2009 Volkswagen Golf Review & Road Test
May 27, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Volkswagen Golf Review & Road Test
New Golf hits the competition for six
Model Tested:
- 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mark VI 90TSI Trendline; 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder; six-speed manual; five-door hatch: $25,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $700; Satellite Navigation $3000; Adaptive Chassis Control $1500; Alarm $600; Fog Lamps $400; Parallel Park Assist $1400; Reversing Camera $500; Sunroof $1900 (Fitted); Premium Audio System $1800; iPod Interface $270; Satellite Navigation with Audio Upgrade $4000; Comfort Package $2200
Punchy & economical; Smooth gearbox; Dynamically enjoyable
Price when optioned; Urethane steering wheel; Late clutch uptake
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
It’s hard to believe the Golf was in need of an update. Already such a terrific little car with contemporary style, it hardly felt old.
After driving the latest version of Germany’s favourite mid-sized hatch this week, I think it’s fair to say that the all-new Golf is not only better than its predecessor, but that it also hits the competition for six.
The Golf Mark VI takes everything we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen and polishes off a few rough edges to bring the car in line with the brand’s new design direction – which is clearly evident in both the Scirocco-esque front end and Tiguan-ish tail.
The result is an attractive, well sorted and dynamically enjoyable vehicle that boasts exceptional fit and finish, a quiet, balanced ride, as well as that all important high level of safety.
With a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, the Golf is far more spirited than its 90kW output rating would have you believe, managing the 0-100km/h sprint in a touch under 10 seconds.
The six-speed manual gearbox too is an absolute delight; very smooth to operate with an excellent spread of ratios.
Plus, with 200Nm on hand from just 1500rpm, the Golf is an easier drive than most manuals in this class and seems to make shifting cogs a far less busy occupation than you would at first believe.
The clutch is light, but not devoid of feel, though I did find it presents a very late uptake point which isn’t exactly to my personal liking.
Despite this one small issue the Golf remains an extremely enjoyable drive with confident and balanced handling from the strut front, multi-link rear suspension arrangement and well weighted steering with just the right amount of feedback.
The ride too is very pleasant; settled and quiet, which is a very rare combination in cars south of the $30K price bracket.
In standard form (as tested) the Golf 90TSI offers: a single CD tuner; trip computer; flip key remote central locking; power windows and heated power mirrors; and air-conditioning, which is about what you’d expect for this kind of money.
But if you’re like me and need a little extra pampering, the Comfort Pack is probably the best value way to up-spec the base model, adding 15-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate, cruise control, MFD trip computer, and best of all a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls – all for an additional $2200.
Staying inside you’ll find sensible utilisation of space for added storage, greater interior room and a plain yet logically formed decor which although a little dull, is certain not to age as readily as some of Golf’s more “funky” competitors.
Proportionally ample seating with comfortable cloth trimmed seats make longer trips a delight, while rear seating is roomy enough to comfortably seat three adults without a bother.
Inside the top-hinged hatch Golf offers an impressive 350 litres of cargo capacity with the seats and parcel shelf in place, though this can be expanded to a cavernous 1305 litres thanks to 60:40 split fold rear seats.
As we touched on earlier, safety is a well addressed concern in the new Golf with this base model featuring standard front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags; ESP with Traction Control; and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBA and EBD.
So if you’re on a budget and find yourself shopping the mid-sized hatch market this is one car I’d strongly recommend taking for a test drive.
The driver in you will love the on-road athleticism on offer while your common sense side is certain to feel reassured after just one solid close of the door.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1390cc DOHC four cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 90kW @ 5000rpm
- Torque: 200Nm @ 1500rpm
- Induction: Direct Injection & Turbo Charged
- Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 200km/h (Claimed)
- 0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 149 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 6.4 litres per 100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 7.4 litres per 100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
- Fuel Type: 95 – 98 RON Unleaded
- NCAP Rating: Five-Star
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-Link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 350 / 1305 litres
- Tow Capacity: 1300kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
- Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
- Weight: 1302kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Steel 15 x 6.0-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
- Alfa Romeo 147
- Citroen C4
- Fiat Ritmo
- Ford Focus
- Holden Astra
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai i30
- Mini Cooper
- Mazda 3
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Nissan Tiida
- Peugeot 308
- Renault Megane
- Subaru Impreza
- Suzuki SX4
- Toyota Corolla
- Volvo C30
Print it: 
Sorry for the bad gramma people, trying to text on my iPhone in the train is a bit awkward.
