Golf V may be on the way, but VWSA still has surprises up its sleeve for the current model. The Uitenhage-based manufacturer has launched a budget-spec Golf IV 3-door 1,6-litre model.
Golf V may be on the way, but Volkswagen SA still has surprises up its sleeve for the current model. The Uitenhage-based manufacturer has launched a budget-spec Golf IV 3-door 1,6-litre model, priced at R151 550.
The launch of the hatch marks the first time in about 20 years that VWSA has offered a 3-door model. And according to VWSA sales and marketing general manager Bill Stephens, the company aims to address the market’s lack of affordability, especially in the higher passenger car segments, with this model.
“We are offering a vehicle that offers as wide range of standard specifications as in the 5-door Golf 1,6 Standard, with added value coming from a three-year/120 000km warranty and five-year/60 000km AutoMotion maintenance plan,” Stephens said.
The 3-door 1,6 has twin front airbags for driver and passenger, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, a GAMMA radio/tape combination, on-board computer and height and reach-adjustable steering wheel as standard.
Compared with its five-door sister, the three-door Golf’s two passenger doors are wider to make entry/exit easier, while a
flick of a user-friendly lever on the front seat shoulder is enough to
move the front seat forward for access to the back seat.
Volkswagen says boot, leg, head and shoulder space is not compromised in any way by this configuration. The movement and features of the front seats have also not been altered.
Power comes from a transversely mounted 74kW 1,6-litre 4-cylinder 8-valve engine that delivers 145 N.m of torque at 3 800 r/min. The 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in 10,8 sec with a top speed of 188 km/h.
Standard wheels are 14-inch steel 175/65, with 15-inch Avus Bi alloy wheels optional. A CD-player can be ordered and fitted at the dealer.