The second generation of this compact van (created on the basis of the sixth generation hatchback) was presented to the world community at the Italian auto show in Bologna in December 2008; the new VW Golf+ went on sale in the spring of 2009. It’s a stretch to call the car new, since the previously used platform from the Golf V, with minor changes, migrated to the updated Golf VI Plus.
The main idea of the update is to visually adjust the inter-niche mix of a hatchback and a minivan to the “locomotive” of the German concern Volkswagen Golf 6. The front part of the VW Golf 6 Plus subcompact is decorated with elongated headlights, delimiting a false radiator grille of two stripes. The slightly modified front bumper has a larger air intake, which is matched by new fog lights that can “look” around corners. In the previous version of the Golf 5 Plus, the headlights were not able to do this.
The sidewalls of the “second plus” remained the same; in profile, the difference from the previous version is only in the new shaped roof rails. The rear has also undergone minor design intervention. The side lights have become more expressive and brighter, the rear bumper has changed shape and acquired a black insert simulating a diffuser.
In general, after the update, the Volkswagen Golf Plus began to look sportier and more collected - a little shorter and taller than its predecessor. Its dimensions are 2578 mm base, 4204 mm long, 1759 mm wide, 1592 mm high (the presence of roof rails will increase the height to 1621 mm). The ground clearance (clearance) of the Golf 6 Plus, according to the official website, when fully loaded and without an adapted suspension for bad roads is 88 mm (the “empty” ground clearance is 141 mm).
Inside, the “second” Golf Plus copies the interior decoration of the Golf VI and the older Passat CC with the design of the front dashboard. The new three-spoke steering wheel with pronounced ridges in the grip areas fits well in the hands. Behind it is an updated instrument cluster, consisting of two scale radii and separated by an on-board computer. The milky white backlight is easy to read and comfortable on the eyes. On the previous version, the devices were highlighted in a bright violet.
It has become more convenient to use the climate; changes in settings are displayed on the audio system display.
The front seats of this car, “Volkswagen style”, are comfortable and functional, one might even say that this is a standard in the class. The seating position is high, you can see the road better than in a “regular hatchback”.
The second row deserves a separate spoon of honey. The rear seats can move along the cabin by 160 mm, thus providing a balance between passenger comfort and luggage capacity. There is enough space in all directions, a third passenger is not superfluous. The volume of the luggage compartment announced by the manufacturer varies from 395 to 1450 liters, and this is surprising. If we consider that for the Golf VI these figures are equal to 350/1305 liters, then it is unclear where the increase in body height went, because the Golf VI+ is 113 mm higher than its donor.
The ergonomics of the interior here, as with all models of the Volkswagen concern, are at a decent level. All controls and switches are located logically and familiarly (you sit down and go, you don’t have to spend a long time searching and understanding the functionality), and you’ll be pleased with the large number of pockets and containers for all sorts of things. The quality and finishing materials used, as well as the level of assembly, do not cause any complaints, although... the plastic of the dashboard in the initial configurations could have been softer.
As mentioned above, the platform remained the same - from the Golf V. Therefore, the test drive of the “new Plus” did not show anything new - it drives the same as its brother in the concern - Golf 6, the difference is only in the nuances. The steering has excellent feedback and adequate effort. The suspension is optimally rigid and energy-intensive. The VW Golf Plus preaches confidence, stability and composure on the road. At high speeds, the driver and passengers feel safe. Noise insulation is at a good level, but at high engine speeds noise still penetrates into the cabin. Large windage appears on suburban highways when encountering large trucks, you need to be prepared for this. When cornering, the Golf Plus requires just a little more attention from the driver. Otherwise, the hatchback-compact van has absorbed all the best features inherent in the Volkswagen Golf, honed from generation to generation.
If we talk about the technical characteristics of the Plus version, then there are quite a few “hearts”, that is, engines, offered for it: petrol 1.4 l (80 hp) paired with a 5-speed manual, 1.6 l (102 hp) – 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, 1.2 TSI (105 hp) are also installed on the new Polo with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, 1 ,4 TSI (122 hp) with 6-speed manual transmission and 7-speed DSG. This is for the Russian market, and for Europe another 1.4 TSI with 140 and 160 horses, as well as 1.6 liter diesel units, are possible. at 105 hp and 2 l. 140 hp All engines comply with Euro-5 environmental standards.
