacted VW, and he was advised that a solution to the squeaking problem was forthcoming. Apparently a redesigned water-pump/belt-disk-combi can already be ordered in Germany. He was not given a date by which the new device will be ready to be built in.
It is hoped that the new coupling will eliminate the unnerving squeaking caused by the present magnetic coupling of the water-pump. Things are starting to look positive at last.
Horst
Horst
Holey crap Horst, that is great news.
I spoke to VW Australia again today, who said that VW was NOT working on a fix for the sound, because they said there was nothing wrong with the design of the vehicle they kept using the word charactoristic again and again and again.
Obviously the left hand doesnt know what the right one is doing……doesnt surprise me…….VW customer support has been far less then supportive….should change their department name to VW Spin and Palm off Department.
I hope this is true Horst, it would give me back my sanity……thanks for the update
Hi,
I called VW Technical Support (David) today … want to ask them about other problem…
As soon as I used words 118 TSI and W/pump he hanged up … I called after few seconds – no answer … I left massage that somebody call me … no call.
THAT IS WHAT I CAL PROFESSIONALISM
About my other problem
Somebody described it as rattling noise
In my case I am not sure is it rattling noise … it is difficult to describe noise (especially for me… English is not my first language)
In my case it sounds like ta…ta…ta like tractor, or 2 stroke engine – just for a few seconds when you accelerate just slightly faster from standing (or constant slow driving) position.
It happened 7 – 8 times in 6 months (yesterday twice).
Ones…
I stopped (it was just a few degree up hill) and when I accelerated (slightly faster … not more than 4000 rpm) the noise was so laud and disturbing that I stopped after few hundred meters to see is my exhaust system still there.
In that few seconds it sounded like I was dragging my exhaust sys. or some metal pot on cobblestone.
Otherwise it is not so laud only disturbing and embarrassing
I couldn’t reproduce it when I was visiting dealer
DO YOU (OR ANYBODY ELSE) HAVE NAY MORE INFORMATION
Hey Mirsad
Glen had this issue. I am sure in his instance they replaced his DSG. Oh, and the DSG they put in started to fail as well.
The Oz forums have a couple of guys with DSG being replaced. Sounds like they could have done more testing with the new 7 speeder.
Hey Boney and Mirsad,
Further to my earlier posts, a member of the German Motor-Forum living in Switzerland, has contacted the Swiss General-VW-Importer and he was told that by the end of 2009, at the latest, a solution to the squeaking problem of the 118 kw TSI will be available.
Regarding VW Australia, I think that they are just following the official policy line, that is, not to divulge any information until there has been an official statement from VW-Germany. I think this is fair enough. The official instruction to VW dealers seems to be not to change any water-pump, as the current ones can lead to the squeaking problem ( my interpretation of info received). A mystery is that apparently only a certain proportion of 118 kw TSI’s are affected.
Any rattling noise should be attended to by a dealer under warranty.
It may also be of general interest that, of 500,000 Golf’s sold ( July 2009), only 1,328 (2.68%) were 118 kw TSI’s, whereas 11,489 (23.22%) were 90 kw TSI’s, which of course are not affected, as they have no compressor. The rest were 59kw motor’s, TDI’s, TSI’s (GTI’s), and 75kw motor’s.
I hope the info will lift your mood.
Horst
I hope this is true Horst. I would be nice for VW Aust to at least tell effected owners that they are working on something, you know, to give them some hope. repetitively saying there is nothing wrong, and nothing to fix just pi$$es me off.
Thanks for the update Horst
BM
Hi
I originally was going to purchase a tsi118 with leather/metallic paint/sunroof/tint/full park assist for $39,700 (which I thought was a really good deal). But after coming across this website, various forums and speaking to the dealer regarding the squealing noise. I decided NOT to get the tsi118 as I did not want to risk purchasing a car that will potentially squeal with a “no fix” solution to it. Because I already put a deposit down for the tsi and could not withdraw from the deal, so I had to get something else, instead I got a MK5 Blk GTI with leather/tint for $43,500(not sure if he gave me the best deal for this, as he may have got annoyed because I didn’t want the tsi).
Just wondering what your thoughts are. Did I make the right choice?
JW
Sounds like a good price Jeff. My local dealer has a MK5 red GTI with factory fit sunroof for $44500 dway. HAd a drive in it before I bought my TSI. They stick to the road like Sh!t to a blanket (that is a saying from my dad – I dont actually know how well sh!t does stick to a blanket – but I assume it sticks well) GTI Engine sounds way better – very sporty exhaust note. Noticably quicker then the TSI. TSI is much quieter, seems more refined – which is why I bought it.
Right decidsion – no such thing. Is a personal choice my man. I personally like the look of the MK5 more then MK6. In the end I would prefer a car that didnt chirp/squeal when under load, and considering VW Aust are still saying that there will be no fix to the squeal, I think you probably made a wise choice given the information you currently have.
Enjoy.
Hi Jeff,
I know of a number of enthusiasts in Germany, who have bought or ordered the MK6 GTI in favor of the 118 kw TSI. Their argument is that, if you want performance, the GTI is still the first choice. The MK6 GTI has only 7kw more power than the MK5 GTI and is otherwise, except for a few small body changes and technical improvements, not much different to the MK5, so I understand. Sure, the GTI uses more fuel than the 118 kw TSI, but if you call up it’s power it also easily uses 10 L/100km. Anyway, as you know, fuel use is very much related to your right foot, and you can also drive the GTI economically, if you wish.
Even so I personally prefer the appearance of the MK5 GTI, particularly in black, it is just not the latest incarnation, and this may affect the resale value, if you want to sell it one day. If you don’t mind this, I don’t think there is anything wrong with your choice. In regard to price, I cannot comment, but it seems to me acceptable. Anyway, enjoy your GTI and drive defensively. Good luck.
Horst
sorry but this is beyond plain and ugly. VW need to employ a designer for their small cars. No wonder this thing is hardly selling at all compared to mazda3s etc.
Indeed, Freddy. Perhaps VW’s designers could improve the Golf by adding a huge grinning face-style radiator intake. Then everyone would be happy…especially the car!
