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Golf 1.4 TSI a worthy winner?

2010-03-19 08:55

 

VW took only its second South African Car of the Year (COTY) title during a gala banquet in Midrand on Thursday.

In the 25-year history of the South African Car of the Year award it was only the second time a VW product took the title – the previous Wolfburg winner being a Polo TDi in 2003.

After an in-depth poll by members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalist (SAGMJ), followed by a second vote by the COTY jury, eight finalists were tabled.

These included the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Turbo, Audi Q5 2.0T S tronic, Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS, Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS, Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS, Toyota Prius 1.8 ECVT Advanced, Volvo's XC60 3.0T Geartronic and eventual winner, VW’s Golf 1.4 TSI.



The judging procedure included two days of extensive testing in February at the world renowned Gerotek vehicle evaluation facility outside Pretoria.

Only cars launched onto the local market from 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009 were eligible for the 2010 South African Car of the Year title.

Despite a raft of negative sentiment concerning its evolutionary styling when launched onto the local market last year, VW’s Golf 1.4 TSI still carried the day.

The Golf’s advanced forced induction engine technology provides generous power and torque from a relatively small 1.4l capacity engine.  Fuel consumption is in-line with a 1.4l engine, yet performance is easily comparable to most naturally aspirated 2l four-cylinder engines – without the larger carbon emission footprint.

Boasting independent suspension at all four wheel corners the Golf 1.4 TSI’s blend of cosseting ride quality and fluid, yet secure, handling dynamics were also notable.

Alfa Romeo fans will obviously be disappointed that the most stylish car amongst the final eight – the MiTo 1.4 Turbo – did not take the title.

Value conscious motorists will counter that Hyundai’s i20 1.6 GLS was the best rand-for-rand offering amongst the finalists.

If the expected local emission tax was already in effect (it's tabled for September this year) the Toyota Prius would have been a virtual certainty for the crown.



As it stands though, VW Golf 1.4 TSI has bragging rights for the next year – backing up its World Car of the Year (WCOTY) win last year.

Despite being initially castigated as simply being nothing more than a marketing directive Golf5 facelift, the sixth incarnation of VW’s family hatchback has now certainly proved the cynical Golf5.5 moniker applied by detractors is of no consequence.

The car’s raft of deep seated (often unnoticed) technical changes and staggering level of refinement has enabled VW’s heartland product to raise the game - yet again. During our experience with the Golf 1.4 TSI, the car reinforced its excellence again and again. 

All things considered it’s almost bizarre to tally only two VW COTY victories locally in a quarter century of the competition.

•    Previous winners:
 
1986 Toyota Corolla Twin Cam
1987 Mercedes 260
1988 BMW 735i
1989 Toyota Corolla GLi Executive
1990 BMW 525i
1991 Opel Monza 160 GSi
1992 Nissan Maxima 300 SE
1993 BMW 316i
1994 Opel Kadett 140
1995 Opel Astra 160iS
1996 Audi A4 1,8
1997 BMW 528i
1998 Ford Fiesta Fun
1999 Alfa Romeo 156 T-Spark
2000 Renault Clio 1.4 RT
2001 BMW 320d
2002 Audi A4 1.9 TDI
2003 Polo TDI
2004 Renault Megane 1.9 dCi
2005 Volvo S40 2.4i   
2006 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0T
2007 Honda Civic 1.8VXi Sedan
2008 Mazda2 1.5 Individual
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive


 


