Volkswagen Gol(?)

**notflyingscot** · 19-02-2014, 09:57 AM

Anyone familiar with this model which seems to sold in S America? Considering renting one in Argentina however local VW websites give scant info on their cars. Just trying to ascertain the size as to whether It would accommodate 3 with luggage. Vehcle offered is seems to be 5 door hatch plus there seems to be a raised suspension model in wagon format. If it is current Polo size how would that be, never been in a Polo!

**notflyingscot** · 19-02-2014, 10:17 AM

Just found some images on the web. Looks sort of Polo size. Might need wagon style variant for three with luggage.

**notflyingscot** · 19-02-2014, 10:29 AM

While checked out some other unfamiliar models offered was looking at a Fiat model. My Google translator indicated in the car specs - Camshaft "1 in the butt"!!
Doesn't sound to comfortable.

**Tom87** · 19-02-2014, 04:55 PM

the Gol is not a Golf..haha

I would say it is sized between the current model Polo and the current model Golf. 3 people and luggage would just fit providing you're not taking the kitchen sink!

They are not anything like any of the European VWs, and I suspect they way they drive would reflect this too.

The competition seems to be the Fiat Sienna, which is about the same size. They are used extensively as taxis.

Have fun driving there. It can be complete madness. I'm pretty brave when it comes to driving and experienced no issues in the USA but I don't think I'd do it in Buenos Aires unless I paid for some good insurance. Also I think I'd want something the size of a Landcruiser to get around the city in.

Outside of the city it looks to get alot easier but the chance of an accident is still ridiculously high.

**AdamD** · 19-02-2014, 06:21 PM

From Wikipedia:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The Volkswagen Gol is a subcompact car manufactured by Volkswagen in Brazil since 1980 as Volkswagen's entry-level car in the South American market... The Gol has been the best-selling car in Brazil for 26 years straight (since 1987) as well as in Argentina since 1988, with over 5 million manufactured in South America since 1980. In March 2013 it was announced that cumulative production of the Gol and its derivatives (Voyage, Saveiro, Parati) had reached 10 million units. It takes its name from the Brazilian word for goal.

**notflyingscot** · 19-02-2014, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Tom87

the Gol is not a Golf..haha

I would say it is sized between the current model Polo and the current model Golf. 3 people and luggage would just fit providing you're not taking the kitchen sink!

They are not anything like any of the European VWs, and I suspect they way they drive would reflect this too.

The competition seems to be the Fiat Sienna, which is about the same size. They are used extensively as taxis.

Have fun driving there. It can be complete madness. I'm pretty brave when it comes to driving and experienced no issues in the USA but I don't think I'd do it in Buenos Aires unless I paid for some good insurance. Also I think I'd want something the size of a Landcruiser to get around the city in.

Outside of the city it looks to get alot easier but the chance of an accident is still ridiculously high.

No intention of driving in BA. I know it. We'll only be down in the emptiness of S Patagonia.
Think we'll go for the "raised suspension" wagon version since we will be on gravel a fair bit. Certainly won't be going for the "1 in the butt" Fiat😊😊

**notflyingscot** · 17-04-2014, 04:50 AM

Well we covered over 2500 kms around Patagonia in our little Gol. Perfectly adequate little vehicle despite ours being a 60,000km POV pack rental which has probably spent a lot of its life pounding up and down the infamous Ruta 40 which would test the toughest of vehicles. No evidence of any airbags was a bit of a surprise in 2014.
Only one puncture in about 1000km of rock road driving plus a huge bird of prey commiting suicide on the bonnet which completely broke the wiper mechanics under the bonnet!

**team_v** · 17-04-2014, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by notflyingscot

Well we covered over 2500 kms around Patagonia in our little Gol. Perfectly adequate little vehicle despite ours being a 60,000km POV pack rental which has probably spent a lot of its life pounding up and down the infamous Ruta 40 which would test the toughest of vehicles. No evidence of any airbags was a bit of a surprise in 2014.
Only one puncture in about 1000km of rock road driving plus a huge bird of prey commiting suicide on the bonnet which completely broke the wiper mechanics under the bonnet!

Good to know it held up okay.
How was the trip and Patagonia?

**notflyingscot** · 17-04-2014, 12:21 PM

Actually likely to be driving another tomorrow for a 400km plus one day rental.
Really like this part of the world. Second trip down here. Combination of seemingly endless plains flanked by towering mountains and glaciers is pretty special. Highly recommended so long as Surfers Paradise/Gold Coast is not what you are looking for!

**team_v** · 17-04-2014, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by notflyingscot

Actually likely to be driving another tomorrow for a 400km plus one day rental.
Really like this part of the world. Second trip down here. Combination of seemingly endless plains flanked by towering mountains and glaciers is pretty special. Highly recommended so long as Surfers Paradise/Gold Coast is not what you are looking for!

Sounds great, would be keen to see some pictures of your travels if you are happy to put them up here.