Yea doing that would at the very least make it look like someone tried to style it as opposed to resorting to build a box with some curves. Some people may like it for its “conservative” look, but i think it fails at that. Seriously, this car looks outdated by 1990 standards. Please get an a3 instead.
Hey,
In answer to the views expressed In regard to the shape of the VW Golf VI, I think, one has to understand that VW has to preserve the historic simplicity of the Golf, first introduced in 1976. VW leaves fancy design to others and rather concentrates with each new model on increasing quality, improving drivability and economy, and bettering refinement instead. In Germany, which is perhaps the biggest market for the Golf, this is expected from VW. A VW Golf must always look like a Golf and like nothing else. This, I think, is the principal philosophy guiding the VW engineers and designers. So far VW has been very successful with this.
Horst
Golf didn’t win world car of the year 2009 for nothing.
Keep up the brilliant work VW.
Hey all 118 kw TSI owners,
Latest info from the German motor forum indicates that a new water pump, with a modified magnetic coupling, which eliminates the squeaking noise experienced by some owners, is likely to be ready for delivery to German dealers in early November 2009. It should be available in Australia hopefully shortly after that. Exchange will apparently be under warranty.
H
I certainly hope this is true Horst. My chirp is getting louder and much more frequent. I am within a bee’s dick of trading it. In fact, I am speaking to an Audi and BMW dealer this weekend.
I will ask my VW service guy to check if there is any truth in these rumours…….not expecting a positive response. Gen V GT TSI drivers have had this problem for years, and no fix, so I dont know why they would bother now if the 118tsi makes up such a small percentage of sales. The noise is afterall a “Charactoristic of the Car” – YAY – CAR OF THE YEAR – GO YOU GOOD THING!!!!!
Hi Horst,
From Your name it is looking to me that you have German background… so if You are taking part in German forums do You have any information about problems with 90TSI and GTI (sorry but I am losing (not using) my Deutsch.. or if You can post link to forums
TA
Hi Horst,
I am new to this website, but have read with nervous interest your comments and helpful information regarding a hopeful solution to an annoying squeak caused by
a poorly designed magnetic coupling attached to the water pump on the TSI 118 of which I currently have on order with ETA of 14th Nov.
After reading the poor feedback from VW to Boney Maroney, I am now concerned about this fault that it seems VW are trying to pretend doesnt exist.
You mentioned the new water pump was due in Aus after Nov 09 and that it would be exchanged under warranty. My question is….will this be done on all new TSI’s or only those who’s owners already have the problem.
This is my first Euro car and it took a while of comparing to other small hatches, the closest initially was the Mazda 3 sp25, but I prefered the more solid feel and refined drive of the Golf…..now the wait has so anxiety mixed in too….sad you are having a bad run Boney Moroney
Hey there. Welcome.
On another VW site forum , there is an Aussie guy who’s Gen VI Golf wont rev past 2000rpm in second gear, and when in second gear it smells like buring rubber. You will find it with a quick search.
Guess what VW said to him………….”this is a charactoristic of YOUR car!” I couldnt believe they gave him the same excuse they were giving me!
Even if they do fix this I am still getting out. I have no trust in the brand when they make excuses like this not to fix things under warranty. Makes one think that the 3 year warranty means jack sh!t.
In echoing a former member and former TSI owner (GLEN) “You suck VW” and I agree!
If I wanted a car with crappy quirks I would have biught a PUG
Thanks for the info
From things I have heard about other car dealers also giving customers the run around and not ackowledging valid concerns,myself being one of those customers with another dealer in the past, you dont always get to find these things out until you have a issue AFTER buying the car,so it appears to be just good luck if you dont have any problems,or luck of the draw as to who you end up dealing with when there are concerns.
from things I have read almost weekly, there have been many customers with the same safety issues on their Ford Territories, but Ford initially wouldnt
fix this ndr warranty or acknowledge there was a design floor, yet the same issue affected many customers…..anyway didn’t mean to get off track as this is about the Golf 118TSI….
Hi Mirsad,
The 118TSI is the only twin-charger of the current Golf models (compressor and turbo), and therefor the only motor affected by the squeaking noise. The 90TSI and the GTI are not affected as they don’t have a compressor in addition to a turbo-charger. One should also note that, mysteriously, not all 118TSI’s are affected, but just a certain proportion only. The link to the German motor forum:
Horst
Hi Horst,
I am aware that 118TSI is only one with squealing noise problems… I was looking for any other issue.
My 118 TSI is producing other noise (not regularly but about 15 times in last 5 months)
When driving at constant speed (about 1300rpm – 7th gear) … if i try to accelerate car produce noise like (described by somebody) “plumbing from the engine to the exhaust came loose” and only 2 times it was so loud it was looking like “the exhaust would literally shake itself to bits”
Some people are talking about rattling noise, to me it sounding like exhaust is not fixed or like 2 stroke engine… ta…ta..ta .
Unfortunately I could not reproduce it when visiting dealer.
Hi Mirsad,
It seems that it is not possible to send any forum links. Please try to Google the German motor-talk forum. You may be able to work yourself through that way. In regard to the 90TSI and the GTI there appear to be no problems I know of.
Horst
Danke schon Horst
Hi Boney,
Yes, the V GT TSI motors, if they are twin-chargers, can also develop the squeaking problem. As I indicated before, the noise is related to the magnetic coupling of the water pump and only occurs with the twin-chargers. There have been a lot of complaints about this squeaking on the German motor-talk forum relating to the current 118TSI, and according to the info supplied on the forum, VW is close to a remedy. So I would wait a bit, even if it is difficult to be patient under the circumstances, before I would take any action which you indicated. Once this squeaking problem is solved, you will be happy again with your Golf, I am sure.
Horst
Hi Horst,
I am new to this website, but have read with nervous interest your comments and helpful information regarding a hopeful solution to an annoying squeak caused by
a poorly designed magnetic coupling attached to the water pump on the TSI 118 of which I currently have on order with ETA of 14th Nov.
After reading the poor feedback from VW to Boney Maroney, I am now concerned about this fault that it seems VW are trying to pretend doesnt exist.
