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First drive: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI ACT GT. Image by United Pictures.

First drive: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI ACT GT
Cylinder deactivation helps tip the balance towards this new 1.4 TSI petrol Golf in the petrol vs. diesel debate.

   



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| First Drive | Sardinia, Italy | Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI ACT GT |

Overall rating: 5 5 5 5 5

There was a time that, if you were chasing economy and efficiency, a diesel engine was the de facto choice, but Volkswagen reckons it has the answer with its new Golf. Fitted with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, incorporating clever cylinder deactivation, it not only proves economical and efficient but fun and fast too. Combined with the Golf 7's high-quality interior, sharp styling and sophisticated MQB chassis it makes for an impressive package.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI ACT GT
Pricing: £22,050
Engine: 1.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Audi A3, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
Economy: 60.1mpg
Top speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Power: 140hp at 4,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 1,500- to 3,500rpm

In the Metal: 5 5 5 5 5

After the criticism of the Mk6's lack of revolution, a lot of effort is claimed to have been put into making the Volkswagen Golf 7's design suitably different from those that had come before. But like Range Rover, Porsche's 911 or even the MINI the Golf is an iconic design, and the marker wielders knew that its instantly recognisable identity needed protecting. The idea is for the latest Golf to be easily identifiable from 200 metres, and it certainly is that. It's sharper than before, especially around the rear, while the shorter overhangs, larger wheels and scalloped roofline ensure it looks longer and sleeker too.

The cabin's sleeker too, with a driver focused dashboard and high quality materials - something that applies to the switchgear, instrument design and displays too. In fact, one of the most interesting components is the new proximity sensing central display. Place your hand close to the screen and it changes from a simple display to reveal the input buttons, while its smartphone style pinch and swipe operation makes controlling it completely intuitive for today's generation. And our test car being the three-door model, there's plenty of room in the rear while the 380-litre boot is 30 litres larger than before.

Driving it: 5 5 5 5 5

Small capacity turbocharged petrol engines are all the rage, and Volkswagen is one of the forefathers of the idea. So it's no surprise that the 1.4 TSI unit under the bonnet of the new Golf is a bit of a star. Pulling hard from around 1,300rpm (it makes its peak torque figure of 250Nm only 200rpm later) the delivery is linear and smooth right through the rev range. It actually sounds quite rorty when pushed too: those looking for fun behind the wheel have found their powerplant.

In fact, it's the compact engine (and its lower weight in comparison to the diesel lump) that makes this the most exciting Golf through the corners as well. While most won't notice the diesel car's slightly nose-heavy stance around a corner (partly thanks to the effective XDS electronic 'differential' system), if you have the chance to drive them back-to-back it's clear the 1.4 TSI version is lighter on its feet. Reactions to steering inputs are almost instant, the Golf turning in with sharp reactions and, unless deliberately unsettling the car, with no hint of understeer.

The new MQB chassis is impressive, helping contribute to the 100kg weight saving over the previous model and incorporating standard McPherson strut suspension. Those cars with less than 120hp will benefit from a new modular rear axle, though this model comes with the firm's 'performance' suspension that still weighs in at 4kg lighter than before. On the road, in conjunction with the Driver Profile Selection system, it makes for a composed and comfortable ride with excellent body control at both low and high speeds. Like the very best in the sector the new Golf 7 just flows across whatever is put in its path without fuss.

But what's really clever about this engine isn't the way it delivers its power, nor is it the way it makes the Golf handle; it's the efficiency. And that's because of the Active Cylinder Management (ACT), which shuts down two of the four cylinders under light or zero load, saving fuel and cutting CO2 emissions dramatically. It's almost completely imperceptible too, the extra pair of pistons only noticeable if really listening out for the slightest change in tone - the only other indicator is the dashboard display showing an eco symbol.

What you get for your Money: 5 5 5 5 5

You're paying for the 'less is more' approach here, the ACT system meaning you'll need to stretch to GT trim to enjoy the benefit. But the more you pay in the first place comes back through your time with the car thanks to lower emissions and higher economy figures. Annual road tax is £30 and you can realistically expect over 50mpg, while the £329 one-off service pack price covers the car for three years or 30,000 miles.

And the Golf has always been something of a winner in the residuals race, with this latest generation not likely to be any different. So despite costing around £2,000 more than a Ford Focus 1.6T Titanium you'll likely make up for the difference at resale time.

Worth Noting

There's some interesting new technology fitted to this latest Golf; not just limited to the BlueMotion kit under the bonnet. As standard the car comes with a multi-collision brake system, automatically braking the car to a halt after an accident and reducing the chances of a secondary impact. A PreCrash system is also optional, the device detecting the possibility of an accident and pre-tensioning seatbelts as well as closing the windows and sunroof to optimise the effects of the airbags.

Summary

We were sure we'd like the new Golf 7, but choosing between the petrol and diesel models was always going to take a little more effort. However, with at the pump prices almost the same and efficiency of petrol models now knocking on the door of the diesels, it's the 1.4 TSI Golf that really wins both our hearts and heads. Lighter on its feet and with a crisper response, the nigh on 60mpg economy and sub-120g/km CO2 outputs really are the icing on the cake - and this is without doubt the Volkswagen Golf we'd like on our drive.


Graeme Lambert - 15 Oct 2012



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2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.



2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by Volkswagen.
 

2013 Volkswagen Golf. Image by United Pictures.
 






 

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