In Russia, the price for the “2nd generation” Volkswagen Golf Plus in 2014 starts at 661,000 rubles for a car in the “basic” (and only) Trendline configuration with 1.4 liters. (80 hp) and 5-speed manual transmission. In this version, the joys will be present: a height and reach adjustable steering wheel with an electromechanical power steering, electric windows on all doors, heated electric mirrors, disc brakes with ABC, front and side airbags, 15-inch metal wheels. You will have to pay extra for air conditioning; it is not included in the basic version. The price of a compact van with a 1.4 TSI engine (122 hp) and a 7-speed DSG is from 864,000 rubles.
Well, since Volkswagen is “famous” for its price list for additional equipment. There are very, very many “extras” and they are capable of raising the initially seemingly competitive price to almost sky-high heights.
Conclusion: the Germans still make good, reliable cars. But the car itself, and this is already a trend not only at Volkswagen, seems to be increasingly becoming just a way for the manufacturer and dealer to make money by selling additional equipment to the end buyer “in addition to the main product.”
In the spring of 2005, sales of the Golf Plus model (dimensions 4206x1759x1580 mm) began in Europe and then in other markets, which is a 5-seater compact van based on Golf V units. At first glance, the car is perceived as a Golf, but it has an individual style and expands the prospects of the Golf series. The main advantage is the body height increased by 95 mm. Although other dimensions remained the same as those of its famous predecessor, the feeling of spaciousness became completely different due to a more vertical landing. It also provides more legroom for both the driver and passengers.
The extra centimeters went to the front fenders (the nose of the Plus is more massive) and the roof pillars - at the same angle of inclination they begin much earlier. To make it look harmonious, we added triangles of windows and a rib from the headlights to the lanterns. Compared to the donor, the Plus has a significantly changed “front end”: almost all the parts here are original, head optics, bumper, fenders, etc. The rear door and lights are also designed differently, in which high-speed LEDs are used instead of incandescent lamps.
Interior features - multifunctional overhead console, fully transformable rear seat (40:20:40) with the possibility of separate adjustment in length (160 mm) and back angle, comfortable armrests in front (adjustable) and rear, double trunk floor and many pockets and boxes and nets for placing small luggage. For example, a multifunctional front armrest that can accommodate a cooled drawer (optional).
The design department, taking into account the maximum height of the Golf Plus, has developed a new control panel. As expected, it rose up and acquired a “minivan” appearance - mainly thanks to the massive center console and 4 pairs of round ventilation deflectors. All individual elements remain the same as on the Volkswagen Golf.
The trunk volume can increase from 395 liters to 1450 liters with the rear seats folded. The kinematics of the rear seats are designed in such a way that when the backrest is folded, the cushion goes down and forward, so that in one motion you get a cargo compartment with a flat floor. The middle seat in the back row can easily turn into either a table with cup holders, a hefty armrest, or (with an additional module) a multifunctional drawer.
At first, Volkswagen offered four engines for the Golf Plus: two gasoline 1.4 liters (75 hp) and 1.6 FSI (115 hp), as well as two turbodiesels 1.9 liters (105 hp) and 2.0 liters ( 140 hp). By mid-2005, the range of engines will be replenished with 1.6 liter (102 hp) and two-liter FSI (150 hp) petrol power units, as well as a 90 hp turbodiesel. The Golf Plus transmission also offers variety: five- and six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission and an advanced robotic gearbox with two DSG clutches.
The equipment options are the same as on the Golf V - from the basic Trendline to the top-end Comfortline and the sporty Sportline. Already as standard equipment, the car is equipped with front and side airbags, ESP, ABS systems, as well as an ASR traction control system. In the Comfortline and Sportline versions, the Golf Plus includes Climatic air conditioning as standard.
The console between the front seats is available in two versions. In the top version it contains a cooled box (in cars with air conditioning) and also makes it possible to install an optional CD changer or DVD player for the Rear Seat Entertainment system from Volkswagen Individual. In addition, as an option, a 230-volt power socket can be placed on the center console, designed to recharge the battery of a laptop or other devices, which is an absolute innovation in the Golf class.
Golf Plus is aimed primarily at family people with an active lifestyle who use the car not only in the city, but also on long trips.