You mentioned the new water pump was due in Aus after Nov 09 and that it would be exchanged under warranty. My question is….will this be done on all new TSI’s or only those who’s owners already have the problem.
This is my first Euro car and it took a while of comparing to other small hatches, the closest initially was the Mazda 3 sp25, but I prefered the more solid feel and refined drive of the Golf plus I had mostly positive reviews on this car.
Now I wait with nervous anticipation…..any more news on this would be appreciated
I believe in the GTI format, the MK5 version is a slightly better looking car than the new model and additionally the newer model is larger and slightly heavier. Based on all of the articles it seems the newer model is quieter and has a more refined ride than the old, but only slightly. There are however certainly more creature comforts and options over MK5 and personally I like both cars from the design point of view and would not say one is better than the other.
It will be interesting though to see how the Polo develops as it has now grown to the MK3 Golf in size. With the right engine configurations and with possible higher power to weight ratios the new Polo may just well be the next GTI of choice. Wait and see.
Hi my1stgolf,
According to the info from the German motor-talk forum, VW is well aware of the squeaking problem experienced by some ( but apparently not all ) 118TSI owners, and will exchange the existing water pump with a new redesigned one for those owners who experience the squeaking noise. According to the experience of owners in Germany, the squeaking usually starts after around 3,000 kilometers. You my actually not be affected at all, so I wouldn’t worry at this stage. We just have to wait and see how things develop.
Horst
Yep…..that sounds logical,thanks Horst.
I had read quiet a few reviews(all mostly positive on the 118 TSI) in order to help me make waht ended up being a hard decision between the Golf and another Hatch. What I had failed to do was read the comments until today…..after I had placed order on car of course.
I actually felt happy with my choice at the time and the dealership I have been dealing with has been brilliant, would recommend them to any of my friends…..so
I am going to show them the comments regarding this problem just so they know I am now aware there has been problems with some 118 TSI\’s and I will be seeking their support in helping me deal with VW should the need arise, I just think VW should be proactive and change the water pump if a customer requests it regardless, really for peace of mind.
I do very low mileage in my cars so may take a while to even do 3,000kms, but in view of what I have read, maybe a few long weekend drives may be in order….
thanks so much Horst for your informative comments, can you please let us all know as you hear on the German forum from anyone once they have had the swap, to see if that does fix the problem…..being a female, I hope not to have the same experience with VW tech service as both Boney or Mirsad should I have to deal with them GRRRRR
Well, I had the ‘pleasure’ of dealing with VW Australia and they threatened to sue me for what they termed, “harassment”. There was even talk of involving my employer if I contacted them again. I couldn’t stand the issues with my car any longer. My chirp started well before 1000kms as did all the other problems which resulted in more than $30 000 of repairs being done. The transmission would probably have needed to be replaced for the second time too. It was failing badly in the last few days I had the car. VW’s supposed customer care is non-existent. They should be ashamed of themselves. They lost a good customer here. I had three Golfs, never again….
Hi Glen,
What are the symptoms of failing transmission in Your case
Thank You
Hi Mirsad
My transmission was making very rough and clunky gear changes. The noise was quite noticeable in the front passenger side of the car. VW replaced the DSG but I was having problems with that too, the transmission was slipping out of gear into neutral and the clunking rattling noise int he front of the car weas becoming worse. At times the car was blowing clouds of black smoke under acceleration which was not normal at all.
I also had a very loud banging noise underneath the car when accelerating up or down an incline. I don’t know what this was.
The whole car was a lemon.
Go to consumer affairs.
Sick of car companies bullying people with their corporate might.
Document everything. Request a written response to all your complaints/problems.
Google consumer affairs in your state. Contact them!
I once delt with a nasty Toyota dealership in Melbourne. When I had bought a car I discovered the rings were shot. They had used stop smoke to cover it up but it would burn the whole sump of oil over 300ks. Lucky for me I checked it before it seized. They ended up rebuilding the engine when the nice people from consumer Affairs Victoria contacted them. Expect them to be nasty and obnoxious just be dilligent in following due course.
Another thing I have seen done in QLD was a family that were sold a lemon would piquet the car dealership every weekend with “sold me a lemon” signs. You should have seen people avoid that dealership!
You can also write to dubdubdubDOTnotgoodenoughDOTorg/
Power to the consumer and don’t be intimidated!
Howdy
Did all that. Consumer Protection couldn’t help, they even examined the car. They said as long as VW was trying to fix the car they were fulfilling their obligations. All Consumer Protection can do is try to prove that the car was in an un-saleable condition when it was sold to me, but of course that’s impossible…
I dumped the car and bought from another manufacturer. Sad to think that VW is now trying to sell it for what I paid for it with 4000kms on the clock and a whole raft of problems to boot.
Horst,
after reading your interesting blogs and seeing that you are pretty up to date on the German forums, can you tell me if the new Golf GTi has been released over there?
If so, what sort of feed back is this getting please, I hear its due to be released in Aus next month, any flaws so far? Sounds like the TSI 118 has had some issues, but I am under the impression that the new GTi V1 will have the same motor as the GTi V but with a little more power, and its a different motor to the TSI 118, so maybe wouldnt have the same squeak, chirp noise? Am I right with this?
Hi golfgirl,
The GTI VI is being sold in Germany already, and at this stage, I haven’t heard anything negative about it. In fact the owners are all full of praise at this stage. You are right, the GTI VI has the same motor as the GTI V, except that it has around 7 kw more power. Since the GTI has no twin-charger as the TSI 118, there is no squeak or chirp noise.
Sorry,
But I think MKV is coming with 2l FSI and MK VI with 2l TSI engine (without supercharger)… which is more powerful version of 1.4TSI – engine from 118TSI (but with supercharger)
Why buy a lemon? VW cars are regarded as a problem box in USA…Most mechanics love VW…Ha Ha Ha…
As far as I know, both, the GTI V and the GTI VI have a 2 L engine with a Turbo-charger. The only difference is that the GTI VI has about 7 kw more power. I don’t know why VW changed the name of the engine from FSI to TSI. Maybe someone can enlighten me on this?
