Volkswagen Golf Estate

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Volkswagen will begin accepting advance orders for the new Golf Estate this Friday. In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, after the 2-door and 4-door Golfs and the latest Golf Plus, this is the fourth body version to be launched. The estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. The extensive redesign of this Estate should ensure that the all-around talent further extends its position as a business estate car and as a first car for families as well. The base price of the new Golf Estate in Germany, including ESP, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof railing, power windows all around, upshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear bench seat and seatback, central locking with RF remote control, climate control and 1,495 litres of cargo capacity is € 18,500.

The front end of the Golf Estate was completely redesigned. Its visual appearance follows today’s Volkswagen “Design DNA”. From now its appearance is defined by clear horizontal lines and bold headlight styling. The car’s engine lineup was adopted directly from the Golf 2-door and 4-door models. In the interior, the high-end instruments of the current Golf set the tone. In Europe, first units of the new Golf will be delivered in September.

Features and engines

At its market launch – in parallel to advance sales that are now starting – the successful Estate (more than 95,000 new vehicle registrations in 2008) will be offered in the three equipment versions Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The latter replaces the previous Sportline version as the top equipment line. Engines available for selection when advance sales begin are a TSI (boosted gasoline direct-injection engine) with 90 kW / 122 PS and two very quiet common rail turbo-diesels (77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS). Other engines will follow in stages: two Multipoint engines (59 kW / 80 PS and 75 kW / 102 PS) and another TSI gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 PS). All six engines fulfil the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Exterior details of the new Golf Estate

In front, the new Golf Estate can be recognized by its new bumper, radiator grille and engine hood styling and its modified fenders and headlights, which were all adapted 1:1 from the estate’s 2-door and 4-door counterparts. In contrast to the previous model, the front-end design is no longer defined by a chrome radiator grille, rather by a black, horizontally layout of the grille and front bumper painted in car colour. In the lower area, the Estate has an additional large air inlet too. Starting with the mid-level equipment version (Comfortline), chrome inserts are integrated in the radiator grille and the lower air inlet. In the top Highline version, this also applies to the frames for the front fog lights with new static turning light function that are a standard feature here.

At the rear, the independent design of the previous model has been upgraded in the new generation by modified, more elegant taillights and bumpers fully painted in car colour in the lower area. From now on, TDI and TSI versions can also be recognized by their tailpipes, which are no longer covered by the bumper. In addition, Volkswagen developed a new wheel lineup for the new Golf Estate.

Interior details of the new Golf Estate

At the time of its presentation last fall, the sixth generation Golf received excellent marks, especially for its high-end quality. In the interior, it was especially in the styling of the gauges that the Golf crossed boundaries to the next higher class and still does. The same gauges and instruments, including a standard multifunctional display and upshift indicator, are now being used in the new Golf Estate too. Also adopted from the Golf was the new generation of three-spoke steering wheels, which celebrated their debut in the Passat CC in 2008.

In this context, controls for the new Golf climate control system were integrated in the Golf Estate as well. Volkswagen also adapted its line of different seat covers (Trendline: “Roxy”; Comfortline: “Scout”; Highline: Alcantara/fabric “Merlin”) to the entire model series. The same applies to features ranging from the radio and navigation systems up to the interfaces for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile telephones. Two driver assistance systems are also available as options for the first time in the Golf Estate: “ParkAssist” (automatic parking assistant) and “Rear Assist” (rearview camera). Another feature being offered is the panorama sunroof that is popular among many Golf Estate buyers.

Euro-5 engines of the new Golf Estate in detail

Volkswagen is launching the new Golf Estate on the market with four gasoline and two diesel engine options; they all meet the limits of the new Euro-5 standard. The entry level continues to be marked by an 80-PS gasoline engine, followed by a 102-PS version. The two most powerful gasoline engines (TSI with 122 PS and 160 PS) and the two turbo-diesels (TDI with 105 PS and 140 PS) may be ordered with an optional automatic DSG dual clutch transmission.

Entirely new to the Golf Estate’s engine lineup is the 105 PS common rail TDI. Like the larger 2.0-liter TDI, the 1.6-liter four cylinder is also characterized by noticeably comfortable noise levels, low emissions (119 g/km CO2) and an extremely low average fuel consumption (4.5 litres per hundred kilometres). Compared to the previous model of the same power, fuel consumption was reduced by 0.7 litre.

The 2.0 TDI was adopted from the previous generation of the Golf Estate; it also has a highly advanced common rail direct injection system. The 140 PS strong and 210 km/h fast Golf Estate 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 litre (132 g/km CO2), which is impressively low considering its power. The TDI engines may be ordered together with any of the three equipment versions.

