VW lands fuel-sipping Golf, upgraded Eos
BY JAMES STANFORD | 20th May 2011
Effectively replacing the Golf 77 TDI hatch, which started at $27,990 for the manual and was also available with a DSG automatic transmission, VW Group Australia’s first BlueMotion model arrives in a single five-speed manual-only specification also powered by a 77kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.
The most efficient ever Golf undercuts Toyota’s iconic Prius hybrid (from $34,990 plus ORCs) on price and fuel economy but not CO2 emissions by consuming 3.8L/100km and emitting 99g/km. Metallic paint ($500) will be the only option.
The super-green Golf’s manual gearbox is fitted with special gear ratios for optimum economy and an idle-stop function that kills the engine when the vehicle stops in order to save fuel, while brake energy recuperation, improved aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres also help achieve the remarkably low fuel consumption figure.
Meantime, VW has increased the entry price of its Golf-based Eos convertible range by $3000 by dropping the manual variant from its newly upgraded line-up because it was being selected by just 15 per cent of buyers.
Instead, VW’s DSG dual-clutch transmission will be standard with the petrol and diesel engines, which are carried over from the previous range, accounting for a $2500 price increase for both models.
However, Volkswagen Australia has also raised the price by an additional $500 – a move it says is more than offset by the addition of an iPod connector, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an alarm as standard.
Therefore the new-look Eos is now priced at $49,990 for the 103kW/320Nm TDI diesel and $51,990 for the 155kW/280Nm TSI petrol engine.
The single Eos model grade continue to be well specified, with a range of standard luxury features including leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate-control and a panoramic sunroof.
Watch this space for full details and out first drives of both new models.
| 2011 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion pricing: | |
| Golf BlueMotion (m) | $28,990 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Eos pricing: | |
| Eos TDI (a) | $49,990 |
| Eos TSI (a) | $51,990 |