Its an entirely new engine altogether….check out the engine code’s…
Thanks for replying Horst.
The reason for my query is because my bosses wife owns the GTi V Pirelli, and I asked him if they had any problems with it and he said apart from a small electrical problem that was rectified promptly, they love it.
I want to update my current car (non WV) to something smaller and having only had Japanese made, have been happy with reliability in the past, found the test drive in the Golf 118TSI to be great and very keen UNTIL I read customers comments on this website, not much in the market that I like at the moment in the way of smallish hatch with all the creature comforts, yes i have 3 times driven the Mazda 3 sp 25, and even the Mazda 6 sports luxury, prefered that to the 3 personally, except for 1. Non heated leather seats (non optional)2. Lack of power and torque for size of car. Customer reviews on this car have been much more positive though?
Any other good websites to view info apart from this one, carsguide, car showroom?
Oh what to do and in the mean time I want to sell my car before end of year because in Jan it will be 5 yrs old and depreciate more, love my current car but only want to update and get away from black with Vic water restrictions it always looks dusty
Hi to Horst, Glen, BM,Mirsad,Steve & Nick
well after placing order on 118TSI as earlier mentioned and reading every single thread on this website, my anxiety got the better of me and I am no longer geting this car. Will wait to see if a fix happens first.
Today I read every comment from the beginning and if I stopped at page 1 of the oldest comments, I would have been so excited to get this car in my garage, just like you other 118 TSI owners all were in the beginning….
Now I wanted an update from both Steve & Nick please….how are your TDI’s going, obviously they are not affected by the twin charger problem, but Steve I think you had some tap noise with the window pane? Has that ever been fixed, and how are you both finding the diesels still? Any new developments, have you had them serviced yet, arent diesels more expensive to service? My biggest problem is I dont do enough Kms to probably warrant the bigger price tag,
Also Boney, how about an update from you,- how did the trip go to BMW and Audi? Have you traded in yet, AND you had said about changing over to a TDI? What happened to change your mind there?
Horst can you please keep us informed on the water pump update as news comes in please, not sure which way to go but will keep watch on this site…it has been very enlightning…oh and how is the Mazda going Glen? Which zoom zoom did you get?
May have to change my name now to no1stgolf? :-( Just a hint for BM, can you past the links in when you mention other ones to visit as opposed to just saying google them? Im not having too much luck there, probably just me
Thanks guys for keeping us all informed, much appreciated
Hi my1stgol,
I joined that German motor-talk forum that Horst recommended as well as VWAudi forum from UK.
They are talking about new water pump.
As they are bigger markets their forums are much bigger and I suppose if You join you can find some of answers.
If you don’t understand German than VWAudi forum (you can google it) is good solution.
One of the topics is about squealing noise.
Sorry but I can’t post link.
Good luck
Hi there,
Yeah this whole thread goes from “WOW to CRAP” over a few months doesn’t it.
The reason I dont post links to other sites is that Car Advice take the off the post. Competition I guess? Maybe also to lessen the D!ckhead factor (people posting viral links etc).
I have the window tapping as well. HAve noticed it as the weather has been getting warmer. The others mention it is an expanding of the window in the frames as the glass heats up in the sun. This sounds like what is happening, and it is annoying, but not as annoying as the supercharger/waterpump chirp.
Regarding looking at the TDI – in most first reply to your post not long ago I mentioned a guy on an Aussie Forum who had a golf that wouldnt rev past 2000rpm in second gear…..forgot to mention it was a Gen VI TDI…..VW couldnt fix it and told him it was a charactoristic of his car. That is solely the reason behind me not going with the TDI, or any other VW product ever again for that matter. What is the use of a warranty if your car wont be fixed/replaced, instead you get a crappy response saying “this should be considered a charactoristic of your car”. They could say that about anything that goes wrong with the car and it is NOT ACCEPTABLE. YES, YOU DO SUCK VW!………… check out dubdubdub dot vwwatercooled dot org dot au (see if that gets through)…….go to the MK6 board, 2nd page, go to thread “Flywheel and a useless warranty”
On the same site, also check out the thread on the first page “TSI squeal noise problem on acceleration” If you go to the last page, click on the link to the uk website, then follow your nose to the google translate site linked to the german forum and you will find this is probably where Horst is getting his info from. Still all RUMOURS about the water pump, which is admitted again and again on the thread. This is a sh!tty problem with a new car, that VW and the dealers know about, and they still sell this as “CAR OF THE YEAR”, knowing they will have pi$$ed off customers. What a morally bankrupt company and of course, the dealers automatically get put in this category anyway.
Furthermore, due to your interest, I wish to inform that I test drove an Audi A3 1.8T. Has similar outputs to the 118tsi, but feels faster and more responsive, especially down low. Feels like quality, got all of the kit that makes the golf special, but GULP, at a $51k driveaway price, it is considerably more expensive (compared to mt 118tsi with DSG that I got for $32300 via a corp discount through NAB). I have decided that i will pay more for a vehicle, but unsure on the AUDI, only because I dont want profits to go through to VW……sounds silly I know…… BMW dealer said that he should have a 118d for me to drive before the end of the year, so I will wait until then. Drove a second hand 120d and it was nice. They have stopped building the 120d as of Sept 09, and are replacing it with the 118d, which again should be her by the end of the year.
Hope my rant and info helps
Thanks for all that Boney,
I have been diligently following all your comments on here, I guess hoping also that you would have some good news to say problem solved.
By finding this website, but not initially the comments, it may have saved me a lot of heartache and frustration, not to mention my hard earned money (non fleet $ driveaway). Its obvious to VW Germany that there is a design flaw with this current model (only 118TSI) and the sooner they get this dealt with the better…..I really do feel sorry for you guys and anyone going through this.
Yes I do recall you mentioning the guy with the car that wouldnt rev past 2000revs in 2nd gear, oh so thats the diesel….wonder ot Steve or Nick have had that happen to them? I really did like these cars, still wanting to get feedback on the new GTi, cant read German, so relying on Horst to keep us up to date, or Mirsad….I know you won’t go there understandably….pls keep us up to date with what happens and GOOD LUCK Boney with whatever decision you make, I sure hope you have a better run next time.
