2010 Volkswagen Golf 77TDI Road Test Review

2010 Volkswagen Golf 77TDI Road Test Review

LAUNCHED LATE LAST YEAR, Volkswagen touts its Golf 77TDI as being the most fuel efficient VW ever to go on sale in Australia.

A claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.9 l/100km is certainly impressive (if not hybrid-beating). Volkswagen says it will cover 1100km at highway speed before needing to stop for a refill.

It’s also the new entry-level model to the diesel Golf range. The question is however, given that its on-road price is $2700 higher than the petrol-powered Golf 90TSI (that's also got a miserly thirst) and comes with an engine that’s 23kW less powerful, is the 77TDI worth the extra outlay?

We set out to find out.

Styling

It is good news that the 77TDI doesn’t look cheap, despite its entry-level Trendline specification.

The same smart lines and crisp styling that adorn other Golf models remain unspoiled on the 77TDI. It's a design unburdened by fussy detailing.

Unlike other fuel-efficient cars in its class, the 77TDI is no eco-extrovert either, with only a modest “TDI” badge applied to its hatch.

A set of hubcap-wearing 15-inch steel wheels are standard, however our tester was equipped with a quartet of optional 15-inch “Wellington” alloys. Alloys up to 18 inches in diameter can be optioned, and there are 11 different wheel designs on offer.

Aside from wheels, the two other main points of difference between the base Trendline and up-spec Comfortline models are foglights and some metallic trim pieces in the upper grille.

The Trendline’s nose is clear of both (foglights are optional), but, other than that, both spec levels are virtually identical from the outside.

Interior

Inside, the 77 TDI’s budget posture is a little more obvious. The steering wheel is a basic urethane three-spoke number, black cloth is the only upholstery available and aside from a few alloy-look trim pieces on the dashboard and door panels, it’s very dark inside.

But those are about the only negatives. Cabin plastics are of exceptional quality, fit and finish is superb and it’s a huge improvement over the last-gen Mk V Golf’s interior.

It’s also well laid-out. The gearshift falls readily to hand, the centre stack isn’t far from the driver’s reach and the window controls have been moved up the door panel to within a hand-span of the steering wheel.

The steering wheel itself adjusts for reach and tilt, and the driving position is a good one.

The driver’s seat adjusts for height as well as slide and backrest tilt, but the passenger’s seat misses out on height adjustment and neither feature the adjustable lumbar support that’s found in higher-grade Golfs.

The front seats are comfortable and well-cushioned, even if the bolsters are a little shallow.

The rear bench is a bit flat and the centre tunnel eats into centre passenger legroom, but under-thigh support is good. The base Trendline models miss out on a fold-down rear armrest, though.

There are three child seat anchorages built into the rear backrest, and two ISOFIX attachment points on each outboard seat.

Two cupholders, a sizable glovebox, two centre console bins and amply-sized door pockets are provided up front, and the rear seats get two flip-out cupholders, door-mounted bottle holders and a pair of airconditioning vents.

The boot space measures in at a handy 350 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats up, and 1305 litres with them folded down.

The rear backrest doesn’t fold flush with the boot floor, but there are at least several tie-down points to help keep loads secure. Shopping bag hooks, which are fitted to Comfortline-spec Golfs are conspicuously absent from the Trendline’s boot area.

Equipment and Features

In standard form, the 77 TDI Trendline is pretty basic when it comes to 'the toys'.

Semi-automatic airconditioning, a basic AM/FM tuner with CD player and 3.5mm auxiliary input, trip computer and heated power wing mirrors are standard on the 77TDI, but that’s it.

Cruise control, reverse parking sensors, foglights, a premium sound system with iPod integration, a sunroof and satellite navigation are all optional extras, and power adjustable seats are not available for the Trendline models at all.

Our tester was fitted with the optional Comfort Package, which added dual-zone climate control, a more versatile trip computer and multi-function display, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, illuminated footwells, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto-on headlights and rain-sensing wipers.