MK VI Wagon in OZ

[Spook]

The things you find on Google - this most uncomplimentary review from "Drive Arabia".


VW Golf wagon debuts, frightens bystanders
by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

The latest iteration of the Volkswagen Golf doesn’t have the most attractive of faces, but just as people were warming up to it, VW went ahead and added an ugly Estate station-wagon version to the line-up that looks like it belongs in a Chinese auto show.

There isn’t much to write about this monstrosity. In addition to sharing the VW Golf’s ugly new face, it also shares engines, among them a 102 hp 1.6-litre clunker and that 160 hp 1.4-litre twincharger TSI nonsense.

While the interior is similar to the Golf hatchback, cargo volume has increased, of course, at the expense of a balanced exterior profile. All models get six airbags, power windows, climate control and keyless entry.

The Golf Estate, whose name sounds like a golfing resort, is on sale in Europe, and likely won’t come to the UAE, for obvious reasons.

[MurphyTheElf]

There isn’t much to write about this monstrosity. In addition to sharing the VW Golf’s ugly new face, it also shares engines, among them a 102 hp 1.6-litre clunker and that 160 hp 1.4-litre twincharger TSI nonsense.

This bloke is a complete tit. Attempted Top Gear wit, sans commensurate savvy.

[maca]

Nothing to indicate engine size to me, It had a "GOLF" badge and a "TSI " badge.

TSI means it's a 1.4L 90.

Don't mind the car as a whole, but I still think the Mk5 front suits the wagon better.

[midlifecrisis]

Ok, I am still awaiting the official Australian launch of the wagon, prices and options, but figuring it wont differ to match from the current golf (and having copies of the UK brochures and prices to go by) I was seeking people's opinions on factory options from their experiences with them.

My current plan is to get 118TSI but price could push me towards the 90TSI with mandatory Comfort Pack.

Option 1 Rear Parking Assist $1400 (almost 100% going to get it) . I like the idea of rear as well as front sensors, and the auto parallel parking option is a bonus that I am sure would get use. Do people like the visual and audio sensors, and do people actually use the auto park?

Option 2 MDI $270 + cable ?$90 (100%) I need to iron out how to best use it with my iPhone which I would like the also use as my GPS, so I need a longer cable or some such, but I am getting it regardless.

Option 3 Bluetooth $500 (80%) I have seen the youtubes using it and it looks like it does the job with an iPhone.

Option 4 AntiTheft Alarm $600 (50%) A nice to have that might stop a breakin or a least stop too much theft...

Option 5 Dynaudio RCD310 $1800 (30%) Not sure about this. I like my music but this is pricey. The main reason to get it would be to add in the (Option 6) Rear View Camera option $500 (30%).

Option 7 Sports $2000 (40%). Its pricey and I thing I would prefer it over the Option 5/6 combo since I have the Rear Parking Assist anyway. I like the idea of 17"s, the dark tinting sounds excellent, fogs would be useful on trips and bad weather night driving, seats are said to be very nice, sports suspension could be a bit harder and since the UK market doesn't offer the ACC (which is what I would really like) it might actually deter me from getting it since its a family vehicle.

Options 8+
Stainless Steel Loading/Bumper sill protector ? $215
Stainless Steel door scuffs ?$$$
Floor matts front ?$$$
Boot mat rubber ?$181
Rear tinting (if I dont get sports) ?$$$

As a newbie here as my first new car ever, I welcome any feedback on these or things I am overlooking.

Thanks

[gregozedobe]

Have you considered Bi-Xenons ? If you do any country road driving they are a big improvement.

I like the idea of a reversing camera (would be much more helpful than beeping reverse sensors).

[midlifecrisis]

Have you considered Bi-Xenons ? If you do any country road driving they are a big improvement.

I like the idea of a reversing camera (would be much more helpful than beeping reverse sensors).

I believe Bi-Xenons are only an option with the GTI/R series, not the 2010 Golf Mk VI.

The reverse system provides both a visual and audible response but to get the camera I need to spend $2100 (sound upgrade and camera). Thats why I am thinking if I have that much to spare the Sports Package is a better buy.

[Spook]

News reports I have read suggests that there the Golf Variant will not have the same engine lineup as the hatch, but there will be at least one petrol and one diesel version. I'm hoping that the 1.4 118TSI will be one of them. NZ has the 90TSI and 77TDI as their two models, while the UK's top dogs are the 90TSI and 103TDI.

So if that is anything to go by, it is possible there will not be a 118TSI version. But, assuming the 118TSI is available, my picks from the option list will be:

1) Park Assist (to get the parking sensors). Not sure that I will be using the actual 'assist' very much.

2) Panoramic Sunroof. Hopefully it won't cost much more than a regular sunroof. Which is more expensive - glass or steel?

3) Sports package with Leather seats - with the little 'uns tramping around, it will be easier to keep clean.

4) RCD510 - if that is not available as a standalone option, then may have to spec Dynaudio with it.

Now it all depends how much that adds up to. Taking a 118TSI DSG RRP $32,990, + $3000 premium for wagon, and the above options, that takes it over $46k before on roads. At that point, the Octavia RS starts to look like an attractive option. You can option Xenon's, but lose the pano sunroof. But hey, it comes with the heart of a GTI.

[midlifecrisis]

The NZ options are hopefully just drafts because they look quite poor. http://www.volkswagen.co.nz/publish/.../90kw_tsi.html

Steel wheels (but full sized spare - so less boot?), no bigger Petrol or Diesel (UK have the 2.0 Diesel as there sportswagon variant), alarm standard, and no options listed.

If thats all they offer the Australian market then unless the price is good (and NZ prices seem to suggest not) then I might need to look elsewhere.

***

Ok, I found the spec sheet and it looks like you can get most of the options I am thinking of. http://www.volkswagen.co.nz/publish/...Y10_1Jan10.pdf

Alarm, RCD 310 are standard. But many other things need to option up.

I like some of the flexibility they have for bits but it would be nice to see the same sort of Comfort and Sports packages the Golf VI has.

Hey their standard Golf pricelist offers Bi-xenons with cornering, folding mirrors...http://www.volkswagen.co.nz/publish/...Y10_1Jan10.pdf

[Corey_R]

Option 2 MDI $270 + cable ?$90 (100%) I need to iron out how to best use it with my iPhone which I would like the also use as my GPS, so I need a longer cable or some such, but I am getting it regardless.

Option 7 Sports $2000 (40%). Its pricey and I thing I would prefer it over the Option 5/6 combo since I have the Rear Parking Assist anyway. I like the idea of 17"s, the dark tinting sounds excellent, fogs would be useful on trips and bad weather night driving, seats are said to be very nice, sports suspension could be a bit harder and since the UK market doesn't offer the ACC (which is what I would really like) it might actually deter me from getting it since its a family vehicle.

Two things... can anyone with an iPhone confirm that it can both play music whilst connected to them MDI AND perform GPS duties at the one time?

And keep in mind that the sports pack is only available on the 118TSI/103TDI Comfortline cars, and not the 90TSI/77TDI trendline cars. Not that we know whether either of those or the sports pack will be available in the wagen in Australia yet anyway

[coastie]

If the wagon was available I think I would have gone for that, but am very happy with the 118TSI.

We use the park assist fairly often, in conjunction with the RNS510 the rearview camera and the satnav are the best options I feel I got with the golf. The leather seats are great for kids and sandy beaches.

Sunroof is something I may not get again but it was on the car available at time of purchase. Active cornering lights are good, don't have a need for the fog lights to be on much but I like the extra light on corners.