 
kw
3/24/2010 10:00 PM
I would say well done Golf 6 i like it and i haven't driven it yet,but want to...,i also new some one like Gregg once lucky me i don't know him anymore...
Golfer
3/24/2010 2:46 PM
thats rich coming from you daffy? just because you say so doesn't make it fact. i bet if all the people on here had to vote for the biggest idiot in these blogs, you would get the majority of the votes. Now that is a fact.
daffy
3/24/2010 9:18 AM
@Turbo, hahahaha, throwing tantrums i see...i couldnt care less about what BMW's your Golf will beat, it still remains a piece of cheap junk built for kids.
DANIE
3/24/2010 2:35 AM
Besit my POLO TDI al 5jr en 125000 km. Wat 'n wonderlike motor wat ek elke dag ry en geniet sonder enige probleem
Turbo
3/23/2010 3:59 PM
@Daffy, u're even a bigger idiot than I first thought. Seems as tho your big attitude is covering up other inadequacies :) You not the only one that can afford an M3, trust me! My Golf R will beat all BMWs in its price range in every single department, including resale. Dont believe me? well, I dont care!
SJM
3/23/2010 1:47 PM
Well done vw,the car deserve it..i test drove the 118kw @launch and i wuz blown away by the refinement of the car..we were even told to switch off the radio and listen to the engine..it was so quiet....when i had to drive my 2l jetta 5 it felt sluggish...seriously ppl must go and test this thing b4 passing judgement...u wl be amazed
daffy
3/23/2010 10:23 AM
@Turbo, you keep your 'class' and ill keep my money. If you really think an Golf is classy then you a bigger idiot than the rest of the dumb Golf brigade. As for getting a Golf R "wow", thats the kind of rubbish that will never park in my garage...but then its 'classy' in your mind. "Don't hate the player, hate the game".
kari
3/23/2010 10:02 AM
I was in the market for a new car, looking to trade my Audi A3 2.0tdi sportback in. When Ryno at VW The Glen suggested I test the Golf Tsi, I refused saying he must be crazy, I mean really a 1.4 after a 2.0Tdi!!! Guys, I was so wrong, he managed to get me to test drive the car and WOW I was blown away. I am now the proud owner of the new Golf 6 Tsi, it goes like a dream, feels strong and safe, has more bells and whistles than my Audi and just as much power! I LOVE IT!!!
Callie@Gemsbok
3/23/2010 9:51 AM
No I don't Gemsbok. And my driving style has been applied to VWx3, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Colt, Honda & Renault. Polo TDi was the worst by faaaaar.
Ashman
3/23/2010 4:04 AM
FYI, vw are working on a 1.4l supercharged motor producing 195kw!!!
Dylan
3/22/2010 10:34 PM
YAWN - VW golf wins but really I don't care. The design is bland, does not introduce any new concepts and does not advance motoring technology. There is nothing exceptional about this car, infact, there is not that much that is even different from the previous model. COTY is meant to recognise excellence - not mediocrity.
Dave
3/22/2010 4:04 PM
tee-tot: Perfectly said. G6 is by no means a bad car, but it has to be the most boring and common vehicle out there. The MiTo should have won.....on price, looks, specs and power: all of these beat the G6.
Marie Ferrari @ Er
3/22/2010 3:40 PM
@ Er. The saying goes:"The proof of the pudding is in the eating". Do you NOW understand what it means? And yes, for the price, the Golf is a brilliant car.
vw suporter, not realy no
3/21/2010 7:33 AM
no its not a worthy winner its a biased desision made by biased judges
AJ v/d Merwe
3/20/2010 10:56 PM
Just go and test drive this vehicle! A 1.4 jewel! Step out and then drive the new Polo 1.6 TDI - breathtaking! The Volk het gewag en is BAIE impressed!
Jack
3/20/2010 6:06 PM
Coment from Pete Always drove VW's till 2 years ago when I bought 3 VW's for my company, I had the worst aftersales service and was treated with no respect to resolve the issue, :-))) You must live in Richards Bay :-)
Andre Troskie
3/20/2010 12:56 PM
Gregg, you are obviously not a VW fan, but get your facts right. The 4 old ladies you know with 1.4TSi's obviously drives in first gear all the time!..Well done VW
wingnut
3/20/2010 9:13 AM
They obviously don't factor value for money in when making a selection. VW's all tend to be seriously overpriced.
Janine
3/20/2010 7:50 AM
I drive a 1900 TDI Polo myself. Have to say: 'I LOVE MY VW!!' Well done, VW!!
