Quick Test: VW Golf 2,0 TDI DSG Style (2020) // Still Setting the Criteria?
First of all, let me mention that the new eighth generation Golf is no longer new. We first met him at the editorial office at the official presentation in January, and then he appeared on tests in March (the test was published at AM 05/20), right after the home presentation, then equipped with a gasoline engine. But even though we were at a time when customers are increasingly looking at cars that run on alternative fuels or at least gasoline engines, I still think there are still a large number of customers who will swear by diesels at least some time to come.
At the same time I think it's flat the two-liter version with a capacity of 110 kilowatts, which is the center of the Golf offer, the one that suits him best. True, this is the latest version of the already famous Volkswagen engine with the EVO label, which we have already tested on the new Škoda Octavia, and in this issue you will also find it under the hood of the new Seat Leon. First of all let me admit that that I myself am not entirely on the side of those who protect diesels at all costs, but it is true that in recent years my enthusiasm for them has faded a little.
Be that as it may, the transmission in the test car turned out to be straight during the test, and I can quite rightly call it the brightest spot in the car. With a more decisive acceleration, it seems that Volkswagen, in addition to the 150 "horses" recorded in the registration certificate, also hid a Chilean and a couple of healthy Lipizzans in the final release.so the four-cylinder engine runs smoothly. I myself did not find them, but even those that are available do not seem to need food. Normal circle showed flow 4,4 liters per 100 kilometers, as well as faster driving on the highway, consumption has not increased to more than five liters.
It is clear that working with such an engine is a difficult task for the rest of the components, and the first thing that will suffer is the gearbox. It was an automatic, or rather a robot with two clutches, it was connected to the motor using the new Shift-by-Wire technology, which canceled the mechanical connection between the lever and the gearbox. Basically, I can't really blame him because he's roughly doing his job, but he still knows how to give in under pressure, which means he can stay in too low a gear for a moment or two while fasting. start, but in some places it is a little confusing.
While driving, the new Golf manages to convince and meet all or at least most of the driver's expectations. The steering mechanism of the car is accurate, but sometimes the driver does not know what is going on under the front wheels. In addition, it is equipped with flexible DCC damping system, which, however, does not make a significant difference to the ride.... The chassis is relatively rigid, which is sure to please dynamic drivers, and rear passengers will be a little less satisfied. Otherwise, the rear axle is semi-rigid, so the feel of the sportier versions is expected to be even better as the rear axle will be installed separately there.
I wrote in the introduction that competition has a lot of work to do to catch the Golf. The engine confirms this statement, and the interior, at least in my opinion, is slightly smaller. Namely, the engineers intended to completely abandon the classic rocker switches and replace them with touch-sensitive surfaces.
At first glance, the system works neatly, the navigation system is transparent and the same map image can also be viewed on a fully digitized panel. Even the fuel status display has been digitized and without a doubt the many options for personalizing the display are to be commended, since on the one hand it is possible to choose between fuel consumption, speed, etc., and on the other hand to check the status of the assistance system.
A special chapter in the Golf is driving automation. The new Golf is equipped radar cruise control, which not only brakes when the car approaches a slower vehicle, but can also adjust the speed according to speed limits and even the chosen route... For example, he will be able to estimate that the recommended cornering speed is, for example, 65 kilometers per hour, and adjust it, even if the limit is 90 kilometers per hour. The system works incredibly efficiently, and although I was a little skeptical at first about its work, I soon found that its assessment was correct.
The system deserves criticism, but conditionally, only because of the work on the track. Namely, the system (may) use as reference pre-set limits that were in effect some time ago but are no longer current. A specific example is the areas of former toll stations, where the new Golf wanted to drastically reduce the speed to 40 kilometers per hour... It is inconvenient and dangerous, especially if the unsuspecting driver of a 40-ton semi-trailer is sitting in the back. The sign recognition camera does not help here either, occasionally road signs associated with exiting the highway also cause problems to the system.
Using the infotainment system, it happened all too often to me that when searching for the right menu - a process that sometimes requires a little more learning and browsing due to the illogical placement of elements - accidentally pressed the virtual interface volume control button or one of the virtual air conditioner buttons... On top of that, finding functions can be difficult and complicated by any of the assistive systems that turn on and clearly project their action onto the specified screen.
I had some minor problems with the system during the test, as it “freezes” several times at the beginning of the trip, as a result of which I was “doomed” to use only those functions that were currently displayed on the screen. It should be noted that the test model was made in the first series, so Volkswagen can be expected to solve the problem over time and update the system, as it does in new practice, remotely.
No, However, the infotainment system and dashboard are two elements of the cabin, but by no means the only ones.... I was pleasantly surprised by the lighting installed in the dashboard, as well as in the front and rear doors. The feeling inside becomes more soothing and relaxed.
They also take care of the well-being of the driver. electrically adjustable driver's seat, the best in the series, which also has massage capability, and excellent ergonomics, comfortable materials ... Some of these items are part of the First edition equipment package, but they improve the driving experience, so I recommend them to anyone who can afford it.
What about the trunk? In fact, this is the area that I can least write about. Namely, it is only a liter more than its predecessor. Let me mention that during the test we thought about five friends going to the Czech Republic in a Golf, but then we decided to leave in two cars, which was definitely the right choice. Of course, the Golf is by no means a traveler or a full-fledged family car that would take a large family out to sea. You will have to wait for the caravan.
So is the Golf still the benchmark for the C-segment? Let's say this is the case if you are a supporter of the digitization of car interiors.. In this case, he will almost certainly impress you. But lovers of the classics and physical buttons will like it less. However, the mechanics of the Golf are something you can still bet on without the slightest hesitation.
VW Golf 2,0 TDI DSG Style (2020)
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 33.334 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 30.066 € |
| Test model price discount: | 33.334 € |
| Power: | 110kW (150 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,8 with |
| Maximum speed: | 223 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 3,7l / 100km |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.968 cm3 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) at 3.500-4.000 rpm - maximum torque 360 Nm at 1.600-2.750 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine is driven by the front wheels - 7-speed automatic transmission. |
| Capacity: | top speed 223 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 8,8 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 3,7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 99 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.459 kg - permissible gross weight 1.960 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.284 mm - width 1.789 mm - height 1.491 mm - wheelbase 2.619 mm - fuel tank 50 l. |
| Box: | 381-1.237 l |
evaluation
As we noted, the new Golf has taken a big step forward in digitalization, which could lead to a division among customers into followers and those who might be disappointed. But when it comes to engine choices, those who mostly drive out of town have only one choice: diesel! Compared to the competition, this could often help the Golf tip the scales in its favor.
We praise and reproach
engine
driver's seat / driving position
digital dashboard
LED matrix headlights
infotainment system operation
active radar cruise control
