Volkswagen Golf Plus (Germany, 2009-present)

Parallel to the new 2008 Golf generation, a new series of the Golf Plus was launched. The revised model offers more space and is positioned as a versatile all-round vehicle.

For the 2008 generation, body and interior of the Golf Plus were completely re-designed. It is available in three equipment lines and nine engines with a performance level starting at 59 kW to 110 kW.

The four-door Golf Plus 2008 is available with six gas fuel and three diesel engines (TDI). All engines comply with the EU 4 standard.

The gas fuel engines bring 59 kW / 80 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS; the diesels range from 66 kW / 90 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. ­

All engines up to 77 kW come standard with a five-gear transmission, everything above that comes with a six-gear transmission.

For the gas fuel engines starting at 75 kW, a six-gear automatic transmission can be ordered optionally. The turbo diesel engine starting at 77 kW can also be combined with automatic double-clutch transmission (DSG).

Petrol engines

1.4 with 59 kW / 80 PS: The basis for the Golf Plus is formed by the 1.4 l, four-cylinder model with 55 kW/75 PS (at 5,000 rpm). Above 3,800 rpm a top speed of 132 Newton meters is available. The four-cylinder model in the Golf Plus consumes an average of 7.2 liters of fuel for 100 kilometers. With its five-gear transmission, the Golf Plus 1.4 achieves a top speed of 165 km/h and can handle the classic sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.2 seconds.

1.6 with 75 kW / 102 PS: The four-cylinder develops its maximum performance of 75 kW / 102 PS at 5,600 rpm and reaches a torque of 148 Newton meters at 3,800 rpm. It has a maximum speed of 180 km/h. The acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is completed by the Volkswagen in 12.0 seconds. The average  consumption is 7.7 liters unleaded super for every 100 kilometers. ­Alternatively to the standard five-gear transmission, Volkswagen offers a six-gear automatic (Tiptronic).

1.4 FSI with 90 kW / 122 PS: The 1.4 direct injection engine uses an average of 7.2 liters of super grade fuel every 100 kilometers. ­The four-valve, four-cylinder engine accelerates the Golf Plus 1.4 FSI in 10.1 seconds to 100 km/h and enables a maximum speed of 189 km/h ­The performance maximum is reached at 5,000 rpm. The 200 Newton meter (at 1,500 rpm) strong FSI shifts standard via six-gear transmission. An optional six-gear automatic transmission is available here as well.

1.4 TSI with 103 kW / 140 hp: Between 1,750 rpm and 4,000 rpm (!) the TSI generates maximum torque of 220 Nm. In 9.3 seconds it accelerates the Golf Plus to 100 km/h. This Volkswagen has a top speed of 202 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 7.2 liters over 100 kilometers. The TSI souped up with a compressor and turbocharger can be optionally ordered with the DSG direct shift gearbox.

2.0 FSI with 110 kW / 150 PS: ­The combination of direct fuel injection and 2.0 liters cubic capacity provides the Golf Plus 2.0 FSI with a maximum performance of  110 kW - enough for a maximum speed of 205 km/h and an acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. With this motorization and a manual six-gear transmission, this car consumes 8.3 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers.

1.4 TSI with 125 kW / 170 PS: The 125 kW four-cylinder engine is the strongest power train in a newly developed class of engines. A mechanical as well as an exhaust charger give the 1.4 liter engine its performance, combined with low mileage and a consumption of 7.5 liters for every 100 kilometers. In the speed range between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm the 1.4 TSI reaches a maximum torque of 240 Newton meters.

Diesel engines

1.9 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS: Thanks to the direct injection engine with turbo charger with variable geometry, the basic TDI puts 210 Newton meters at 1,800 rpm onto the standard five-gear transmission. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is completed by this Golf Plus in 13.5 seconds and it reaches a maximum speed of 173 km/h. The overall fuel consumption is limited to 5.4 liters every 100 kilometers.

1.9 1. 9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS: The 1.9 liter pump-valve-turbo diesel brings 77 kW at 4,000 rpm. The maximum torque at 1,900 rpm it tops out at 250 Newton meters. The Golf Plus reaches a maximum speed of 183 km/h. The sprint to 100 km/h is achieved in 11.9 seconds. This model uses an average of 5.4 liters diesel fuel every 100 kilometers. Just like the larger 2.0 TDI, a diesel quick-start system enables an immediate ignition in any climate, without any noticeable pre-glow time. The Golf Plus 1.9 TDI comes standard with manual five-gear transmission. The double-clutch transmission (DSG) can be ordered on request.

2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS: The Golf Plus 2.0 TDI direct-injection pump-nozzle turbo diesel engine with four-valve technology and two camshafts, located at the top, develops 103 kW / 104 PS at 4,000 rpm. Its torque moment on a plateau from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm reaches a maximum of 320 Newton meters. The Golf Plus 2.0 TDI has a maximum speed of 202 km/h and accelerates in 9.7 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, with a consumption of 5.7 liters diesel fuel every 100 kilometers. ­A standard manual six-gear transmission transfers the engine performance to the front wheels. This motorization can also be combined with the double-clutch transmission (DSG).

Measures

With 1.58 meters the Golf Plus is 9.5 centimeters taller then the Golf. In length, the Golf Plus measures an almost unchanged 4.21 meters, with the width also identical at 1.76 meters. And the wheelbase is also the same with 2.58 meters.

A 7.5 centimeter higher seat position creates plenty of headroom as well as a payload of up to 1,450 liters for luggage.

Chassis, suspension, steering

The safety chassis with front axle suspension strut and multi-steer rear axle were taken over from the original Golf. The modules enable high vibration comfort and agile handling qualities typical of Volkswagen through a  selection of springs, shock-absorbers, auxiliary springs and stabilizers.

The front axle is tuned to the multi-link axle developed especially for this serie. Handling and comfort features are supported by the electro-mechanical power steering. It offers speed-adjusted steering support, but also contributes to directional stability. In addition, the Golf Plus is standard equipped with ESP and Dual Brake Assist.

The standard Golf Plus Sportline is delivered with a suspension lowered by 15 millimeters. This package with stiffer spring/damper setting is optionally available for the Golf Plus Trendline and the Golf Plus Comfortline.

The designers and engineers of the Golf Plus re-created doors, hood, bumpers, fenders, roof, headlights and taillights for the new model. Except for the side-view mirrors, the VW logo, the door handles, and the antenna for the optional navigation system, there are no identical body parts for both the Golf and the Golf Plus due to their different package requirements.

The Golf Plus is offered with standard ESP, six airbags, active front headrests and quick responding taillights with LED technology, as well as optional Bi-Xenon curve light.

Like the Golf, the Golf Plus is available in the Trendline, Comfortline und Sportline variants.

The Trendline represents the entry-level model. The Comfortline version offers extra exclusivity and the Golf Plus Sportline is a more dynamic version.

The basic version of the Golf Plus offers some comfort, functional and  safety equipment as standard. ­Included in this are ESP, six airbags, active headrests in the front, central locking, electromechanical power-steering, all-around power windows and individually adjustable rear seating.

The seats of the Golf Plus Trendline, come in the Design “Media”.