Volkswagen Golf Plus, 2011
The car makes me happy. More precisely, I like everything about the Volkswagen Golf Plus - fuel consumption (average over 2750 km with a roof rack and driving 90-140 in Europe, 4 people in the car) was 6.8 liters, which pleasantly surprised me (measurements from the tank and from the computer coincided) . Further, with a height of 181 cm and a weight of 110 kg, I am comfortable in any of the seats. The trunk, however, is a bit small, but I solved the problem by purchasing an additional one for the roof. The throttle response is excellent (compared to a Mercedes C180 of the same power). There is one extra gear in the manual transmission - 5th for me. I drove a little more and I can add something. Of the minuses: the power window control panel rests on the knee of my left leg (until a relative told me, I didn’t even notice), now this makes me a little nervous. I still don’t understand how to fold the front passenger seat - what is written in the instructions - well, I don’t have such handles. You need to ask the officials. Because of this, we had to carry two-meter panels, pushing them between the front seats, which greatly complicated gear shifting. The 2.5 m skirting boards fit into the interior of the Volkswagen Golf Plus easily and there is still room left. I took out the flat floor shelf from the trunk - well, I don’t need it, plus I gained in trunk volume. Over 7,000 km, I only added gasoline and windshield washer fluid to the Volkswagen Golf Plus. I started driving around the city more (we have a 40 km/h limit) and the consumption became 8.3 liters per hundred. This is still better than on the previous car - 12.5 liters in the same city. I found drawers under the front seats and under the steering wheel - there was nothing to put in, but I was pleasantly pleased. The rear seats move forward by 20 cm, which is convenient, but not yet useful. There are 12-volt outlets in 3 places: in the ashtray, near the passengers, and in the trunk (this is where I plug in the refrigerator). There is crankcase and underbody protection (plastic), on which stones knock loudly on a gravel road, but still for me this is more of a plus than a minus. The suspension of the Volkswagen Golf Plus at first seemed stiff compared to the Mercedes, which is not surprising, but now I don’t even notice it, and having driven the Ford Mondeo station wagon, it generally seemed soft.
Advantages : economical. Acceleration. High rise. Safety.
Flaws : trunk volume. Short gears - 6th already at 70 km/h.
Evgeniy, Kaliningrad
Volkswagen Golf Plus, 2012
The car was purchased in April 2012 at a car dealership. It was purchased mainly for use outside the city, since my wife and I love active recreation - fishing, mushrooms and, in the end, just trips to the beautiful places of our vast Russia. If we talk about the appearance of the Volkswagen Golf Plus, it is very controversial. At first glance, it may seem quite compact in appearance, but appearances are deceiving. In fact, the German car is very spacious inside. The assembly of the car is German, the dashboard and, in general, all ergonomics are “5+”. Everything is in its place, there is no need to frantically search for anything - everything is before your eyes. The on-board computer fits very organically into the panel and shows the car’s readings very legibly and in Russian. The front seats have very convenient adjustment, so a person of any size up to 2 meters tall will definitely find a comfortable seat without any pain. The rear seats are divided: the seats into 2 parts and the backrests into 3 parts. The Volkswagen Golf Plus is very easy to drive, the brakes work very competently, the car stops very clearly and softly, passengers do not bite their noses. The database contains a front pad wear indicator. The suspension works moderately hard, but does not reach breakdowns. A couple of times I fell into decent holes - it was practically not felt in the cabin. In the summer we went on vacation to Pskov - 900 km one way from Tula. The car was loaded at about half its capacity. By the way, the load capacity of the Volkswagen Golf Plus is one of the largest in its class - 637 kg, so the consumption on the highway was around 6 liters. In city mode, 8-10, depending on the driving mode, and in both cases the climate control is constantly on. As for ground clearance - 160 mm.
Advantages : German quality. Easy to manage. Excellent ergonomics.
Flaws : no serious ones.
