Volkswagen Launches Most Fuel Efficient Model
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Volkswagen
7th September, 2009
The new Golf range now features the most fuel efficient model in
the Volkswagen range with the addition of the new 1.6-litre diesel Golf.
Powered by a sophisticated and efficient new diesel engine, the five-speed manual Golf 77TDI can cover 100 km
with 4.9 litres on the ADR 81/02 combined cycle. In highway running consumption drops to just 4.3 litres per 100
km.
With a potential range of well over 1,100 km, the new diesel Golf not only delivers its occupants in comfort
and safety to their destination but at minimal expense.
The sixth generation of the Golf establishes an elegant new design direction in the evolution of Volkswqagen's
best selling model.
In planning the interior for the new Golf, Volkswagen’s designers unashamedly set themselves the target of
defining new benchmarks in quality in this class. This goal extends to all aspects, from ergonomics, through the
feel and look of the materials used to the overall refinement within the cabin.
The new interior look is combined with advances made by Volkswagen engineers in reducing wind noise, including
a completely new design of door and window seals, a new sound-damping inter-layer within the laminated windscreen
and a new engine mounting system. The result is the quietest VW Golf yet produced.
The new 1.6-litre diesel, shares the same technology as the 2.0 litre diesel (103TDI) with 16-valves and common
rail fuel injection. It produces peak power of 77 kW at 4,400 rpm, while maximum torque of 250 Nm is delivered
between 1,500-2,500 rpm. Fitted with a standard DPF (diesel particulate filter) to reduce particulate emissions,
this new engine is not only one of the most efficient but also one of the cleanest diesels available.
Two transmissions are on offer, a five-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG.
The seven-speed DSG transmission uses a pair of dry clutches (as opposed to the wet ones in the six-speed
version) to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
The pair of dry, organic bonded friction linings do not require cooling, making the drivetrain more efficient
through the extra gear ratio and the fact that less power is required for the gear selection and clutch servo
system. Measuring only 369 mm in length and weighing only 79 kg, including the dual-mass flywheel, the gearbox is
remarkably compact.
In adopting seven-speeds, Volkswagen engineers were able to lower first gear to improve acceleration from a
standstill. By contrast seventh gear has been raised to act as an overdrive function making it ideal for motorway
driving with the additional effect of further improving economy and comfort levels.
The lubrication circuits are divided into two to maintain the purity of the oil. As with a conventional manual
gearbox, one of the circuits is used for cooling and lubrication of the gear teeth, the second feeds oil to the
gear actuators. Since the clutch does not require cooling the quantity of oil has been reduced from 7 litres in
the six-speed DSG gearbox to only 1.7 litres in the new seven-speed system.
The Golf uses proven MacPherson strut-type front suspension to offer direct steering feedback, strong axle
rigidity under cornering loads and minimal body roll.
Ride and handling benefit from the car’s clever mounting concept for the lower wishbone with separate mountings
for spring and damper on the suspension strut tower, including a lightweight twin-sleeve damper unit and optimised
spring rates.
The previous Golf’s completely new four-link rear suspension system was a major stride forwards for this market
segment in terms of providing the optimum combination of handling dynamics and ride comfort.
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The compact four-link layout features three lateral control arms – the spring mounting, the track rod and the
upper control arm – and a trailing link at each wheel. Suspension assemblies are attached by way of a rear-axle
subframe and, as at the front, rubber-and-metal mountings that are soft in torsion but stiff radially are used to
ensure that the anti-roll bar responds immediately and suppresses body roll effectively. This combines accurate
handling with good ride and low road noise levels.
The spring and damper on each side are located separately; the spring bears directly on the trailing link and
the damper unit is attached to the wheel hub assembly.
The suspension geometry on the compression stroke generates a toe steering effect that maintains neutral
behaviour or slight understeer in all driving and load-carrying situations.
Among the benefits of the almost neutral layout are excellent straight-running stability characteristics on
highly uneven road surfaces and minimised tyre wear.
The Golf uses a third generation electro-mechanical power steering system (EPS) which is able to vary the feel
of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation: firm and direct when driving hard, effortless at
parking speeds.
Other advantages of the system include its mild self-centering action, its ability to compensate for different
driving hazards, like crosswinds and steep road cambers, and a beneficial effect on fuel economy.
The Golf features a sophisticated braking system, with ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) as
standard across the range.
On the passive side, there is a further perfected safety body (including additional reinforcement in the door
area and optimised pedestrian protection), seven airbags including a knee airbag on the driver’s side and a
patented safety optimised head restraint system for driver and front passenger.
As the entry-level diesel, the Golf 77TDI starts at $28,690* for the five-speed manual, while the 7-speed DSG
variant is priced from $31,190*.
NOTE: * Prices are manufacturer list prices which exclude dealer delivery charges and the various
statutory charges and fees. "Drive away" prices are available from Volkswagen dealers.
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