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 VWSA has listened
to its buyers and are giving them what they asked for - more oomph for the
Estate in the form it its highly desirable TDI, one to give lifestyle
buyers not only more versatility, but also a lot more economy.
VW's TDI engine is phenomenal - powerful yet unbelievably economical,
challenged only by Audi's slightly more advanced "pumpe duse" version of
the same basic engine. It gives new meaning to the word frugal, being more
economical than even the tiniest, lightest car at the entry level of the
market, while at the same time being powerful enough to lug around
everything and the kitchen sink. Which is perhaps also everything owners
will be able to load the Golf Estate up with, as it was designed right
from the start to be a people and goods carrier. The only downside for
South African buyers was that the 1600 petrol engine it came as standard
with was too short on power to cope with its intended role, especially at
Reef altitudes. The Estate TDI is the only diesel-powered Estate in its
segment in the South African market. It terms of its unique combination of
space, performance and outstanding economy, it will blow all other Estates
into the fynbos.
According to VW, some 23% of all Golfs and 24% of all Jettas sold are TDIs.
The Estate TDI could perhaps swing the majority to favour Golfs.
The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine in the Estate is essentially the same as
that in the Golf and Jetta, and has a peak output figure of 81 kW and a
maximum torque figure of 235 Nm at a mere 1900 rpm (making it an ideal
tow-car). VW's performance figures are 11.3 s for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint
and a top speed of 193 km/h. Consumption figures are outstanding: a
claimed 3,8 litres/100 km at 90 km/h, while the urban cycle and figures at
120 km/h are 5.6 and 5.1 litres/100 km respectively. Transmission is a
close-ratio five-speed manual with hydraulic clutch.
Reef owners especially will benefit from the TDI technology, as the turbo
engine loses only 5% of its power at high altitude compared to 17 percent
for a normally aspirated petrol engine.
Normal luggage space is 460 litres, and when the back seat is folded
forward, 1 470 litres is available for groceries, bikes and pets. Four
chrome lashing-eyes ensure that that loads can be secured, while there are
sliding strips on the boot carpet and a luggage cover, which can be rolled
away like a blind. A net partition, fitted as a standard, provides extra
safety when large or long objects are transported. This net partition can
be fitted behind either to the seat back of the rear seat bench, or behind
the front seats as required. The Estate also has a standard roof rack for
bikes, canoes and skis.
An extensive safety package as well as a high-quality interior trim level
are standard in all equipment versions. These standard features include
ABS, EBD, disc brakes on all four wheels (ventilated front discs),
power-assisted steering, twin airbags, and steering wheel adjustable for
reach and rake and variable adjustment of the passenger's and driver's
seat.
Trendline TDI models have a 12-volt power point in the luggage compartment
for the connection of external consumers like portable fridges, laptop
computers or reading lamps, as well as sports seats and split-folding rear
seat backrest with a central armrest and two headrests. Anti-roll bars are
fitted front and rear, and the car rides on 15" alloy rims with large
volume 195 radial tyres, offering enhanced driveablity and better fuel
consumption. A full-size steel spare wheel is fitted as standard.
Buyers wanting more can order a R7100 luxury and comfort pack, which
includes leather seat covers, sports steering wheel, handbrake and
gearknob covers, gearlever gaiter and adjustable lumbar support in the
front seats, seat heating, rear headrests and side airbags.
The Estate TDI is covered by a three-year mechanical warranty and a
12-year anti-corrosion guarantee, thanks to its fully galvanised
bodyshell. Service intervals are every 15 000 kilometres.
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