As already noted, the gasoline engines of the Golf Estate have power levels of 80 PS (MPI), 102 PS (MPI), 122 PS (TSI) and 160 PS (TSI). The base engine with 80 PS is available with the Trendline equipment line; the 102-PS version may be ordered as a Golf Estate Trendline or Golf Estate Comfortline. The TSI engines can each be ordered together with the Comfortline or Highline equipment versions.

Just how efficiently the current gasoline engines from Volkswagen perform is well-illustrated by the TSI. Its 6.3 litre (122 PS) and 6.4 litre (160 PS) fuel consumption values place their average fuel consumption on par with the already economical base engine with 80 PS. When shifted by a DSG transmission, fuel consumption is even reduced to 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (139 g/km CO2) on the 122-PS TSI and 6.1 litres (143 g/km CO2) on the 160-PS version. With this engine lineup, the new Golf Estate is one of the most economical and cleanest estate cars in Europe.

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Body

The front end of the 4.53 meter long and 1.78 meter wide Golf Estate was completely redesigned. Visually, it now follows the styling of the current Volkswagen “design DNA”. Clear horizontal lines and bold styling of the headlights will now define its appearance. And so the bumper, radiator grille, engine bonnet and fenders and highlights were all transferred from the three- and five-door versions of the new Golf classic.

In contrast to the previous Golf Estate, the design is no longer characterised by a chrome radiator grille, rather by a black, horizontally styled grille and body-coloured bumpers. In its lower front section, the Estate also has an additional large air intake. Starting with the mid equipment version (Comfortline) chrome inserts are integrated in the radiator grille and lower air intake. In the case of the top Highline version, this also applies to the surrounds of the standard front fog lights with new static turning lights.

At the rear, the previous model’s independent design has been upgraded in the new generation by modified taillights and bumpers whose lower area is also fully painted in body colour. From now on, TDI and TSI versions can also be recognised by their tailpipes, which are no longer covered by the bumper. In addition, Volkswagen developed a new range of wheels for the Golf Estate.

Perfection in details

The new Golf Estate also preserves the car body’s excellent layout and high level of everyday utility. The development team focused on perfection in the details. Attaining the best possible acoustic properties on the new Golf was a top priority for Volkswagen. In this context, the body was equipped with new detailed solutions in a variety of areas. Highly effective acoustic damping is implemented in the front windscreen, which eliminates nearly all high-frequency noise in the three kHz range that is very typical in vehicles with diesel engines.

In addition, many secondary noises have been eliminated or reduced right at their source. In particular, this was achieved in all belt drives, the turbocharger and charge air distribution channels as well as in the heating and cooling blower. Quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction program. Independent of body-related modifications, noise comfort has been further improved by a new generation of turbo-diesels with common rail injection, as well as integration of TSI petrol engines that are known for their quiet operation.

PASSIVE SAFETY – HIGHEST LEVEL OF PROTECTION

The new Golf Estate is being offered with a seamless package of safety features as standard equipment. On the passive side, there is a further perfected safety body (including optimised pedestrian protection), six airbags and a patented head restraint system for driver and front passenger.

Front, side and head airbags

The driver and front passenger airbags (known as front airbags) and safety belt system together form a precisely coordinated front restraint system on the new Golf Estate. As before, the side airbags are still integrated in the backrests of the front seats. They protect the chest, abdomen and pelvis and have been optimally tuned to the car’s more rigid side structure. Integrating the side airbags in the backrests assures optimal airbag positioning in relation to the driver and front passenger. Furthermore, Volkswagen is introducing standard head airbags that help to prevent high biomechanical loads to the head. Specifically, these airbags cover an area along the side windows extending from the A pillar to the C pillar and from the roofliner to the door sill. This results in maximum protection at all seating positions regardless of body size. That is because protection over a large area prevents the head and extremities from swinging out and prevents objects from penetrating into the car’s interior. Since the head airbags remain inflated for a long time, they even retain much of their effectiveness in secondary collisions such as in the case of a rollover accident.

WOKS – head restraints help protect against whiplash

Accident-related hyperextensions of the cervical spine are known internationally as “whiplash syndrome”. Volkswagen counteracts these types of injuries by coordinating movements of the head and upper body into the seat backrests and head restraints as synchronously as possible in the event of a crash. This is called the “Whiplash Optimised Head Restraint System”, or WOKS for short. The latest generation of WOKS is now being implemented as standard equipment on the Golf.