Steadfast
3/20/2010 7:27 AM
Not a bad choice. I have searched the web looking for a tick sheet or something on how the judges come to a conclusion. Looking at top eight vehicles I am some what confused on how they pick them. The VW 1.4 is a great vehicle but at price I wonder.
Trevor
3/19/2010 4:59 PM
Chevrolet Cruze was suppose to win this. Period.
Turbo
3/19/2010 4:36 PM
Daffy the bmw idiot speaks out. Funny how the competition was great when BMW won their awards. VW also won World Car of the Year. I guess thats also a farce?? Money doesnt buy you class - you are a perfect example of this! I currently drive an Audi, but I will be driving a Golf R when it comes out - why? bcos its a great car with all the features I need ... and you my "friend" will always be an idiot!
tee-tot
3/19/2010 3:44 PM
Firstly, well done GOLF. Now for my personal opinion. the Golf is tired, it really is. If you look at what Renault, Fiat, Mazda (yes, even Mazda) are doing to sheetmetal because they don't have the affliction of tradition guiding design, you have to be envious if you're a VW fan. Great engineering, rock solid cars, lovely ownership experience, caught up in a fashion time capsule. Kill the Golf and set yourselves free.
Das Auto
3/19/2010 3:02 PM
DAS AUTO .. awesome result. VW has moved the benchmark so far away from the other's in that market sector. They have set new standards and the likes of the Toyota's of this world have been left in their dust. Well done VW .. and to all the fans of this marque ... "the people's car has triumphed" !!
Eric
3/19/2010 2:57 PM
@ Wasela Suleman LOL @ GTi! There is a piece by a local stand-up comic, Michael Naicker, who describes you and your ilk to a tee! Google it for a good chuckle!
Brendan
3/19/2010 2:00 PM
Well done VW, you deserve the win. I upgraded my Golf5 2.0 to the Golf6 1.4TSi and i love it. Honestly an awesome car and fuel consuption is very good as is power from the little 1.4TSi.
Richy
3/19/2010 1:56 PM
Daffy abviously hasn't driven one of the new generation Golf's. Just because it says Golf doesn't mean it's a Citi Golf. Go test drive a MK5 or 6 then you can say what you want. Daffy the sore looser!
Koos
3/19/2010 1:49 PM
How can this be the car of the year, how long will the little 1.4 last with the turbo. I think not very long, and if you take the 1.4TSI with all the optional extras it comes to R323802. And thats for a 1.4! I'd rather buy the Alfa, or even better buy a 2nd hand Honda V-Tech, much better car.
Henning
3/19/2010 1:49 PM
why is gregg so angry? would u also like too afford one gregg?
Pete
3/19/2010 1:34 PM
Always drove VW's till 2 years ago when I bought 3 VW's for my company, I had the worst aftersales service and was treated with no respect to resolve the issue, to me there was only one winner- the Hyundai I20
Nutz
3/19/2010 1:31 PM
I was the proud owner of a Golf V GTI until I took the Golf 6 for a test drive. Those unformed people who say that the Golf 6 is the same as the 5 don't know what they are talking about or have not driven the new Golf. The new Golf drives better (more refined, better handling, less noise) than a lot of cars in Higher segemnts.
Bennett Malapane
3/19/2010 1:28 PM
The VW golf 1.4 does not deserve to be car of the year. Even the New Polo is better than this one
daffy
3/19/2010 1:13 PM
Some of your people need to buy real cars...how can you be driving a Golf for all your years on earth...come one now, dont be so pathetic. Over 22 and still driving a Golf!!! losers. This award became a joke ages anyways.
mrakm
3/19/2010 1:03 PM
The expert journos have spoken. Well done VW on a worthy winner. @ gregg - were the lifeguards off duty on the day you jumped into the gene pool ?
Ed
3/19/2010 1:02 PM
@Edgar: It is refreshing to hear that there are still people out there who don't follow the crowd! Alfa Romeo, is a brand that set many innovations in the motor industry and the Mito is certainly proof of that. A pity though, it deserved to win but compliments due, the VW is a worthy winner. As much of a good car it is, nothing can thrill like an Alfa, the Guilletta, will entrench that further ... and build quality is improving every year, so is performance, economy and environment emmissions. Congratulations VW! But long live Alfa Romeo!
Alwyn Vorster
3/19/2010 12:59 PM
