A whole segment is named after the Golf, because it has long dominated the admission statistics there. A comparison with small engines from petrol to diesel.
The VW Golf is not a car for individualists, it is too smooth, too perfect, too strong on the broad mass. On the other hand it is perfect, because it is practical, ergonomic, comfortable, clear, well-finished and modernly equipped. In other words, it covers almost everything a driver’s heart desires with five bodywork, 15 engine and two transmission versions as well as front and all-wheel drive. But which is the right one? And, above all, what motor is the most favorable one? To answer this question, we tested the most normal ones with two everyday four-cylinder engines – 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI, each 110 HP strong. The four-valve runs quietly, almost free of vibrations and so quiet that sometimes the only three-point needle is the cylinder dance in the four combustion chambers. Starting from 1400 tours, the maximum possible and 175 Nm of torque is sufficient for the nearly 1.3 tonnes light Golf. Only starting at 4000 crankshaft revolutions, the pulling force slowly decreases. In 10.3 seconds, the TSI-Golf sprints from 100 to 195 km / h, with the six gears of the manual gearbox snapping clean even during fast gears.
The VW Golf 1.6 TDI offers only five speeds with the 110-hp diesel, which is not a disadvantage. On the contrary: the self-ignition is more elastic – because of the 250-Nm turbodiesel torque. It also makes a huge difference on fuel efficiency. 4,9 liters are enough for the TDI-Golf for a distance of 100 kilos while the TSI gives a maximum range of just over 1000 kilometers with a tank volume of 50 liters. In addition, when the drive is running smoothly, the fuel consumption fluctuations are less than the turbo petrol engine. The 1.6 diesel, on the other hand, isn’t just sunshine and rainbows it has its cons too, like for example rough running – not just after the cold start. It always looks a little bit tense when starting up and accelerating. On the cost side, the VW Golf 1.2 TSI is significantly cheaper: It saves you around € 2,500 according to the price list at the purchase, besides, almost 100 Euro less taxes are due every year, and its value loss is smaller. The TDI on the other hand has more favorable maintenance and insurance costs as well as its decisive arguments: lower consumption, lower fuel price. Nevertheless, the Golf with 110 hp comes in handy only if your job consists of long mile range traveling or if you’re a frequent car traveler, but if you only use the Golf for short distances and occasional trips, you should buy the TSI.