One thing I must add, it is obvious to me that this is not some normal characteristic when Mirsad’s service guy lubricated the problem area and the noise stopped for a couple of months, and after listening to his you tube video, it sounded to me like a dry metal noise rubbing together (or actally bellbirds with a cold)….no I would not like to buy any car with a characteristic like that, and actually if this is a normal thing….why isnt it pointed out to us all when test driving the car? So much to take in at the time and with the radio on and talking, I had not even heard it until Mirsads video, now I wonder how I could have missed it……thanks for the reply
Hi my1stgolf,
It appears that the tapping issue on my car has been resolved; I think I can hear it now and again but only very slightly though, but it is not annoying me like it did. I suspect the fix has worked. I will know for sure in the hotter weather.
There have been no other issues, the 2.0 TDI motor has been very good, I seem to be averaging around 5 to 5.5 ltres and the pull from the torquey engine is quite amazing. The car also sticks like glue, handling is first rate (with the sportspack).
Time will tell if the tapping issue has been fully resolved, I will take it back in summer for another look if not.
Kind regards
Steve
Great news Steve,thanks very much for that.
You should be very happy you chose the diesel, yes they sure do hug the road
and they are a great drive……you are on a winner hopefully.
Happy golfing for the future
Hi Mirsad,
thanks for replying, I have joined the Audi UK forum as I dont speak German.
Also tonight I watched your you tube video, yep that noise needs to be rectified alright, so will read up what I can via that site as well, again thanks
Hi Boney,
According to your post, your experience with VW must be very frustrating indeed. Some owners of the TSI 118 in Germany have the same problem with the squeaking noise and are similarly disappointed. They seem to think that perhaps one should wait for the calendar week 45, to see whether something positive will happen, before taking any action. One of the badly affected owners is thinking to ask for an exchange of his car for a new one, provided there will be no solution to the squeaking noise. VW dealers are apparently not allowed to give any info on progress. One affected owner went for a long trip to Italy and on his return the squeaking disappeared, and so far didn’t come back. It’s a mystery also that not all TSI 118 are affected. I think that you are just one of the unlucky ones. Hope things will work out to your satisfaction.
Hi Folks
One thing I know for sure is that VW will not replace any cars. If they do, they’ll be opening the flood gates. When I pushed this issue with them, I was threatened with legal action. If they start replacing cars they would be setting a clear precedent. Just replacing the water pumps and superchargers on the 118s will cost them a fortune alone. They know they’ve got a very significant issue to deal with… Speakign from experience I also know that there’s a few dodgy DSGs around too. My car was almost onto its third and the car was only 3 months old!!!
Come to think of it, when I first test drove a 118 the salesman insisted on turning up the stereo. I’d turn it off and he’d turn it back on. On reflection, was he perhaps trying to eliminate the potential of me hearing an annoying chirp?? Something to consider…
Hey Glen, still curious to know which zoom zoom you now drive?
Are you happy with this car, any issues so far….I’m still in the market
for a new car but….decided not to go with the 3, still considering the 6 lux sports, power/torque could have been better & currently drive 5 yr old car with HEATED leather seats, not even an optional extra with Mazda, hard to give this up once you have been used to them especially during Melb. winters!
May go look at the new Subby’s today, hope they look better in the metal than any pics so far, hmm, and then theres the GTi due this month….will keep on trawling these sites for now……
Hi There My First!
I ended up buying an SP25 hatch with leather seats and Bose stereo. So far I am really happy with the car. It seems to be really well put together and feels solid and safe. I haven’t had any issues with noise and I actually find it quieter than the Golf. Having a bigger engine means more power, and the difference in torque is really un-noticeable. The transfer of foot action to power is very much smoother than that of the Golf which always seemed to surge/jolt when you put your foot down. I guess the turbo and supercharger had to get busy to produce the power.
I have to admit that I miss a few of the Golf extras like auto wipers, headlights, rearview mirror etc, but the premium stereo, leather seats and satnav make up for that! I’m taking the car in for its 1000km service this coming week. Mazda is bending over backwards with customer service and is even giving me a complimentary loan car for the day. Try getting that out of VW!
I’m very happy with my Zoom Zoom car! Good luck with your car hunting!
Thanks for that Glen,
I have to laugh because that is the same car we pitched against the 118TSI, along with the Bose & leather and a hatch…gee did you get the aluminium colour too? Was my favourite colour….well again today we test drove the maz 6 sports luxury hatch and we are feeling more comfortable with going with reliability as opposed to the refined ride and yes that solid well put together feeling the Golf really does have.
I truly did love those extra things and the car,but the Mazda 6 has pretty much most of those anyway, well the leather seats not being heated is still an annoyance (once you have that already, hard to give up in the winter)cloth isnt an option,(dont get that very often)but I know theres always going to be compromise(s), counting them as I type.
I truly hope the sp25 keeps on meeting your expectations, you sure do deserve it, did you get a good deal? Great they are providing such good customer service, hope they would still do so if any issues did come to light(that ususally sorts them all out)Initially Mazda gave us the lowest tradein price and didnt budge much $$ on sp25 (nor the 6) so will shop around and still try selling current car privately, different dealer today, so who knows….guess I will definitely have to change my name maybe to nogolf now..think I now hate car hunting
oops, me again, just read earlier thread and I am repeating myself with the same news…sorry Glen and anyone else who reads my dribble…can I blame old age????
118TSI won the engine of the year? Must be joking,,,Must have won the lemon of the year,,,
Hey guys,.Do your research before buying a car,,,Having a test drive is not good enough… It will save you fortune. Don’t be lazy,.,I recommend you guys to buy Japanese or Korean built cars..If you want trouble free motoring, buy Asian built car…
GREAT ADVICE nothanks. Don’t be a goose mate. I dont know of anyone spending upwards of $30k on a car and not researching the purchase. As you will see, tools like this website are part of the research and are used well before purchase. I certainly looked at buying a new VW Golf, but not now. Reseach done. Sorry you other guys have suffered through this purchase
nothanks, please make your contribution worthwhile in future
Can I just say in the others guys defence, and as I stated earlier, if I had read only page 1 of this thread, I would have been really excited to have the 118TSI sitting in my garage (based on the feedback in the early days) and whatever research i had done back then(not as savvy as some of you at this) would probably have convinced me it was a good thing, and the test drives(4) would have sealed the deal.