Mikhail, Tula
Volkswagen Golf Plus, 2013
“Golf Plus” would have been purchased after the sale, due to circumstances, of two family cars (“My wife’s Matiz” and my favorite “Focus”). Design is always a matter of taste, but I really like the Volkswagen Golf Plus. True, this particular restyled “Plus” - the previous version is somehow not very expressive. Our car is equipped with Climatronic - which has 2-zone climate control. Some people are satisfied with a regular semi-automatic air conditioner, but I am more than satisfied with the “Climate” - I set the “Auto” button to 22 degrees and forgot about the atmosphere settings in the cabin. It is clearly worth its 7 thousand rubles. Music standard RCD 310 8 speakers. Control of the on-board computer and radio on the multifunction steering wheel (optional). What can I say – good regular music is as good as it can be. I'm not a music lover and the bass and mid frequencies are enough for me. Noise insulation is, as always, subjective, but compared, for example, with the previous “Focus” that I also made “noisy” and the same “Mondeo”, the Volkswagen Golf Plus is noticeably more comfortable. Not an Audi A8, but the difference is quite noticeable. The 1.2 TSI 175 Nm available already from 1500 to 4000 rpm makes itself felt. If you look at the numbers, in terms of torque they are comparable to the data of the very good naturally aspirated 1.6 and quite good 1.8. But not a single “aspirated” engine provides such a smooth and long shelf of torque as these TSI “engines”. In fact, we have a very flexible motor, which, according to my feelings, drives no worse than my previous Focus with its 280 Nm, but in a much shorter range. In the city, the Volkswagen Golf Plus engine is more than enough; on the highway, its traction is more than enough for any reasonable overtaking.
Advantages : comfort. Capacity. Engine dynamics and torque. Controllability. DSG.
Flaws : low beam.
Maxim, Moscow
The Volkswagen Golf Plus debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The car is built on the VW Golf V platform. Compared to the classic Golf, the Plus version received a wider and slightly elongated body, making the interior more spacious.
Gasoline engines
The Volkswagen Golf Plus engine line is well known from other cars of the brand. The base units are 1.4 and 1.6 MPI petrol units. The first one, unfortunately, is too weak for such a large machine. It offers just 80 hp and takes over 16 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h. During acceleration, the engine becomes too loud and fuel consumption increases significantly. Therefore, many European drivers prefer to switch this engine to gas. With a good gas installation, the car will be a good option for moving around the city.
For trips outside the city, a 1.6-liter unit with 102 hp is better suited. Although it is not a “speed demon”, it has a reliable and time-tested design, for which it received only the most flattering reviews from its owners. 1.6 MPI rarely causes problems and tolerates the installation of gas equipment well. The only recurring problem is failure of the ignition coils. Fortunately, they are not too expensive - from 2000 rubles apiece. In addition, there are problems with the throttle valve. It stops closing completely, and the engine behaves as if the driver is constantly pressing the gas pedal. Cleaning the damper and adapting it using a computer eliminates the defect.
The interior is different from the regular Golf. Interestingly, it went to the 2007 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Unfortunately, HBO is contraindicated for other gasoline units of this model. Engines in the FSI and TSI line are equipped with a direct fuel injection system, and gas equipment created specifically for these engines is still imperfect and too expensive. On the move, however, the FSI and TSI are simply superb. The 150 hp 2.0 FSI is very energetic and flexible.
And yet, 1.6 MPI and 1.6 FSI are separated by a whole gulf - and not only in terms of dynamics. Motors of the FSI series have a number of disadvantages: the formation of carbon deposits on the intake valves, malfunctions of the electronics, stretching of the timing chain, failure of the hydraulic chain tensioner and valve timing control.
The timing chain drive in turbo engines is also not durable, especially in the 1.4 TSI with double supercharging. The latter even causes premature wear of the piston rings and loss of compression. In addition, sometimes the compressor clutch fails. The 1.2 TSI may fail with a turbocharger.
Diesel engines
Diesel units are tireless in versions 1.9 TDI 90 and 105 hp, as well as 2.0 TDI 140 hp. Until 2005, they were deprived of a particulate filter, which was later included in the list of mandatory equipment. Mechanics have no hesitation in considering the 1.9 TDI to be the best. A car with such an engine can be easily revived by modifying the ECU software. A simple procedure allows you to increase power to almost 130 hp, and in the case of the 2.0 TDI - up to 170 hp. If the engine is in good working order, the negative consequences of “chip tuning” are excluded.
Malfunctions? They don't happen often, but there are a couple of weak points. These include injectors - from 40,000 rubles. At high mileage, they begin to “overflow”, due to which some of the fuel gets into the engine oil, which in turn leads to increased engine wear.
After 400-500 thousand km, more serious problems occur: hydraulic pushers wear out (from 300 rubles apiece), camshafts and bearings (from 50,000 rubles per set). In turn, wear products destroy the turbocharger (from 40,000 rubles). However, with frequent oil changes, the parts last a long time.
2.0 TDI engines are more prone to malfunctions in the injection system. And versions with 2.0 TDI PD unit injectors often failed due to cracks in the cylinder head.