In an effort to reduce injury risk, excellent protection is realised by defined deceleration of the upper body in the seat backrest, coordinated deceleration of the head in the head restraint, and balanced movements of the head and upper body. Crucial parameters here are the special contours of the head restraints and backrests as well as the hardness of the foam material that is used. The contoured shape of the head restraints is being patented by Volkswagen. In related studies, WOKS has demonstrated excellent protective potential with biomechanical values that are substantially better than those of many other active systems.

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Interior

In the transition from the third to fourth generation of the Golf Estate, another tremendous leap has been made in quality. The high quality of the materials that are used is especially evident in the interior. This high level of value is a common thread running through the redesigned interior, especially when it comes to the car’s instruments. The look and feel of the materials, details such as brushed chrome accents and the round instruments and steering wheels taken directly from the Passat CC all leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a vehicle of the next higher market segment. And this is not just experienced in the two upgraded Golf equipment versions “Comfortline” and “Highline” but in the “Trendline” base version as well.

The interior ergonomics also reflect advanced development. All of the car’s functional components are even easier to operate. These include controls for the climate control system (Climatronic) initially introduced on the Passat CC. Sometimes it is the smallest of details that make the greatest impression. Consider the leather seats: a new more robust leather is being used in the new Golf Estate. Its improved surface properties make dye transfer, such as from jeans, passé even with very light-coloured leather. Or consider the redesigned steering column length and height adjuster; the lever was relocated from the centre of the steering column to the left side, making it ergonomically easier to reach.

Cockpit

The instrument panel of the Golf Estate was completely redesigned. This has resulted in a clear, well-organised geometry offering uncompromising ease of operation and a high level of timeless elegance. On initial contact, one is immediately impressed by the luxurious soft materials of the upper cockpit area and door trim that complement the design of the instruments.

The instruments of the Golf Estate now match instrument styling in the classic Golf three- and five-door models. Prominently displayed are the two round instruments with brushed chrome bezels, which are standard in the base vehicle; the tachometer is on the left, and the speedometer on the right. Also designed as a round instrument is the engine temperature gauge; it is integrated in the lower part of the tachometer. Its counterpart is the fuel gauge integrated in the speedometer. Gauge scale markings are backlit in white (regardless of whether the headlights are on or off); while turn signal indicators are in red. Also designed in white now are the graphics of the multifunction display (MFD) – located between the tachometer and speedometer – which is always standard equipment. An upshift indicator was integrated in the MFD, which depends on the engine option.

Another redesigned component is the light switch. On the “Comfortline” and “Highline” equipment versions, the switch’s handhold is in metal. Like the main instruments, air vents near the instrument cluster also have brushed chrome bezels. There is one vent at each end of the instrument panel for driver and passenger, and two in the centre console. In addition, a vent for the side windows is integrated in each of the A-pillar trim panels. Complementing the chrome bezels, the upper and lower sections of instruments are separated by dark silver accents (“Titan”) on the “Trendline” base version. In the middle “Comfortline” equipment version the accents are glossy black (“Black Pyramid”), and in the top “Highline” version they are light “Brushed Chrome”.

Centre console

All of the controls arranged on the centre console are readily and equally accessible to driver and front passenger. Right at the top is the hazard flasher switch, optimally located between the air vents. On the level below this, there is the audio or radio-navigation system. The third level of controls contains interfaces to the heating and ventilation or climate control system. Another set of switches is located directly in front of the gearshift lever for activating or deactivating systems such as ESP and “Park Assist”.

If the Golf Estate is ordered with an automatic climate control system (Climatronic), a new set of controls is provided. There are two control knobs, one on the left and one on the right, for selecting temperatures in 1 degree increments separately for driver and passenger sides. They are also used to activate seat heating.

Naturally, the temperature for the two sides can be controlled jointly too. The set temperature is displayed outside of the control knob, in its bezel, and if a RCD 310, RCD 510, RNS 310 or RNS 510 radio or radio-navigation system is installed, the temperature is also shown in that unit’s display. The main operating modes of the Climatronic (“Auto”, completely “Off”, “Dual”, “AC”) and blower levels are set in the area between the two control knobs. Located in the upper area are controls for ventilation modes, rear window heating and recirculation functions.

Further down the centre console, at the height of the handbrake lever, are the familiar storage compartment and an AUX-IN port (standard with RCD 310 and higher) that can be used to connect devices such as an MP3 player. The optional MEDIA-IN port can also be integrated in the storage compartment of the equipment line dependent centre armrest. This USB port is used to interface to a wide variety of memory sources for the audio system. For example, an iPod – including its special control functions – can also be integrated in the system as a music source with a suitable cable.