Plus, I bet Volkswagen’s cheif designer Walter de’Silva is a more conservative person than Mazda’s cheif designer Kunihiko Kurisu.
I have checked with the service dept of my VW dealer regarding the servicing of the DSG. DSG apparently is serviced at 60,000klm and 120,000klm, at the same time as the car gets it’s general service. The costs, as at today, for the services, INCLUDING the DSG service is:
15000klm/1 year=$247.16
30000klm/2 year=$418.43
45000klm/3 year=$247.16
60000klm/4 year=$652.64
75000klm/5 year=$247.16
90000klm/6 year=$418.43
105000klm 7 year= $247.16
120,000klm 8 year= $725.00
which is obviously why the service costs are higher for 60,000 and 120,0000. The head maintenance guy went on to clarify that unless there is a separate problem with the car or gearbox, the DSG does not require separate ongoing servicing – ever.
Tom – I agree with your points. There’s a big difference between real quality = reliability and ‘perceived’ quality. VW is good at doing the latter, Euros have never conquered the former.
if you speak a bit of german then you should check the long distance tests
( usually 100.000 or even 200.000 km ) of the magazine “Autobild”
The results for all Volkswagen products were, to be polite, desastrous.
Headlines like ” the permanet patient” etc explain…
No long-terms quality whatsoever
Many breakdowns
Most problems caused by the construction of the vehicles
When they are new, they’re shiny bright – but later, when the lady gets older
the VW’s loose against ASTRA or other OPEL’s.
Just to prove how little the general public know about cars, the Ford Focus is currenlty the best medium sized car on the market.
I wonder then whether the manual will have cheaper servicing, particularly on the 60k and 120k services? I’ve ordered a manual 118Tsi with a sports pack and beige leather, in white. Hope it doesn’t look too fuddy-duddy! I saw that colour combo on a MkV GTi a while ago and it looked very elegant, so I’m hoping I can achieve the same look. Should be here in a month…..
I’ve got a 06 Mk V Sportline, and was “thinking” about trading. To be frank, I don’t think the new model is as good looking as the V. If you didn’t see the VW badge from the front, it could be any small car. At least the V looks individual. Plus my Sportline has leather & a sunroof, so the changeover cost is huge. Ah well….
Jake02 – saying the new Golf is a fail is a bit much. This seems to be a quality vehicle with a few tweaks over the last Gen and a fresh look – oh, and dont forget, a totally new engine for the base range (albeit tweeked and transplanted from the Gen V GT)! the new engine has more power then the previous base models, more torque and uses 25% less petrol then the base Gen V models. Care to retract that stupid statement?
You mention yourself, that the cabin of an Octivia is the same quality as the golf, and yet you question the quality of the golf interior long term….I am not sure of your argument.
Further to the above point I would like you to explain to me how the Mazda 3 is better value? Have you read the latest Wheels mag – a lot of similar specs and gear – and golf comes out on top. Also would love to hear how Subaru is safer> AWD? please dont use that argument in a vehicle which is so underpowered (R-RS). ESC platforms are so damn good today that in vehicle of this power level, AWD is just a sales tool for salesmen – and what an expensive choice – care to compare the 8.9L/100klms to VWs 6.5?
Skoda Octiva? although based on a golf, it is a much bigger car….people look to buy a hatch as they want a smaller car? Want a comparo to the skoda, why not look at the jetta. Besides, who would drive a car that from the outside (Skoda) looks like it is built for grandpa? Some people care about the look of their vehicle, and if shelling out $30,000+, they want at least some style, not something that looks like it came out of the late 80s
No, I dont own a VW, but I am certainly interested in buying a hatch soon, and have been busy comparing. And this new Golf looks like it will make my short list
I agree with many of the comments here, I think the Mazda 3 is probably better (whatever that very subjective word means), but the styling is just horrific. It is typical Mazda in that it looks like five different cars spliced together by a blind man. Confusing angles, ‘chintsy’ lamp lenses and ridiculous front and rear quarter arrangements. It is just a disaster. It’s like the RX-8; no doubt that it’s a good car, but would you honestly want to look at it in the driveway every day?
