Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV DSG, road test (Part I)

This road test is always interesting for any motoring outlet, since the Volkswagen Golf is the benchmark of the compact segment and has always been well received in the market, currently in its sixth generation. We have tested the diesel version equipped with the two-litre TDI engine paired with the DSG automatic gearbox, with an output of 140 CV.

There are other diesel versions available for this model, such as the 1.6 TDI with 105 CV or the well-known TSI petrol engines, but without a doubt this diesel engine will meet our power demands, with fairly economical consumption and topping off comfort we have the six-speed DSG gearbox (always a highly recommended extra).

But while the Golf is now in its sixth generation, the rest of the brands have also evolved their respective compacts and engines, which is why today we put this Volkswagen Golf to the test to find out why it is called the benchmark of the segment and what its strengths and weaknesses are against a compact segment with fierce competition.

Engine and performance

As I mentioned earlier, this 2.0 TDI 140 CV engine is perfect if we want a powerful Golf, with good response as soon as we press the accelerator. From 1,800-2,000 r.p.m. we feel its thrust (typically turbo), making our Golf respond instantly with strength and forcefulness in any situation, overtaking on the motorway with it is a real pleasure because its compact dimensions, relatively low weight and this engine make it a fairly quick vehicle, both in response and acceleration.

But furthermore, if we put the gearbox in Sport mode, we will climb past 3,500 r.p.m., accentuating the Golf’s power and getting the most out of it in sporty driving. As always, the DSG gearbox stands out for its good operation, shifting gears quickly and helping to wring out this engine, in normal mode it tends to shift around 2,000 r.p.m. to keep consumption in check, whereas in Sport mode it revs considerably higher to deliver greater response.

As a complement to the gearbox we have paddle shifters on the steering wheel, always welcome when we want a sportier drive (although that is not the Golf’s strong point) or simply for added convenience when changing gears.

Handling

When travelling aboard the Golf we find a vehicle that prioritises the comfort of its occupants, it has good interior soundproofing (one of the best in its segment) and its suspension has a rather firm feel, but without neglecting comfort. Another detail that we liked is the visibility this compact offers, as it has fairly regular shapes with good visibility from all angles, including the rear (something increasingly hard to find in a new car).

Stability is beyond doubt; it has stability control that keeps it in check when the situation demands, but this Volkswagen stands out for a firm footing, conveying considerable confidence. Contributing to this last point is the steering, which is precise and has a rather firm feel, giving us considerable precision in any manoeuvre and keeping the Golf under control at all times.

When cruising calmly the Volkswagen Golf stands out as a refined vehicle, but as is usual in our tests we also have seen how it behaves in more demanding areas. On my usual route along winding roads we found that it holds its ground fairly well, but in terms of agility there are segment rivals today that surpass it. Its dimensions, its weight and its powerful engine make it a fairly lively model, but in quick changes of direction or sequences of fast bends we missed a bit more agility, for example the Opel Astra struck us as a more agile model in this respect.

In its defence it must be added that this Golf is not designed for a fully sporty character; quite the opposite, it has everything needed to enjoy driving in a relaxed way, without noise, without strange creaks from the interior or the engine sound intruding (something outstanding compared with other models in the segment that are less well insulated).

Consumption

In this area the 2.0 TDI 140 CV engine delivers very good results, achieving economical consumption that beats other models in its segment. As an example, the urban consumption we achieved during the test was around 7 litres per 100 km (and depending on the situation we can even drop below 7 litres). Meanwhile, on the motorway we achieved an average consumption of 5.4 litres per 100 km.

On country roads it is easy to hover around 6 litres per 100 km, everything depends on our driving and the type of road, but it is undoubtedly a fairly frugal engine and we must not forget that it delivers 140 CV. The DSG gearbox also plays a part here, selecting the longest possible gear (shifting at 2,000 r.p.m.) and helping to reduce consumption.

In the second part of the test we will focus on the exterior design of the Golf, interior space and the quality of the materials, precisely the area where it stands out.

Photos | David Taboada