The second generation of this compact van (based on the sixth generation of the hatchback) was presented to the world community at the Italian auto show in Bologna in December 2008, the new VW Golf + went on sale in the spring of 2009. The car can be called a new car with a big stretch, since the previously used platform from the Golf V, with minor changes, migrated to the updated Golf VI Plus.
The main idea of the update is to visually adjust the inter-niche mix of a hatchback and a minivan to the “locomotive” of the German concern Volkswagen Golf 6. The front of the VW Golf 6 Plus subcompact van is decorated with elongated headlights that delimit a false radiator grille from two stripes. The slightly modified front bumper has got a larger air intake, which is matched by new fog lights that can "peep" around the corner. In the previous version of the Golf 5 Plus, the headlights did not know how to do this.
The sidewalls of the "second plus" remained the same; in profile, the difference from the previous version is only in the roof rails of a new form. The rear has also been slightly tampered with by design. The side lights have become more expressive and bright, changed the shape and got a black rear bumper insert imitating a diffuser.
In general, after the update, the Volkswagen Golf Plus began to look sportier and more collected - a little shorter and taller than its predecessor. Its dimensions are 2578 mm base, 4204 mm long, 1759 mm wide, 1592 mm high (the presence of roof rails will increase the height to 1621 mm). Ground clearance (clearance) Golf 6 Plus, according to the official website, at full load and without an adapted suspension for bad roads - 88 mm ("empty" ground clearance 141 mm).
Inside, the "second" Golf Plus copies the interior decoration of the Golf VI and the more senior Passat CC with the design of the front dashboard. The new three-spoke steering wheel with pronounced tides in the grip points fits well in the hands. Behind it is an updated instrument cluster consisting of two scale radii and separated by an on-board computer. The milky white backlight is easy to read and comfortable on the eyes. In the previous version, the devices were illuminated with a poisonous violet.
It became more convenient to use the climate, changes in the settings are displayed on the display of the audio system.
The front seats of this Volkswagen-style car are comfortable and functional, one might even say that this is a benchmark in the class. Landing high, the road can be seen better than in a "regular hatchback".
The second row deserves a separate spoonful of honey. The rear seats are able to move along the passenger compartment by 160 mm, thus providing a balance between passenger comfort and luggage capacity. There is enough space in all directions, the third passenger is not superfluous. The volume of the luggage compartment announced by the manufacturer varies from 395 to 1450 liters, and this is surprising. Considering that the Golf VI has these figures equal to 350/1305 liters, it is not clear where the increase in body height has gone, because the Golf VI + is 113 mm higher than its donor.
The ergonomics of the cabin here, as well as in all models of the Volkswagen concern, are at a decent level. All controls and switches are located logically and in a familiar way (sat down and drove off, you won't have to look for a long time and deal with the functionality), pleases a large number of pockets and containers for all kinds of things. The quality and finishing materials used, as well as the level of assembly, raises no objections, although ... the plastic dashboard in the initial trim levels could have been softer.
As mentioned above, the platform remained the same - from the Golf V. Therefore, the test drive of the "new Plus" did not show anything new - it rides the same way as its brother in the concern - Golf 6, the difference is only in the nuances. Steering with excellent feedback and adequate effort. The suspension is optimally stiff and energy-intensive. VW Golf Plus preaches confidence, stability and composure on the road. At high speeds, the driver and passengers feel safe. Sound insulation is good, but at high engine speeds, noise still gets into the cabin. Large windage is manifested on suburban highways when meeting with large trucks, you need to be prepared for this. When cornering, the Golf Plus only requires a little more attention from the driver. The rest of the hatchback-compact van has absorbed all the best features inherent in the Volkswagen Golf, honed from generation to generation.
If we talk about the technical characteristics of the Plus version, then "hearts", that is, engines, are offered for it quite a few: petrol 1.4 liters (80 hp) paired with a 5-speed mechanics, 1.6 liters (102 hp) - 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, 1.2 TSI (105 hp) are also installed on the new Polo with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, 1 , 4 TSI (122 HP) with 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG. This is for the Russian market, and for Europe 1.4 TSIs for 140 and 160 horses are possible, as well as 1.6 liter diesel units. 105 hp and 2 liters. with a capacity of 140 hp. All engines comply with Euro-5 environmental standards.
In Russia, the price for Volkswagen Golf Plus "2nd generation" in 2014 starts at 661,000 rubles for a car in the "base" (and only) Trendline configuration with 1.4 liters. (80 hp) and 5-speed mechanics. In this version of the joys will be present: adjustable in height and reach steering wheel with an electromechanical amplifier, power windows for all doors, electric heated mirrors, disc brakes with ABC, front and side airbags, 15-inch metal discs. You will have to pay extra for the air conditioner, it is not included in the basic version. The price of a compact van with a 1.4 TSI engine (122 hp) and a 7-speed DSG starts at 864,000 rubles.
Well, as Volkswagen is "famous" for the price list for additional equipment. There are very, very many "dopov" and they are able to raise the initially seemingly competitive price to almost transcendental peaks.
Conclusion: Germans still make good, reliable cars. But the car itself, and this is not only Volkswagen's tendency, seems to be increasingly becoming for the manufacturer and dealer only a way to make money on the sale of additional equipment to the end customer "in load" to the main product.
