It's tee time

It's obviously a Golf at first glance. The styling is sleek, the lines crisp, but does it stand out? Is it an improvement over the previous edition?

Volkswagen calls the new Golf, the Mark VI generation, an evolution. We were invited for a preview of the vehicle at the Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, where Volkswagen boffins were in attendance to introduce us to their latest creation. That they are very proud of it is evident; after all, it's a new car. The reason is evident to us when we take off in our respective Golfs (all badged 'Born to Value') on a long drive to the Hotel Mercure Grand in Jebel Hafeet and back.

The Golf 1.6 has a power rating of 102 bhp, with 148 Nm of torque, while the 1.4 version has an output of 160, with 240 Nm torque. Add to that the seven-speed DSG (dual shift gearbox) and adaptive chassis control (ACC), and suddenly the day brightened up for us.

For those who are not familiar with the DSG, it is in essence a dual clutch direct shift gearbox. This means that there are two clutches; the first is responsible for the current gear whilst the second clutch pre-selects the next gear and automatically engages it when you hit a certain number of revs. All this happens within a split-second and it makes for an infinitely smoother ride and quicker gear changes.

The one we tested was both supercharged and turbocharged. Volkswagen obviously is out to prove that petrol engines can also achieve economy: the 1.4 returns 100 km to 6.3 litres of petrol – substantially more economical and powerful than its current-day equivalent.

Apart from the technical details, what's it like to drive? Volkswagen gave us the 1.4 and a route map that took us through some of the most crowded roads before easing out onto the Al Ain highway.

First impressions do matter sometimes; this time it was quite positive. It had entirely to do with something that wasn't there. Noise. The Golf VI is an impeccably quiet car.
The one improvement in the new Golf that has no detractors is the quietness. According to Volkswagen, this is due to a special sound-damping film in the windshield which reduces noise, as does the newly developed seal design on the doors and side window guides.

Apparently, the new shape of the side mirrors generate significantly less wind noise. Special modifications isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another, and this makes for a quieter cabin. New engine bearings round off the noise reduction programme.

We have to admit that the new Golf is one of the quietest cars in its class. That tiny turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a real breath of fresh air too. It's certainly not the most powerful one around, but has more than enough pep to get the Golf moving at a brisk pace. The twin-clutch DSG gearbox is a good match for the engine as well.

Our drive route took us along some exceptionally choppy roads interspersed with the occasional patch of gravel, but the Golf proved fairly unflappable. It negotiated bumps
with ease and the ride was exceptionally smooth.

It can also be quick off the mark at signals. With an acceleration to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, the new Golf can take on many of the cars on the roads and being smaller can actually seem faster.

However, steering wasn't quite as communicative as I would have liked, but torque-steer is barely noticeable. But despite appearances, this is actually a really good car to drive. It's quick and responsive. You can throw the car at corners with confidence. It just picks itself up and does what it is supposed to do.

Soon you'll be fighting the temptation to squeeze the car into any opening in the traffic. You'll be able to do it, and get away with it too. Especially since the others will be caught sitting, beguiled by the rather plain-looking hatch that's taken them on. Manoeuvring is a breeze.

On the trip back we hit quite a few patches of broken tarmac on a road that was under repair. But the ride was never uncomfortable. The suspension is both compliant and sporty.
The new Golf is not just about the ride either. All key body elements have been redesigned. The interior has come in for a major revamp, and the cabin looks far more refined because of it.

The car's newly designed interior has refined surfaces, especially in the driver's area. The appearance and layout of materials, the brushed chrome accents and round instruments and the steering wheel are all taken from the Passat CC. Certainly adds to the impression of a much higher-end car.

The controls are ergonomic. The radio, steering wheel and window controls are all located high and at the same level. Adjustments to controls can be made on the run, without having either hand stray from the wheel for too long.

The automatic climate control system and the RNS 510 radio navigation system with touch screen too has been seen on the Passat CC. The power window controls are located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

The new car's dashboard also eliminates the high top of the outgoing model's centre stack, and features a neat asymmetrical feature line to help break up that expanse of black plastic. Instrument lighting has been changed from VW's familiar blue to a more contrasty white, and as a result the dials stand out better. An added touch of class comes from the revamped climate control module – which has been pinched straight from the all-new Passat CC.

The standard front seats are well bolstered and do a great job of hugging the body during cornering – though some did not think so. The rear bench is a little flat, but certainly not uncomfortable. There's ample room in the back, with more headroom than most.

The higher-end models boast assistance systems such as Automatic Distance Control Adaptive Chassis Control and Park Assist (which parks the car by itself). A new ESP (electronic stability programme) system, with finer response over its control range, optimised crash zones, seven airbags including knee airbags, special head restraints that work to counteract whiplash trauma, a "seatbelt detection" feature that debuts on the Golf in the rear seating area and daytime running lights are said to
be part of the deal.

At what cost? The 1.4 Golf is priced at Dh80,000, while the 1.6 Golf retails at Dh73,000. Yes, less is more in this case, and once you drive the 1.4 you won't complain either.

So, the new Golf is essentially a good package. It delivers an entertaining drive, but without the street-racer disadvantage. The idea is to play on the image of being eco-friendly; be more economical and less ostentatious. Which makes a lot of sense in this case.

The new 1.4-litre supercharged Golf also proves that petrol power is fighting back. It proves, and how, that diesel is not mandatory when it comes to economy and low running costs.

There's no doubt that the new 1.4 Golf is an impressive performer – and maybe even better to drive than the diesel. That's partly down to the snappy responses of the engine, and the seven-speed gearbox.

Together with a far smoother transmission, less cabin noise and better-designed seating, you can almost be fooled into thinking you're driving a Passat rather than a Golf.
Not a bad thing, especially when you are on a budget.

– Shiva Kumar Thekkepat is Feature Writer, Friday