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VW Golf

1529 messages,  Last post on Nov 04, 2012 at 3:48 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Golf, Hatchback

Messages Page 152 of 154

#1506 of 1529 A few more miles by vchiu

Feb 18, 2011 (2:37 pm)

I am closing now 900 km (560 miles) with a single tank and I still have 110 miles left according to the board computer. My next diesel stop will tell me if the claimed overall 4.8 L/100 (49 MPG) is real or optimistic. Driving is 1/3rd city, 1/3rd highway, 1/3rd 2-lane roads.
 
If such a figure confirm, then the golf would be thriftier than my previous 70hp smaller and lighter Citroen C3, which is good news.
 

 
I noticed a small noise seemingly coming from somewhere in the top of the dashboard
 

 
This noise appears only when engine is maintained between 1100 and 1300 RPM and is pretty low. it looks like something is not properly tighten, which distracts from an overall good quality feel. I will mention this in a next service.
 

 
Inside accomodation is pretty generous for a car this size
 

 
whereas rear boot size is fair with a straightforward shape. I regret there is no full size spare wheel. the tailpipe pollution control system is taking more accomodation in this low-emission model than with non bluemotion models
 
I really enjoy the front seats for their comfort and supportiveness. Even in tight turns, my body is firmly kept in place, which strengthens the feeling of safety.
 
The steering wheel feels precise and confidence building too. it is covered with a matt and soft leather that feels very good when held. Steering feels qite light, but nothing that gest in the way of the driving pleasure.
 

 
Engine feels strong enough for the task. Thanks to a linear torque curve and tall gearing (35 MPH / 1000 RPM in 7th speed) , it feels a very competent highway cruiser. I don't understand why this engine isn't offered in the US. It isn't any noisier than the 4 cyl 2.0 gas engine of my mothers Nissan station wagon.
 
I tried the navigation a few times. It works OK but does not list speedtraps. A dedicated device will be needed, as the impression of speed is so remote that we end up at extra legal speed without even realizing.
 
Breaking -in supposedly ends in after about 400 miles. Even during this critical period, I can drive pretty much without concern, as the engine doesn't need to struggle to put this car in motion

#1507 of 1529 Fuel Consumption update by vchiu

Feb 21, 2011 (3:43 pm)

First tank after 976 km (610 miles) . Refilled 51 liters.
Overall consumption was 5.22 L per 100 km (45.06 MPG) .
Boar computer indicated 4.8 L/100 overall (49 MPG ).
 
I can not explain the difference. Maybe the engine breaking in is not calculated by the computer. All trips were basically commuting trips of 22 miles with an equal mix of city, highways and smaller roads.
 
I also filled the tank to the utmost level. I speculate I put 1/2 or 1 liter more than in the first time I went to the station.
 
I haven't been driving slow though, as I routinely go over posted speed limits by 10-15 mph. For a larger and more powerful car than my previous one, getting exactly the same fuel economy figures isn't that bad.

#1508 of 1529 Re: A few more miles [vchiu] by gimmestdtranny

Feb 21, 2011 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: vchiu (Feb 18, 2011 2:37 pm)
Those seats look like they have my name on them.
 
I worked your mpg out to be 54. I guess you used the US 3.78 litre. I'm used to your 4.54609 litre/gal
 
Eat your heart out hybrids. And you can drive it like you stole it..

#1509 of 1529 Gone past the Breaking in by vchiu

Feb 28, 2011 (2:15 pm)

the Golf just passed the 1500 km (930 mi) mark which ends the breaking in period. I allowed myself to press the right pedal a bit more on the highway back to home today. Reaching 75 mph uphill proved effortless and, although acceleration was felt, the gearbox did not drop any gear, using the good part of the 250 Nm (180 Lbf ) delivered from 1600 RPM upwards.
 
Overall fuel consumption is showing 4.9 L/100 km, which represents about 48 mpg. Hope the real numbers will match this forecasted figure.