Every car review I have read was really good, and those that tested the 118TSI did not mention in any review that it had this chirp…..so I would conclude from this that the problem develops as time goes by…..I know Horst has said not every 118 has this problem…maybe those owners havent done the required kms yet?
It appears that as the time has gone by that this \”characteristic chirp/squeal\”
has got louder or even started for some between 1000-5000kms….20/20 hindsight is everything isnt it…in the past I will admit I am one of those
people who you mention above, with the only research in the past being car reviews and if I liked the car (all have been Japanese), I am from generation X and a female, personally not too mechanically minded(although I have learned a bit through this thread), yet I guess I have just been lucky and couldnt say any of my cars have been lemons…I know someone will come back and say yep thats because they are Japanese), this may be the case…but ALL cars can have problems…maybe they are just so mass produced these days, they are not made to last anyway….I have heard re: comments earlier on Golf V = SA, Golf VI =Germany, it doesnt matter as they are built by robots anyway….maybe thats the problem!!!
I have the opportunity of getting a MkVI 118TSI as my next company car, it was my decision based on lots of research that I’ve done. Of course, I stumbled on this thread after I’d already submitted my choice of car to my boss. Yeah, ho hum, story of my life and all that, however the deal hasn’t gone ahead just yet.
With respect to the chirping that’s attributed to the magnetic coupling attached to the water pump, I presume it’s annoying rather than detrimental to the vehicle’s performance. If that’s all it is, I can live with that until there’s a recall or replacement during servicing. My late father had two Golfs, and I’m more than happy to continue the tradition.
Earlier in these threads I noticed someone had recorded the noise and posted it on you tube so heres the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLu73I1QD7M
You decide if its annoying.
Good luck
Just by the TDi and learn to drive a manual, they are brilliant, by all means steer away from the 118TSi if you feel the need but don’t shy away from the Golf all together, they are an amazing drive. Buy the TDI, trust me you won’t be disappointed.
To No Golf & Carfanatic, thanks for the responses. I’ll have a listen to the chirp later this evening. I had always intended to have a manual gearbox, I’m not a big fan of automatics. I had originally considered the TDi but having read a couple of reviews they though it wasn’t quite as well-performed as its petrol counterpart. However, and based on your recommendation CF, I’ll definitely have to revisit the specs, you may be onto something there because I note that the 118TSi prefers the most expensive fuel. That wouldn’t necessarily be a problem for me since my employer would be paying for the fuel. If the deal does go ahead I guess I’ll just have to get used to pulling up at the diesel bowser.
There aren’t too many VW dealers in metropolitan Perth, my closest is ‘just over the Causeway in Victoria Park’, I live in Como.
One more request for advice from the cognoscenti, if I go for the diesel MkVI Golf, should I be looking to the 77TDi Trendline+Comfort package or ask outright for a 103TDi Comfortline? Which would represent the better value vs performance? I should add that performance is NOT necessarily my primary objective, but I’m sure it will be a lot nicer to drive than my current work’s vehicle, a Hi-Lux 2.7 WorkMate ute.
Hi Frankenstrat,
There is no doubt that the 103kwTDI has a better performance than the 77kwTDI. In fact, when you try out both of them, you may find that the 77TDI feels a bit lame. So, if money is no object, I would take the 103TDI. It would also give you the better seats with lumber support for long distance driving, 16 inch alloys, and a few other things not included in the Comfort Package.
Provided you don’t drive a lot, I would also try out the 90kwTSI with Comfort Package, as it has only a turbo charger and therefore is free of the possible squeaking problem of the 118kwTSI.
Thank you Horst, I’ve already suggested to the CEO that the 103TDI would probably be the better choice and your response confirms that.
I live close to the local rail station, and I’ve noticed a 90TSi regularly parks in my street. It looks like it has the Comfort Package fitted because it has alloy rims. It’s a silvery grey colour and does look rather nice. For me, I’d prefer white and definitely the manual gearbox.
I’ll report back with developments as they unfold, but I’m reasonably confident that I’ll be driving a Golf to and from work before too long.
Hi 118kw TSI owners,
The latest info from the German Motor-Talk forum indicates that there will be no new water pump in calendar week 45. This has been received with shock by those owners who are suffering from the squeaking noise of their cars.
Apparently, according to advice from VW, there is at this stage no solution and there will be non in the not- too- distant future. The action/measure is known by the number: 2012623/15. Accordingly, there appears to be no remedy in calendar week 45, as has been hoped for. I am very sorry and disappointed, but unfortunately, this is the latest info from Germany.
No surprises there Horst…..other forums have members who have had the squeak in their Gen V GT TSIs for years. If they were going to try for a fix they would have done it by now.
this is a fault, not a charactoristic, a metal on metal sound is wearing on something, and I wont be around to see what happens as I am out of mine ASAP.
Thanks for the update
Thanks Horst,
I am soooooo pleased I decided not to go ahead with my purchase after hearing this.
Shame on VW Germany!!!!
I have continually watched this thread for any updates, all the while hoping that I had not done the wrong thing by opting out because there was supposed to be a solution just around the corner.Not to mention that I had fallen in love with this car and the drive etc.
I have now purchased another make and will be picking it up on 30th Oct.
Horst, thanks so much for your updates, you have truly been such a help with the info.
To all the other 118 TSI current owners, I am so sorry you have been left high & dry. Still interested to hear from Boney & Mirsad and what decisions you have made, think you said (Boney) that you were waiting for a new model Beemer due soon?
Good luck guys,if it wasnt for you plus Glen, I would have definitely been a 118TSI owner…waiting for the noise to happen.