I think my 30 grand would go on a new Focus TDCI. Not particularly attractive (but not as outlandish as the Mazda), some quality issues, and underpinnings reaching end of model life. Nonetheless, doesn’t do anything terribly, and I still think it is the best drive in the segment. Better value than both the Mazda and the VW also, in my humble opinion.
Matt Brogam- Editor of this road test
VW had little choice but fastrack development of the Mark VI Golf to the market some 2 years before the Mark V life cyle had lapsed.
Apparently costly production assembly methods resulted in VW burning US$1,500 per Golf built.
I would have to agree with “Greg” Personally I liked the Mark V exterior better than the new model. especially around the rear where the older model has a soft curvacious tailight design. Each to own I suppose.Cheers
Might be considered by some to be a little bland but like alot of Euro`s they don`t date, I still get asked if my 2001 VW Bora is a new car and not to mention they don`t model update every 5mins like other manufacturers
Saw one in the flesh the other day. I know everyone says it looks near identical to the model it replaced but to me it’s alot better. Maybe because I work in design and the slightest change in detail makes a big difference to me but overall the MK6 is a way more refined looker. It’s inoffensive yet interesting and will stand the test of time as opposed to much of the competition.
VW did a great job imo.
Won’t be getting this though because the GTI is coming soon :D
made in south africa…. oh my.
hazyman……incorrect…..all OZ bound Golf Gen VI are built in germany……….gen V golfs came from SA
Two months ago, I ordered a VW Golf 118TSI, auto. It’s due to arrive at the end of July. I have a friend that bought hers over a month ago and started having engine problems within the first two weeks…she started hearing strange noises and shortly after, noticed a wheel alignment problem. Apparently there were some parts missing which had to be ordered from Germany and is taking a while to get here. They will not replace the car but insist on fixing it. Has anyone else heard of anything like this on the new model? I keep reading great reviews and I am hoping hers was just a one off dud (which of course I hope they fix as good as new)..but it’s just making me nervous. I also left a note on the wall of carshowroom.com over a week ago and just after I submitted it, a note popped up saying that my message will be reviewed after publication. I checked it today and it hasn’t been published. I would just like to stress that there seems to be a little corruption on that site. The only 3 messages that are shown are postive!!! I just need to hear some truths about this model, not lies!!! Hopefully this site can help!!
Sorry,just noticed a typo above! I meant to say that the message on Carshowroom.com said that my note would be reviewed BEFORE publication not after!!
^^^^^^AGENT99
VW have one of the worst quality issues of a european brand.There is a website dedicated just to vw lemons [google]
The golf will be expensive to own and run.Its part of the ownership experience.
You NEVER buy the first of any new model, YOU end up doing the development work and testing for them.
If its going to do your head in, trade it in on a Corolla or i30 etc, noticed a few newies already on carsales/drive for sale
Good luck with yours,
Cheers
F-0
Cheers.
I’ll take that all on board and keep you posted on its performance. Gosh, I hope it’s not a damn lemon!!
The reason why I decided on buying one in the first place, was because it won world (small?) car of the year in Europe. Also because I have friends that own them (previous models) and have been very happy with them… but yes, you are definately correct in saying that you never buy the first of any new model. That makes complete sense! It’s too late for me now…I suppose I just went on the trust taht VW Golf is now in it’s 6th Generation…thinking that they must have improved from the previous models… which is why it won the award, but who knows? That competition could’ve been just as corrupted as that ridiculous site Carshowroom.com! Oh well, I have no choice but to accept that I am now a guinea pig and will vent on this site whenever I see fit!! :-{ Hopefully NOT!! We’ll see…
ps: If all fails, I’ll take your advice “TOYOTA!”
The VW diesels seem to be highly reliable. The petrol engines, not so much!