Details
Mechanics recommend being very careful when choosing cars with an automated DSG transmission. If the previous owner did not care about regularly changing the oil in the box, then you should be prepared for a series of major failures.
In the suspension, bushings and stabilizer struts wear out the fastest - from 400 and 600 rubles, respectively. The remaining parts have an average lifespan, but, fortunately, are not too expensive.
The body, if it has not been damaged, as a rule, does not bloom.
Electricians sometimes cause minor troubles: the power windows fail and the LEDs in the rear lights burn out.
Execution
The interior of the Volkswagen Golf Plus has an aesthetic appearance and is made of decent materials. The plastic is hard in places, and therefore begins to make noise with age. There's a little more space inside than in a classic Golf, but it's still cramped for three people in the back. If there is a lot of space above your head, then there is clearly not enough reserve between the sofa and the backs of the front seats. This is especially obvious when tall people sit comfortably in front. The trunk offers 395 liters of storage space, which is quite good. The car was already equipped with a set of airbags, electric front windows, ABS and an audio system as standard.
Market
The price tag for a used Volkswagen Golf Plus starts at 280,000 rubles. Well-maintained specimens are much more expensive. Most of the cars were imported from Germany. They are often well equipped, so inside you can find climate control, electric windows and mirrors.
Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Golf Plus (2004-2008)
|
Engine |
Volume (cm3) |
Power (hp / rpm) |
Torque (Nm/rpm) |
Speed (km/h) |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) |
Fuel consumption (l/100 km) |
|
1.6 |
The Volkswagen Golf Plus is one of the modifications of the VW Golf V model. The car was introduced in December 2004. The new model turned out to be 9.5 cm higher than the original. The designers carefully redesigned the car, equipping it with new optics, fenders, bumper, tailgate and LED lights. The front panel was moved upward and equipped with 8 ventilation deflectors. A similar panel was subsequently installed in the Volkswagen Tiguan model. The designers managed to expand the interior and increase legroom in all seats. To maintain optimal handling at higher altitudes, the developers had to slightly increase the suspension stiffness. It is noteworthy that the VW Golf Plus is the first car of the German concern imported to Russia with a 1.4 TSI turbocharged power unit and a 7-speed DSG-7 automatic transmission. In 2006, at the Paris Motor Show, the front-wheel drive crossover CrossGolf, which is an off-road modification of the Volkswagen Golf Plus, was presented. It was developed by the VW Individual brand, responsible for such models as the CrossPolo and Golf R32.
Technical specifications of Volkswagen Golf Plus
hatchback
- width 1,759mm
- length 4 204mm
- height 1,621mm
- ground clearance 160mm
- seats 5
| Engine | Name | Price | Fuel | Drive unit | Consumption | Up to a hundred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4MT (80 hp) | trendline | ≈ 612,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,4 / 8,7 | 14.9 s |
| 1.6MT (102 hp) | trendline | ≈ 653,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 6 / 10,2 | 11.8 s |
| 1.6DSG (102 hp) | trendline | ≈ 719,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,5 / 9,1 | 11.8 s |
| 1.2 TSI MT (105 hp) | trendline | ≈ 711,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,1 / 7,3 | 11.3 s |
| 1.2 TSI DSG (105 hp) | trendline | ≈ 777,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,1 / 7,3 | 10.6 s |
| 1.4 TSI MT (122 hp) | trendline | ≈ 735,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,4 / 8,4 | 10.2 s |
| 1.4 TSI DSG (122 hp) | trendline | ≈ 801,000 rub. | AI-95 | Front | 5,3 / 8 | 10.2 s |
Generations
Test drives Volkswagen Golf Plus
All test drives
Test drive January 17, 2009 New advantages of “Golf Plus” (Golf Plus (2009)) The hybrid of a five-door hatchback and a practical minivan has been modernized. “Golf Plus” received an updated appearance, a more elegant interior, and the engine range was replenished with another engine.
5 0
Test drive October 31, 2008 New advantages of “Golf Plus” (Golf Plus (2008)) The second most important new product of the Bologna motor show was the next generation of Volkswagen Golf Plus. Although, by and large, this is a restyled version of an already well-known car.
2 0
At the intersection of genres (Chrysler PT Cruiser, Seat Altea, Suzuki Liana, Volkswagen Golf Plus) 
Comparison test
We will talk about models with a high roof, one of the most practical types of passenger cars. Since this is a relatively new niche, not too many of these machines are offered yet. There are currently five models in this category on sale.