Gregg, fold your tent and steal away. I can't afford a new Golf either but I still think it is a brilliant car. O, by the way. Check spelling before submitting.
RifRaf
3/19/2010 12:52 PM
Boring as WEETBIX!!! (but they say its good for you)
L Savage
3/19/2010 12:46 PM
Eric, Joe and Jean-Pierre sum up my opinions on this car and topic. The *potential* VW reliability issue is my only reservation, and it would hardly be fair of me or SAGMJ to prejudice a car that has not yet had a chance to prove itself on JD Power. In terms of its specifications, ride, handling, fuel economy, comfort, practicallity, safety etc the Golf 6 is pretty much best in class with very few competitors even coming close. Yes it is expensive, but unlike its predecessor, this car warrants the premium price tag. Don't judge a book by its cover people. Golf 6 is a much better car than Golf 5. Lastly, I personally do not believe any VW model in the last 10 years (Golf 6 aside) has been deserving of SA CotY. The Polo only won it because it was the first car in its segment to introduce a small capacity diesel engine locally, an engine that ironically was pulled from its lineup due to technical problems. I am also not convinced that the new Polo deserves to be a winner next year - mainly because it lacks any decent engine. If VWSA introduced the 1.2 TSI engine into the current Polo range, then I believe it would be a very strong CotY contender, like Golf 6 was.
Wasela Suleman
3/19/2010 12:43 PM
The Golf 1.4 certainly did not deserve to win. It is an extremely boring car to drive and overpriced for the level of equipment that you get. I will admit that is has an impressive engine, but that does not make a great car. The styling is bland and dealer service is disgusting. Maybe if the GTI had won, I might feel different about it. The winner should have been the Audi Q5 or the Volvo XC60. The Audi Q5 is a class act and is superb in every respect. Also so is the highly underrated Volvo XC60 which is powerful and stylish, with loads of features for the price. Sometimes the best cars often go unnoticed. The Car of the Award has been turned into a joke this year. At least last year the brilliant Honda Accord was at least chosen on merit and deserved all the praise. VW Golf was not deserving this year.
KB
3/19/2010 12:34 PM
VW is the No. 1 brand in the worlds largest single vehicle market (EU) for a reason. Like all brands, some of their wares may not be outright class-leaders but overall they produce enough competitive products to satisfy most peoples and markets needs, globally. With them focusing on the commercial vehicle side of things now, they're only likely to increase their presence even more. Well done to VWSA for the latest feather in their hat!
G
3/19/2010 12:30 PM
The new generation polo won Euro COTY 2010!!!!!
The Oracle
3/19/2010 12:18 PM
I have the 118kw TSI. Brilliant car! Fuel consumption is on avergae 7.3/100km. Not what the manufacturer claimed but still not bad as I do push it hard 2-3 times a week.
Bart
3/19/2010 12:15 PM
Gregg, stop failing at Life... VW is a solid buy, albeit not the cheapest, I would gladly spend my money after having driven 7 VW`s several 100.000KM.
Justin McCall
3/19/2010 12:07 PM
@gregg. Fortunately for SACOTY, it's not ONLY based on looks. Yes, it's bland. And yes 14.TSi is 5 years old, but not in SA, hence it's called "South African" Car Of The Year. I doubt your claimed figure of 9l/100 is the truth. I had the 90kW one for a week, I ripped that thing to shreds. Highest consumption was 8l/100kms, but driving it conservatively I managed 6l/100km. Check your facts and speak from EXPERIENCE not hearsay.
Gemsbok
3/19/2010 11:52 AM
@Callie. maybe you drive like a maniac with your TDi. I am driving my 3rd TDi (all 1.9TDi's - Jetta, Polo and Touran) and never had a problem in 326 000km's). brilliant cars, good fuel economy and a pleasure to drive on all kind of roads. VW is the best. The worst car I ever had was the Chrysler Neon. I bought it brand new and got rid of it after 34 000km. VW you deserve many more SACOTY awards.
Jean-Pierre
3/19/2010 11:29 AM
