Volkswagen extends its Golf game

VOLKSWAGEN has returned with an entry-level Golf diesel in Australia.

Dubbed the 77TDI, and priced from $28,690 in base Trendline trim, it joins the $33,190 103TDI Comfortline as the second turbo-diesel model offered in the sixth-generation ‘A6’ Golf.

In lieu of the standard five-speed manual transmission, buyers can opt for a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox for $31,190, while a Comfort Pack is a $2200 option that adds niceties such as cruise control, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, alloy wheels, a more comprehensive instrumentation pack and alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.6-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel with a particulate filter that is closely related to the 2.0-litre unit found in the 103TDI.

It delivers 77kW of power at 4400rpm and 250Nm of toque from 1500 to 2500rpm.

While these are the same basic outputs as the old Golf 1.9 TDI sold here from 2004 to 2009, the 77TDI engine is around 300cc smaller, and produces much fewer emissions as well as better fuel economy.

Left: VW Golf R32. Below: Golf GTD.

The official ADR 81/02 combined cycle figure is 4.9 litres per 100km (old 1.9 TDI: 5.8), and 4.3L/100km for the highway cycle, while CO2 emissions can be as low as 129 grams per kilometre (1.9 TDI: 157).

In contrast, the 103TDI’s 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre engine is capable of 5.3L/100km and 139g/km.

All that is left in the diesel drawer for now is the replacement for the previous Golf V’s GT Sport TDI.

Already released in Europe as the 125TDI, or GTD, it is under consideration for release in Australia during 2010.

However, pricing issues – particularly in relation to the positioning of the Mk6 Golf GTI due here in October – means that Volkswagen will not officially confirm the 125TDI/GTD for Australia.

Part of the reason is that the GTD is likely to be more expensive than the GTI, raising questions about whether the market is ready for a diesel hot hatch that exceeds that of its petrol-powered counterpart.

Unlike the old GT Sport TDI that was released in Australia in mid-2007, the Mk6 Golf GTD boasts the same amount of chassis tuning as the GTI – meaning that it sits 15 millimetres closer to the ground, and includes the standard 17-inch alloy wheels/225-section tyre specification.

Its 2.0-litre twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine kicks out 125kW at 4200rpm and 350Nm from 1750 to 2500rpm – familiar figures for Passat CC TDI and Skoda Superb TDI owners.

In six-speed manual guise, the 220km/h GTD’s 0-100km/h sprint-time takes 8.1 seconds it can average 5.3L/100km and the CO2 emissions are 139g/km. The six-speed DSG’s figures are a little higher for each category.

The other go-faster Golf that needs replacing is the R32, and this will come in the second half of next year in the guise of the Golf R.

Powered by a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that should at least match the current 184kW 3.2-litre V6, drive will be deployed to all four wheels just as in the R32, probably via a Haldex all-wheel drive system.

Rumours abroad are predicting about 210kW. Expect Golf R prices to sit in the mid to high $50,000 mark.

2009 Volkswagen A6 Golf pricing:
90TSI Trendline:	$25,990
90TSI DSG Trendline (a):	$28,490
77TDI Trendline:	$28,690
77 TDI DSG Trendline (a):	$31,190
118TSI Comfortline:	$30,490
118TSI DSG Comfortline (a):	$32,990
103TDI Comfortline:	$33,190
103TDI DSG Comfortline (a):	$35,690