Review: Golf Estate TDI
VWSA has launched an oil-burning version of its popular Golf Estate
Using the same turbocharged diesel engine that is found in the Golf and Jetta TDIs, the Golf Estate TDI can gallop along at more than 190kph when given its head, and reach the 100kph mark within 11,3 seconds of take-off.
Diesel engines are renowned for their prodigious torque, and the Volkswagen unit is no exception, with 235Nm on tap from a lowly 1900rpm. Power output is a respectable 81kW, but, as we all know, it’s torque that really makes the world go round. Because it’s turbocharged, the TDI has an advantage over its petrol siblings at altitude in Gauteng, where it suffers an approximate 5% loss of power due to the thinner air, compared with the 17% power drain experienced by a normally aspirated unit.
We haven’t driven the TDI yet, but expect it to follow the diesel tradition and be pretty frugal — Volkswagen claims that the wagon will manage 100km on just 5,6 litres around town. Half a litre less should get you 100km along the highway at 120kph. Driver and passenger air bags are standard, as are four wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake distribution. Service intervals are 15 000km and the Golf Estate TDI is covered by a three-year mechanical warranty, as well as a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty on its fully galvanised body shell. Price? R185 500, with an extra R7100 for leather upholstery.
Also from VW comes the news that the Passat range has been expanded with the addition of a 2,3 litre V5 engined Tiptronic version, which slots in between the existing 1,8 T (manual and Tiptronic) and the 2,8 V6 Tiptronic models. With 125kW and 220Nm available, the new car is likely to be a brisk performer, while the usual Passat luxuries and safety features make the R245 570 price tag reasonable in today’s expensive market.