Agent 99,
see the ‘first steer review’ of this car for some of the issues which have popped up. I have a squeek on the right passenger side internally – getting the service guys to tighten up whatever is loose, but bar that, in 1500klm, she has been an awesome drive with no worries. I am aware that it is early days yet though
Some other purchasers, as you will read, have had a couple of issues
I own a 95 323 1.6 Mazda and thinking to give it up for a golf 6 (118Kw) Highline (full extras) DSG 7 speed. My only concern is reliability. I had an Opel kadett 1.3s (petrol) 89 model and the engine last only 4 years. Is a nice build Mazda but I want something with more power this time, and the only car (new) that I can afford is the VW or Mitsubishi colt ralliart (made in Hungary) so it’s pretty match European than Japan, and the thin it doesn’t have the luxury of the VW or the filling of the sure foot on the road (not that is not that way).
Anyone with a 10+ year of experience with VW welcome.
Thank you.
A few months ago, on a business trip to Germany, I was lent a new Golf VI with the 90TSI engine & 6 speed transmission as a company pool car. I presently drive a 2007 Passat Wagon with 2.0T FSI turbo engine (147kW) and 6 speed auto which has loads of torque and brilliant handling at all speeds.
This Golf was stunningly solid and for a 1.4 litre engine it honestly felt like a 2 litre. Handling was superb and when I hit the unlimited autobahn and spun through the gears I clocked 210 km/h and it would have gone further (despite the specs above listing a 200 km/h top speed)but commonsense and the wrong accent for the German police told me this was enough….I was not looking at road signs at this rate of knots and may have easily entered a controlled speed zone without realising it….nevertheless I still saw BMW’s, Porsches and a very fast Audi Q7 blast past me. I think most Germans share a bit of Schumaker’s blood line.
All up, it’s a great piece of engineering and I’m sure my wife would approve of such a vehicle as the Passat’s stablemate :)
“Stelios 95″ I had a 1996 Golf 3 for 6 years (was 4 years old when I bought it), the only problems that I encountered was the cable clutch system failed on me twice (because it’s an outdated cheaper and inferior system than a hydraulic clutch system), appart from that I did not have any other problems.
I find it difficult to compare a Mazda to a VW. They just don’t feel the same when you drive one car vs the other. I have nothing against Honda, Mazda, Toyota and the Japanese reliability records are always there and have been for years.
I mean one gets tired of the car before it wears out, not to say the VW does not hold up, and true there are certainly more reliable models in their line up over others, one only need to read comments on the internet to find out which of those vehicles are better or worse.
But seriously, drive a Toyota Camry they are reliable yet lackluster and boring to drive.
I got my new 118TSI DSG 7 only 2 days ago, and so far (I know it’s very, very early days)but, all I can say is that it’s hot, solid, quick, luxurious and a pleasant drive. I’m in love!
Will keep you posted on it’s progress…
I’m getting out of mine……not going to put up with the supercharger squeak/chirp every time I accelerate. VW consider it normal, but the squeak wasn’t there for the first 5200klms….was the car abnormal then? CLOWNS! They are out there still flogging this things as “car of the year”, knowing full well they will all end up with this annoying noise on acceleration. See the ‘first steer’ on this same site for this issue, quite a few of us have it.
I wish you better luck with yours agent 99, and hope yours doesnt develop this annoying “charactoristic” (that is what VW call it, a charactoristic!!!).
@Boney Maroney
The “explanation” given seems to be a current trend with car service departments world wide,irrespective of manufacturer.
I’m a member of numerous car forums and the “characteristic” excuse seems to be used as a cop out and immediately shrugs off liabilty by service departments and manufacturer.
It is very dissapointing,especially when you have your heart set on a particular car.
Whether the cars are made in Germany(or Japan)I suggest take it with a “pinch of salt”The main result should be that your new car meets YOUR satisfaction criteria.
Agent 99,
curious for an update on your 118 TSI as its been over a month since you have had it now….no chirp noises or other problems…..I currently have a 118 TSI on order, due in mid Nov and like you also feel a little nervous after reading the
problems some owners are having…..or more so the poor after sales service 3 people
have received -read Golf VI first steer in car reviews on this website, I have at this stage had such a positive experience with the dealership I am dealing with, best salesperson I have ever dealt with actually, so it would seem that this doesnt necessarily follow through to after sales service with VW Auatralia, have you had any dealings with them?