Erste Danke Horst, You are our foreign corespondent
I have signed contract for GTI hopefully delivery is in next few weeks (carbon steel – gray with DSG)
On my 118 TSI I have that another noise from time to time (about 20 times in 7 months) (I was asking other people about that) … sound like exhaust is shaking like it is not properly attached… people in Wangara VW are helpful they have checked and it is looking OK … I cant reproduce that noise when there… one of the explanation is that heat protection sheet is vibrating under some condition…
They have cleaned supercharger and I am without that squeal currently … for how long???
Sorry I cant I can’t give You trade in details but deal there (Wangara VW) was best (in Perth we have only 3 dealers)
Mirsad, I respect that you can’t divulge your trade-in details with Wangara VW, do you think they would be the best place to get a deal on a new car in the Perth Metro area (without trade-in)? John Hughes is a lot closer to where I live (I’m in Como) but Osborne Park is only 10-15 minutes up the Freeway. The only other WA dealer I’m aware of is in Bunbury.
The GTi is a great choice, they definitely look the business! Your’s should look superb in Carbon Steel Grey. There’s a grey 90TSi parks in my street each day and a grey MkV 1.6 just around the corner owned by an acquaintance. I’d like to think that a white 103TDi will soon be joining them!
Hi Frankenstrat,
When I was trading my 2l FSI for 118TSI (Mar 09) I went first to Osborne Park VW where I bought my previous 2 Golfs (1,6 and 2l FSI).
But trade in price for my FSI, fixed RRP for 118TSI and new staff – not helpful, turned me off, ….I looked on VWA website and discovered that new AHG VW dealership was just opened in Wangara.
I went there and discovered that manager and few sales people that I knew are actually from Osborne Park VW
Good price and helpful staff from Manager to Service manager and that is it.
Why not JH VW … I don’t have good experience when I was looking for car for my daughter Polo
At that time only price for them was RRP… newer called back with better offer
Thank you Mirsad, I appreciate your help. I had a look at the AHG web site yesterday. It certainly looks like it will be worth contacting them. It’s very interesting that the manager and some of the sales staff at Wangara are from Osborne Park VW.
Osborne Park VW and Wangara VW are part of the AHG group – moving staff around – I suppose is normal
Hey there myfirstgolf (now to be renamed: nogolfanddamnhappyaboutit)
As my post is still awaiting moderation after 5 days, i have amended it and taken out any perceivably offensive words. Sorry if this post eventually appears twice
Yeah you bet, new BMW 118d hits Aussie shores in December, so I have organised with the dealer for an extended run in oneto compare to the Audi A3 ……….still so dirty at VW that I dont want an Audi out of pure spite….SILLY I KNOW!
What did you end up getting…..am guessing a Mazda 3? You made the correct choice in running from this car, I am so dissappointed in my decision after being so convinced when test driving and researching the car
OTHER ISSUES STARTED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS: I put my car in reverse the other day, on my flat driveway, and it moved to go forward when I touched the accelerater – have noticed on other forums that this issue with the new 7sp DSG arises from time to time….lucky I wasnt trying to parrallel park. Another issue is I was travelling down hill yesterday and the engine completely stopped…I pulled over and restarted, had half a tank of fuel so dunno what was happening there………More dash rattles too
I AM SO OVER THIS CAR. CAR OF THE YEAR – I THINK NOT.
Hi myfirstgolf(nomore),
Yes, it is unfortunate that such an excellent car as the Golf 118 TSI can develop this squeaking noise. Although, because it apparently may also not occur, many are still taking the risk, as technically/ mechanically there is nothing wrong.
Affected owners have tried to get car magazines to report about the squeaking noise, but they all have refused to get involved. Anyway, I wish you good luck with your purchase of another make.
Hi all Golf 118TSI owners,
The very latest info from the German Motor-Talk forum:
‘Advice from VW by letter to a member of the forum indicates that VW is aware of isolated complaints and is presently endeavoring to find a remedy. VW is apparently confident that in the not- too-distant future a solution will be found. An exact date as to when the remedy will be available, VW cannot say at this stage and asks therefore for a bit more patience.’
It appears that those affected by the squeaking sound should keep in touch with their respective VW dealerships, as they will be involved in any remedial measures to be taken at a future date.
Little bit f conspiracy theory:
New pump is going from week 45 but only for new cars… not officially because that way VW will admit there is a problem
and
It is to expensive to replace it on all “squealing cars” (118TSI, MK5 GT, Scirocco…) … water pump replacement in my car costed about A$5,000…
To silence owners of “squealing cars” they said we are going to do something … until we stop complying or until they found some chip solution not w/pump replacement.
I think you are saying what I am thinking Mirsad
Hi Mirsad,
I think, changing from a squeaking 118TSI to a GTI is a good move. An owner of a squeaking 118TSI in Germany, I read about, did exactly the same thing. Congratulations!
The apparently high cost of exchanging the water pump is probably a reason why VW in it’s letter only talks about a remedy, which probably means a redress which is inexpensive. Your theory I find interesting.
OK that is it
From yesterday I am an ex 118TSI (after 8 months) and current GTI owner.
Congrats on your purchase. How does she go Mirsad…….in direct comparison to your other 118tsi crapbox?
THANK YOU
First I don’t want to be to exited … I was exited with 118TSI.. see what happened
but
Don’t understand me wrongly – excluding that common squealing and other noise (that I have) 118TSI was pleasant car quite, with good performance, god handling and not thirsty
My first GTI (it was always my dream but it is y first GTI from 6 golfs) impression is i line with professional reviews,
it has something that You can’t describe… maybe as x-factor, firmer than 118TSI, handling and especially cornering is brilliant. I have not pressed accelerator firmly (not yet) I am old school – first 1500 km gradually push up performance … what I don’t like it is thirstier and lauder (and it is not that noise enhancer … maybe it is turbo I am not sure I have to ask other GTI owners about that … maybe it will settle – odometer is only 80 km)
It is first but full impression… in 6 months
There was a red GTI parked in my street all day yesterday, it looked like it was about 10 minutes old. Quite why the driver wasn’t zipping around around the suburbs has got me beat! What colour did you get, Mirsad, and were you visiting anybody in Como on Sunday?
