Motoring - NEW VW GOLF VS RIVALS

NEW VW GOLF VS RIVALS

 

This week SL gives you the lowdown on these rivals, VW Golf 2.0 TDI GT, BMW 116d M Sport and Ford Focus Titanium. These cars have been rivals for the king of the compact family class title.

 We had to ask if the Volkswagen Golf can reclaim its family car crown. As it was tested against the 1 Series and Focus, here’s the lowdown on the test.

Until recently, the Volkswagen Golf was the undisputed king of the compact family class, but in the past 12 months it’s been overtaken by newer and more desirable rival the BMW 1 series. So now VW introduced the new 7^th generation model and it’s out to reclaim its crown. While it looks similar to its predecessor, the Golf has a new lightweight construction, efficient new engines and a more spacious and upmarket cabin than before.
So, is the Golf back at the top of its game? Yes. One of the best cars in the class has got even better, as this latest Volkswagen is bigger, faster and more efficient than before. Factor in its top-notch refinement, hi-tech safety systems, and low running costs and spacious, upmarket interior, and it easily sets a new class standard. Yes, it looks a little expensive in GT trim, but then it comes packed with the sort of desirable kit that costs extra on its rivals. So after more than a year away from the top of the class, the Golf has reclaimed its place, as a king of the compact family class.

 

First up is our current class champ. The BMW 1 Series is great to drive, surprisingly practical, beautifully built and cost effective to run, and has hardly any chinks in its armour. The 1 Series is still a very desirable family hatch. Its premium image and price are offset by low running costs and great efficiency, while M Sport trim looks racy and has lots of kit. If driving fun is your priority, it’s still the number one choice. So can the BMW hold on to its crown in the face of an all-new Golf that’s bigger and better than ever?

Still, settle into the driver-focused cabin and the BMW does feel sportier than the Golf. The thick-rimmed M Sport steering wheel and heavily bolstered seats – plus classy details like the Estoril Blue line running across the dash – add a sense of theatre to an interior that’s far more logically designed. Build quality is strong, too, although the 1 Series doesn’t quite ooze class like the Volkswagen.
Still, this car has moved on in one area that always held the 1 Series back in the past. Even though it’s shorter than the Golf overall, it has a longer wheelbase, and that means space in the back is much improved – although it still feels a little cramped after the Ford and VW.
Normally, you’d expect a BMW to show its class at the track, but here the car was outgunned by the Golf, which delivers 34bhp more power and 80Nm more torque, at 148bhp and 320Nm. The 116d has identical power (114bhp) and torque (260Nm) outputs to the 116d was well over a second slower than the VW in all our in-gear tests, although it easily matched the more powerful Ford for outright pace. Yet any performance deficit is forgotten when you drive down a winding B-road, where the 1 Series’ brilliant chassis gets a chance to shine.
The controls are well weighted and accurate, and by using the Drive Performance Control button on the dash you can alter the set-up to suit your mood – from EcoPro to Sport+. The BMW’s diesel engine isn’t as refined as the VW’s, though, and on longer trips the firm M Sport suspension is more wearing, too.

 

Third place is no disgrace for the Ford given the talent it was up against. It’s the cheapest car here, looks distinctive and is brilliant to drive. But it’s not as efficient or fast, plus has a cramped boot and fussily designed cabin that trails on quality.

It’s certainly the most distinctive car here. With its bold mix of curves and creases, the five-door Ford is sleeker than the upright Volkswagen and slightly frumpy BMW. The Titanium model is further set apart by LED tail-lights, extra gloss black trim for the grille and optional 18-inch alloys – 16-inch wheels are standard.
Still, what the Focus lacks in upmarket appeal it makes up for with standard kit. As with the Golf, there’s a DAB radio, Bluetooth, an iPod connection and dual-zone climate control. It just can’t match the VW for safety kit – Active City Stop is part of optional Driver Assistance Pack, while adaptive cruise control is an extra.

The Ford claws back some ground in terms of space, as rear passengers get more head and legroom than those in the 1 Series, while there is lots of useful storage. But the cramped 316-litre boot trails the Golf’s by a huge 64 litres.
The 138bhp Focus also struggles to match the VW for pace. Not only does it give away 10bhp to the new car, it also weighs 67kg more, at 1,421kg. As a result, it was 1.2 seconds slower in the sprint from 0-60mph, and one-tenth slower than the less powerful 1 Series, with a time of 10.0 seconds. Still, on the road the Ford feels just as lively as the BMW, and is every bit as fun to drive.

A poised chassis has long been one of the trademarks of the Focus, and this is upheld by the current car. Sharp steering, strong grip and excellent agility make it more engaging in corners than the Golf. A slick and precise gearshift, progressive brakes and superb body control complete the dynamic master class. SL