VW Golf gears up for Brunei

FIRST impressions are important, simply because you don't get another one. With that in mind, Volkswagen (VW) have done a great job with ensuring that each version of the Golf leaves a lasting one. The latest incarnation will be launched in Brunei on Friday, and The Brunei Times had the opportunity to get inside the latest 1.6-litre, four-cylinder model.

First up, the dynamics of the Golf have not changed much, which is good. The outgoing model was a great little car to drive, and this new version picks up where the old version left off. It handles well and is easy to drive, just as any Golf should.

The big difference between the old and the new in terms of driving is the level of refinement, quite high in this new model. Compared with Mark V, the new Golf filters out much more of the outside sounds, tyre and road roar is almost non-existent. The ride itself is more supple, which says a lot because the older Golfs, even the GTIs, are very comfortable to drive in almost every situation.

VW has decided to fit a seven-speed DSG gearbox on the Mk VI, and this is new to Brunei Darussalam. Seven gears for a small car may seem a bit much, and many of my driving enthusiast colleagues agree. But it's not until you drive the new Golf that you realise that the new transmission is part of what makes this new version better than its predecessor. The extra gear ratio and the design of the DSG, now a dry sump instead of wet, provide better fuel economy.

If it were a conventional manual with seven gears, it would be an awful headache to manage. Thanks to Volkswagen know-how, though, the leaps and gains in the development of an automated manual make it fuss-free.

The seven-speed DSG system is less clunky than the older six-speed version, has better uptake in first gear for zipping off from a stop and makes highway cruising a breeze. The clearest benefit is the extra mileage to be gained from relaxed driving on motorways and will be a boon for those who need to commute to and fro the various districts in Brunei.

Those new to the Golf will be hard pressed to see the evolving changes, but seeing the car upclose, as opposed to seeing just promotional pictures, makes them rather easy to spot. Compared with the Mini's recent facelift, which made it difficult to tell exactly what was new about the car, the Golf's new imprints will be a source of comfort to those who feel it is essential for a new model to be vastly different from old.

Despite retaining the silhouette of the Mark V, all the body panels on the new Golf carry a new shape, with only the roof being retained from the old design. In terms of parts, the latest Golf is 60 per cent new. As such, Volkswagen has retained all the great things about the outgoing model and delivered improvements in areas where it lacked. The results have surprised those familiar with older Golfs; this new car will set a great example for those looking for a premium car to run about in.

For the most part, the $39,000 maybe expensive for some families in Brunei and who may expect a bigger car, but after sampling the cabin space, the new Golf simply feels like a much more expensive car.

The ergonomics are great, with all passengers being able to sit comfortably. Unless you happen to be an extremely tall Bruneian, you will have no problems fitting in.

In the driver's seat, finding a comfortable seating position is a cinch, although I would probably prefer electronic switches rather than having to adjust the seat manually.

It is somewhat tougher to be precise and would be a worthwhile option for those buying the new Golf as a family car, thus having different regular drivers.

The instrument cluster is much easier on the eyes. The digital information in the older car was somewhat confusing and although I am unable to explain exactly why the newer digital readout is less confounding, it is an improvement nevertheless.

There are nice detailed touches all throughout the cabin, with accents highlighting the fit and finish.

The optional leather was fitted for the car I test drove. It not only looks great, but feels it too.

The only complaint I have with the new Golf is the choice of gear shift lever.

The shifter, although wonderful in the grip of stitched leather, is an off centre, rectangular T-shape, not a rounded knob. It felt odd to me, but also adds to the uniqueness of the car.

Available from Friday is the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, which will most likely be supplemented by the ever popular GTI.

Maju Motors, the distributor for Volkswagen in Brunei, expects the new Golf to be just as popular as its predecessor. To date, only one of the new Golfs has been bought and is on Brunei roads already, in a brilliant red colour.

Three more Golfs have been delivered to the showroom for the launch: one dark blue, one black and the third was kept under wraps.

After seeing the new Golf firsthand, I can attest that photos really do not do the car justice.

It only becomes a question of when, not if, this latest model Golf will be hailed a success here in Brunei.

The Brunei Times