Hi
My is carbon steel grey metallic with DSG – no other options – that was only one available with min. options (min. price) and closest to my favourite colour – black.
Something else
According to dealer I was the first one (or one of the first) in WA with 118TSI (05 Mar 09),
first one with noise,
first one with water pump replaced,
first one with repaired squealing noise
first one with MK6 GTI….
I just hope 5 going to be first one… happy one
Congratulations Mirsad, I hope you’re very happy with your new GTI.
By the way, the red GTI parked in my street had the grille typical of the MkV GTI, but the car looked almost brand new, and it was also fitted with a towbar. Maybe someone had traded in a MkV and this person had bought it from a dealer?
Hi there Boney,
great to hear from you, had to laugh at your response (did take a while to get through)
Well you are partly right with your guess – yes it is a Mazda, but not the 3.
After deciding we like the extras in the Golf, we decided to also try the 6 (yep instead of downsizing, we have kind of stayed with same size as previous car) So as of 30th Oct (same day as Mirsad I see) we took posession of a Mazda 6 sports luxury hatch incl sat nav.
Today was our first proper drive apart from the test drives, and although my heart still loves the Golf (my head knew we could no longer buy one) I must say the Mazda is growing on me more and more.
Dont see so many 6’s on the road compared to the 3’s, I know 3’s are the big sellers for Mazda, but the 6 is a lovely car to drive (had test driven the Mazda 3 sp25)4 times, but I liked the extra features of the 6 so it comes down to personal choice I guess.Think we got a better discount with the 6 than we would have got with the 3 because of supply and demand.
Gosh things just keep getting worse for you and the 118TSI dont they?
After following these threads with much interest from you, Mirsad, Glen and the valuable source of information Horst, I keep coming back to check on updates about you all.
Hope Glen is still having good run with his sp25, Mirsad sounds determined to stick with VW after 6 previous golfs (really hope the GTi will be a sound replacement) we had seriously considered waiting for that ourselves….hopefully the beemer will be okay and Dec is now only next month (not soon enough for you huh)I get what you mean about not buying Audi- after all you have been through – you have a right to feel the way you do. My motto for you Boney is…the best is yet to come!
Again I am very grateful to all you guys for the experiences you shared with the rest of us, you are the whole reason we chickened out of the 118TSI.
The Mazda may not be as refined (my opinion) as the Golf and obviously larger, but reliability is very important to me, and I spoke to a complete stranger this morning who parked his Mazda 6 by where I was walking, asked him about his run so far as his is quiet a few months old, all positive news, not a single problem, very happy with his choice.
Hope you have some good news to share in the not too distant future Boney.
Talked to another ex Golf owner (GTi v) recently and he said his wife demanded the car be sold as every time she would reverse out of a parking space, the car would lurch backwards because of the DSG gearbox – they hated it and considered this to be dangerous, he said he would only consider a manual next time – she then brought a Mazda sp23 (previous model) very happy with it.
The Mazda 3 and Golf seem to be compared a lot huh
Hi Golf VI 1.4 TSI 118kw owners,
Lates info from the German Motor-Talk forum:
‘VW has apparently answered a VW dealer in Germany and has advised, that from December 2009, the new water-pump will be delivered to dealers for installation in those Golfs which are affected by the squeaking sound. Hopefully, relieve for affected Australian owners will be on it’s way not too long after that.’
Now that’s great news, Horst. Is the exchange part supplied and fitted at VW’s expense?
As far as I understand it, Frankenstrat, the exchange part will be supplied and fitted at VW’s expense. I shall keep an eye on developments,
Hi everyone,
I’ve had the same issue with the supercharger noise as people have described on this forum i.e. short squeak with acceleration. Golf VI DSG Comfortline. Initially had the water pump drive plate replaced after talking to dealer principal from inchcape auto in parramatta where I purchased. Had the same problem as everyone else initially with VW advising that it was a normal characteristic. Wasn’ too hard to convince the principal that it wasn’t normal after getting him to have a listen. Very loud and frequent back then.
The noise was temporarily fixed as others have experienced only to return after approx 2 months. Less frequent and loud. Not driving me as crazy. Finally had the opportunity to take to chatswood classic cars today (recommended by friend, part of inchcape anyway). The noise was again identified as same issue with supercharger clutch. Was advised that VW are now trialling a new part. Booked for installation in early Jan. Optimistic this will fix the problem. They said they will install the new part but did not guarantee the problem would be fixed permanently. The guy did not seem to know exactly what part it was though. Could not really say whether it was the water pump upon questioning.
I am wondering whether this is the new water pump that you have been speaking of Horst Flugel? If so it seems that it may now be available. The guys at chatswood classic cars seem very friendly and willing to help for anyone looking for the same fix.
Cheers.
I am experiencing some issues with my DSG on 118TSI. As mentioned by Mirsad, I am having similar problems with my DSG which automatically kicks to Neutral when driving (in D mode) and the engine over revs due to this. The car looses power due to this and even roll back if you are driving on inclined roads; it happened to me yesterday-was bit scary drive! I had taken my car (towed) to the dealer before for the same reason. As they couldn’t find the issue(or reproduce), they did a software reset (As advised by VW Au). Now after a month later I was hit by the same issue! Again my car had to be towed to the dealer!
Now from my experience, I don’t think Golf 118TSI DSG is a safe car to drive anymore! It could be the world car, but it seems like there are some serious hidden problems. Now I wont suggest anyone to get a 118TSI with DSG!
Hi all,
I understand from the German Motor-Talk forum posts, that the new water pump is still being tested by VW in Germany and should be available after December 2009. Anyway, to make sure to get the right pump installed, in exchange for the squeaking pump, here are the numbers of the old and the new pumps which I gleaned from the German Motor-Talk forum posts-
Old existing pump : 73.480.03-999B
New revised pump : 73.480.03-MD79
It may be of interest to affected owners, that in a few cases in Germany, the squeaking sound disappeared after around 10,000 kilometers by itself, and so far didn’t come back.
In regard to the malfunctioning DSG, as experienced by Gjack555, I think that the faulty DSG should be replaced, if it cannot be successfully repaired and affects the safety of the vehicle.