#1510 of 1529 Possible to upgrade a 2.5 w/ genuine VW? by connoroh75

Mar 12, 2011 (8:33 pm)

Please forgive the novice-type question, but I haven't driven VW in 30 years!
 
I'm considering a 2-dr, 2.5, auto, but am annoyed at the paucity of available options.....and as little as I drive, it would take forever to recoup the premium on the TDI (not even counting higher financing costs).
 
I read one post on another site where an owner had the dealer install the 17" Goal alloy wheels, which would be nice, but I'm more interested in leatherette seats.
 
Is it possible for a dealer to order as an accessory (or replacement part, whatever works), then replace 2.5 standard cloth seats with leatherette seats? More importantly, perhaps someone with VW experience could tell me if this is even a cost-effective idea.
 
Thanks!

#1511 of 1529 Re: Possible to upgrade a 2.5 w/ genuine VW? [connoroh75] by vchiu

Apr 11, 2011 (11:59 am)

Replying to: connoroh75 (Mar 12, 2011 8:33 pm)
>> Is it possible for a dealer to order as an accessory (or replacement part, whatever works), then replace 2.5 standard cloth seats with leatherette seats?
 
I came across the same problem here in my country
 
One way is to find a leather smith (not sure about the exact name in English) who would be able to cover the seats with stitched leather. Good smiths can make the seat look as neat as factory made ones, but the price will be dear (aka 3000 USD for a full set).
Leatherette would be 20% cheaper as most of the cost is that of workmanship.
 
Second way if you mean to replace the full seat is to buy new ones with Recaro. Excellent seats but leaves the problem of the rear bench unanswered.
 
I also lament the lack of upholstery choice here. a real shame

#1512 of 1529 Fuel economy update by vchiu

Apr 11, 2011 (12:15 pm)

Now reaching about 2000 miles and just filled the tank.
 
Fuel consumption is steady around 5.2 L/100 , which is around 45 mpg
OBC shows 5.0L /100 so still a bit too optimistic, but the gap shortens.
I press the right pedal a bit more and reach 80 mph at times.
 
I briefly went into triple digit and pressed hard to see how the engine was doing. The growl is special. Not nice nor unpleasant, but just like in between (what I would view as) a typical diesel and a gas engine.
The torque is present, although not as generously as with the 2.0.
 
Overall, a satisfying experience.
 
I biefly drove my previous car just before selling it on private ad. At first I thought there was something wrong with it. Engine was noisy, auto trans morbidly slow, suspension soft, generous in NVH... But the buyer did not seemed as shocked as I felt.
In fact, my old car was normal. I just took the comfort offered by the Golf as granted.
Calling the difference night and day would be an exaggeration , but not a total lie.

#1513 of 1529 Re: A few more miles [gimmestdtranny] by vchiu

Apr 11, 2011 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: gimmestdtranny (Feb 21, 2011 4:26 pm)
>I worked your mpg out to be 54. I guess you used the US 3.78 litre. I'm used to your 4.54609 litre/gal
 
I am confused. I tried to express with US measures, while I think 4.54 L a gallon is imperial, right ?
 
I wish we all used the same measures to avoid those ridiculous conversions.

#1514 of 1529 Re: Possible to upgrade a 2.5 w/ genuine VW? [connoroh75] by jbaustian

Apr 11, 2011 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: connoroh75 (Mar 12, 2011 8:33 pm)
A dealer is unlikely to swap leather or leatherette seats out of a premium model, to install in a base model, because then he is left with a premium model with cloth seats.
 
You might be able to find the seats you want at a salvage yard, as any Golf, Jetta, or GTI from the same A5 platform has the same seat frame dimensions. So you might focus on GTIs or Jetta GLI's in your search for the right seats and trim.

#1515 of 1529 Why Golf TDI over Jetta TDI by lcw1

Apr 30, 2011 (9:31 am)

The Jetta is more spacious, gets same gas mileage so why byu the Golf instead of the Jetta or vice versa?

Messages Page 152 of 154

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