Would be great for that progress report you mentioned.
Good experience with the dealer? You must live outside Brisbane!
Yes, I live in Melbourne but I will add that I spoke to another dealer twice and also visited a third dealer, not very impressed with dealership via phone.
Regarding the dealership I chose, I have also dealt wih 2 other people there and was also impressed with their customer service, I do tend to observe interaction between people and will go on to say in the 3 times I have been there so far, its been the same, and yes I am very weary of car dealerships, but as earlier stated, after sales with VW Australia sounds like maybe a different story, having said that,I have also experierenced a less than satisfactory outcome with another dealership as well as after sales from their Head Office.
Also skip VW service – Ultratune will service them MUCH cheaper and provide good service. At least that’s been my experience.
To all of the Folk who have commented on Golf MKVI 118TSI DSG, and also to those who have owned one for a reasonably long time, and had no problems, and from whom I’d like to read some positive feedback – surely not all 118TSIs with DSG are faulty – so let us hear from those owners too! I have a 118TSI on order, and from the reports I have read herein, and a few elsewhere, there appears to be a groundswell of faults especially with the DSG and the strange screeching noises from Supercharger and Water Pump drive “clutches” [magnetically switched] which have me thinking seriously about cancelling my purchase. On the DSG I personally know of a very low K’s TSI [not been confirmed yet if a "90" or a "118"] in which the DSG failed badly, on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and which when it failed has been described as an explosive “BANG” followed by what seemed as if the engine actually fell under the car – the car was then going absolutely nowhere, apparently – most disconcerting. So, come on MKVI, owners let’s hear some good reports – there has to be heaps of owners with nothing but praise – GET ON THE KEYBOARD, and tell us. Also, maybe, “Horst” can provide updates on the fixes VW Germany is making to current and future production runs to ensure these rather serious problems are permanently rectified to provide that respected Teutonic Engineering BUILD QUALITY……I am looking forward to some significant “good reports”.
Buy the golf diesel and put your mind at ease. You can even get the GT with a 125KW 350NM diesel if going quick is important.
VW Golf 118TSI – a doubtful entity!
Hi Barry at EH,
There is no further info on the new water pump for the VW Golf 118kw TSI from Germany at this stage. Those affected by the squeaking noise are looking forward to calendar week 45, when a new water pump, for replacement, is supposed to be available. But mind you, not all 118 TSI’s are affected.
Hi Barry at EH,
According to latest info from the German Motor-Talk forum, there appears to be no remedy in calendar week 45 for owners of the 118kw TSI who are affected by the squeaking noise, as has been hoped for. More about this you can read on “2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk VI- First Steer”.
Barry at Eagle Heights – to Horst.
Horst, thank you for the information re 118TSI. I have been away at the time you wrote the above re Water Pump Magneticg Clutch drive to Supercharger, hence the late response. I appreciate your input very much.
I am locked in to a Sales Contract to purchase a very highly optioned 118TSI [$51000 plus some further items $2000 or so] so that my wife and I will enjoy satisfying performance with economy and luxury. I am reasonably confident that all will be well. This Luxury Small Car is my firt highly spec’d car, and we are really looking forward to the event – delivery expected in January 2010. Due to that delivery date the proverbial Magnetic Clutch squeal may not be a problem – we shall see, and of course I will keep you informed. I am looking forward to giving all readers some very good news – let’s hope that will be the case. That other Golf to which I referred has been repaired, and very well, as the owner of that Golf [which is a 90TSI] is rapt’ed in the car, and genuinely enjoys driving it even more so than his Audi Sorts [don't know what model it is] and that surely speaks highly of the Mark VI Models in general. Cheers for now.
Barry of Eagle Heights.
Horst,
In my response to you above – sorry included some typo errors;
Magneticq – s/be Magnetic
Sorts – s/be Sports.
At top – Joe Blow shoud have read Barry at EH.
Barry at EH