Short test: Volkswagen Golf Variant 2.0 TDI (2021) // In-depth approach
I can't say for sure that the Golf van option has always convinced me. There, somewhere with the fifth generation, they got a little lost in terms of design and at least in my opinion, with the sixth generation, the designers were a little afraid of their own failure, with the seventh Golf again slowly became a Golf. Well, in the eighth generation, they still took a serious step forward.
Progress is obvious, but it's still Golf. This time, not only for a car with a larger and larger trunk, but especially for a car that actually has more space for luggage and – now a novelty – also for rear seat passengers. At first glance, the new version is a big car, but it is difficult to assess how much larger it is. Because in the same breath it is much more stable, since the rear overhang is not too long and thus does not damage the buttocks like an appendage that is too long.
Despite the fact that it is almost seven centimeters longer than its predecessor, the wheelbase is almost 67 millimeters longer., which, incidentally, happened for the first time in history. And therein lies the optical trick that makes the car smaller, I would say, more compact than it actually is.
However, with the extra centimeters, designers also gained a little more design freedom, which was necessary for this model if they wanted even a slightly more dynamic and standout model. With a long, curved roofline and fairly flat doors, they have managed to create a dynamic, practical car that is different from the accentuated, angular, utilitarian look that once allowed such vans to be recognized. They fought for every liter of luggage, in as little space or length as possible.
Well, if (luggage) liters are still important to you first and everything else second, then another brand from this group might be your target. Because the boot is big, but at 611 liters, it's just a few liters more spacious than its shorter predecessor. (when the bench is folded, the difference is only slightly larger)! However, it is useful, exemplary, I would say, affordable (the doorway fits into the roof so that it can be easily folded into it), the backrest can be easily lowered with a handle on the hips, a multi-layer step cover ...).
It should be emphasized that the designers deliberately decided not to spend extra centimeters only on luggage and trunk, because the Golf is a family car. Therefore, live content in the back seat is as important or even more important than the suitcases and bags that passengers carry with them. Thus, the designers gave more space to those sitting in the back, or rather their legs and knees.
There's almost five centimeters more room in the back, enough for taller people to sit in comfortably, and enough for some length of front seats to slide back. In short, the passenger compartment is more spacious, and most of those who have been second-rate so far are those in the back seat.
This tester showed some other properties that I have not been able to test yet. Manual transmission and two-liter TDI with 115 "horsepower"... Both are new, and such a (cheaper) package will definitely be in more vehicles than the more powerful diesel with DSG gearbox. I admit I was skeptical at first when I looked at the data, as the Variant is still a good 50 kilograms heavier than the sedan, but the new four-cylinder actually dispelled my skepticism a few miles away.
Its operation is much smoother, with the torque curve appearing to be flatter than that of its more powerful sibling., but due to the gear ratio, those 60 Nm of torque are actually pretty hard to spot. Especially in the lower mode of operation, where it also seems to be more flexible and flexible. Only on highway planes, when the torque is already close to maximum in sixth gear, it is no longer so convincing - and still far from being able to say anything about shortness of breath.
It is good that the engineers have adjusted the gear ratios in the gearbox, it is known right on the track. There consumption can be several deciliters higher, and the sound stage is more present. Well, it consumed a little less than five to five and a half liters of fuel ... With clean exhaust and all kinds of cleaning systems, I really don't understand why I mistook a car like this for a hybrid. For most, this is the perfect companion, especially for those who don't need to be fast on the highway and don't go there every day.
Ah, the gearbox the new manual transmission gave me back some joy from the right-left leg combinationis so fast and accurate that it is noticeably more than its predecessors. However, if the handle stroke were even a little shorter ...
The driving experience is, of course, very, very close to the five-door, but the car is longer, heavier and has more payload. And in this package also with a semi-rigid rear axle, which, at least subjectively at least, is only slightly less comfortable, flexible than the individual suspensions. This may be due to some occasional shaking on short lateral bumps, as well as (too) large rims with (too) low tires.
Me, the system DCC with adjustable dampers is good, but not required. At least not for the accuracy and obedience of the front axle in corners, as well as for the sociability of the steering wheel. A little more weight on the buttocks can also help to slip a little off the buttocks when you provoke ... If you really want to have fun by stretching your mouth into a smile! Yes, sometimes it was just a godly desire ...
Golf is just golf that never lets its fans down. Pleasantly unobtrusive (yes, the eighth generation is really nothing more), technically perfect, practical and above all pragmatic. In everything he offers. Nowhere at the very top - but really everywhere, just below! The new version only confirms this motto, although now it has become a little less pragmatic and in many areas has become a little closer to the top.
Volkswagen Golf Variant 2.0 TDI (2021)
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 28.818 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 26.442 € |
| Test model price discount: | 28.818 € |
| Power: | 85kW (115 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 10,5 with |
| Maximum speed: | 202 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 4,6l / 100km |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | the engine is driven by the front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission. |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | top speed 202 km/h - 0–100 km/h acceleration 10,5 s - average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) 4,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 120 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.372 kg - permissible gross weight 2.000 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.633 mm – width 1.789 mm – height 1.498 mm – wheelbase 2.669 mm – trunk 611–1.624 45 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
We praise and reproach
neatness, capacity of the trunk
roominess for rear passengers
amazingly powerful TDI
rear axle is too soft
on road jets, the engine can be out of breath
on road jets, the engine can be out of breath