It is a worthy winner.. But Eric I just need to correct you when you said "The TSI engine is the only viable force-induction alternative in its market segment, making most of the competitor naturally aspirated offerings look quite dated." The Renault Megane offers a similar engine which is brand new. @ Gregg - I am no VW lover, but your comments are unsubstantial and pointless. Well done to VW for taking the award.
pyatte
3/19/2010 11:27 AM
Gregg, I think you need to take a mo and go and toss off somewhere, that pent up frustration is making your brain addled. Rather take Eric and DMX's advice and also go get a life.
Gregg
3/19/2010 11:26 AM
I know 4 people with VW's with the 1.4 TSI engines that drive like miss Daisey and they all struggle to return under 9L/100 km per tank..
edgar
3/19/2010 11:00 AM
The Alfa Romeo MiTo should have taken it!! Great styling and a 114kW mill to boot. Wait for the Giulietta coming soon.
Charles
3/19/2010 10:49 AM
@ Greg go back to Mars you don't belong on this planet. Europes top selling cars for 2009 are as follows VW GOLF 571,838 +23% 2. FORD FIESTA 472,091 +44% 3. PEUGEOT 207 367,160 -9.7% 4. OPEL/VAUXHALL CORSA 351,807 -2.5% 5. FIAT PUNTO 323,536 +15.9% 6. RENAULT CLIO 312,925 -6.8% 7. FORD FOCUS 309,134 -15.1% 8. FIAT PANDA 298,914 +33.8% 9. VW POLO 282,780 +2.4% 10. OPEL/VAUXHALL ASTRA 275,638 -14.1% Also the Golf was the best selling import in Japan last year. So please don't make comments if you don"t know what you talking about. If you don't want to buy a Golf 6 don't.
TK
3/19/2010 10:38 AM
The Golf is a worthy winner. It is an excellent car that looks good, is high on technology, low on consumption and offer good performance and value at the price. Gregg, you definitely are from another planet. The only reason VW don't sell more Golfs in SA is because they can't get more stock. That is because it is such a success all around the world. And Golf 7 is years away - fact!
Joe
3/19/2010 10:37 AM
I have no doubt that it goes very well, my primary concern is VW reliability and build quality. Polo and several golfs owned by family members have given numerous problems (and rip off service, misdiagnosed and inflated faults) as opposed our jap cars. As such and as much as I enjoy the solidity of VW will stick to jap until reliability improves.
VW01
3/19/2010 10:32 AM
Excellent car. Nothing in its class to match. Tdi version unbelievable feul consumption. Defined, non ageing body and very good drive.
dmx
3/19/2010 10:24 AM
Gregg, Gregg...have you ever heard the term 'jealousy makes you nasty'? Go and test drive one of these and then comment. Fuel economy sucks? What planet are you from? I mean seriously?
Eric
3/19/2010 10:22 AM
Gregg, you make no worthwhile points whatsoever. "The Golf VI is a local and international SALES FAILURE." It does around 600 units a month, which is in-line with expectations and ranks it close to the top 10 local sellers. "The 1.4TSI engine is already 5 years old and the fuel economy sucks." The TSI engine is the only viable force-induction alternative in its market segment, making most of the competitor naturally aspirated offerings look quite dated. I would hardly call 7.6l/100km consumption (which I average with a 90kW TSI) rubbish. If you have points of criticism, be factual, don't just rant. Golf6 is not the prettiest car in class, but it's a very, very good package and a nice drivers car.
Gregg
3/19/2010 10:00 AM
Every year SACOTY becomes more of a joke.. And this car, winning this award prooves that SACOTY has OFFICIALY hit rock bottom.. The Golf VI is a local and international SALES FAILURE.. Its design is so bland and boring, one cannot believe that the VW board let this car into showrooms. The Gold VII will already debut this year, rushed forward because of the Golf VI failure. It's over-priced and under-specced. The 1.4TSI engine is already 5 years old and the fuel economy sucks. Fairly, the i20 should have one this easy.. Silly, stupid, ugly failure Golf VI
Callie
3/19/2010 9:52 AM
Pity the Polo TDi has a reputation of unreliability. I've had three turbos, two snapped camshaft belts, one new head. Currently I have a noisy clutch & gears. I would simply not risk a turbo VW again.
Er
3/19/2010 9:25 AM
We will once again have people saying the car did not deserve it!! The PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING. Well done VW. New Polo is finalist for WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR.Take it VW!!!

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