Many car enthusiasts mistakenly think that the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Golf Plus are practically the same car. But this is not the case. If you look closely, it becomes clear that the "plus" version was created for family people who care not about power and drive, but, on the contrary, safety, reliability and spaciousness. Let's take a closer look at what the "Plus" is.
History
The Volkswagen Golf Plus was first announced in 2004, shortly after the generation. Actually, the new model was built on the basis of the five, only in appearance it was significantly different. The Plus was slightly longer and taller than the regular Golf, but was not as large as VW's other model, the Touran.
Mass production was launched in 2005 and lasted until 2014. During this period, the car was restyled and it happened in 2008. It is difficult to name the exact number of cars sold for the entire period, but the fact that the figure will not be impressive is a fact.
2014 was the last year for the Volkswagen Golf Plus as the company decided to upgrade and replace it with a completely new Golf Sportsvan. The novelty is built on the basis of the 7th generation Golf and has little in common with its predecessor. However, Plus can still be found in the secondary market, where they are relatively inexpensive due to their not-so-great popularity.
Differences between Golf and Golf Plus
As mentioned above, the Volkswagen Golf Plus outwardly differs significantly from the usual "Golf". The body design has undergone changes, the aerodynamics, dimensions and much more have changed dramatically.
Compared to the regular Golf, the front end of the Golf Plus is completely different. The fenders, hood, optics, front bumper and even the radiator grill have changed. The only thing that unites the 2 cars is the chrome VW badge. The Golf Plus has more smoothed lines and extra straight edges.
At the rear, the Golf Plus has LED headlights, which are also different from the regular Golf. The tailgate has also changed - it has become a little larger and slightly changed its shape. The rear bumper has become more rounded. As for the exhaust system, it is the same as that of a regular Golf.
Little has changed in the facelifted version of the Golf Plus. The appearance remained almost the same, the only daytime running lights appeared on the front bumper, the body shape became a little more expressive, and that's all.
Specifications
It's time to move on to the characteristics of the Volkswagen Golf Plus. From the moment of release and before restyling, only 3 types of engines were installed on the car: 1.6, 1.9 and 2 liters. In addition to gasoline, there were diesel ones, but they were more popular in Europe.
Gasoline units 1.6 and 2 liters had a capacity of 102 and 150 liters. with. They worked in tandem with both a manual and an automatic transmission. But diesel engines, in addition to this, were equipped with a robotic seven-speed DSG-7 gearbox and a turbine. In terms of diesel power, of course, they were inferior to the gasoline "brothers": 1.6 liters - 102 liters. s, 1.9 - 105 l. with and 2 liters - 140 liters. with.
After restyling, the line of motors was replenished and cut down at the same time. Disappeared engines of 2 liters and 1. 9. Instead, new 1.2 and 1.4 appeared. But 1.6, in fact, remained practically unchanged. As for horsepower, 1.2 - 105 hp. s., 1.4 - 80 and 122 liters. s, a 1.6. - former 102 "horses". Together with the new motors, there was either a manual gearbox or a robotic DSG. By the way, the Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.4 and 1.2 engines were the first in Russia to be equipped with turbines.
The chassis in the Plusik remains practically the same as the original Golf. There was an independent McPherson suspension in front, a multi-link in the back. Additionally, the entire chassis has been reinforced to provide better handling and a smoother ride. In particular, there was a rear subframe made of strong steel, which took over the bulk of all body vibrations.
In terms of safety, the car was equipped with four airbags in the most budgetary configuration. Also present were ABS, ESP and traction control TCS. An IsoFIx mount is provided for child seats.
In models after 2008, several more airbags and very useful functions were added: hill assist, EBD, auxiliary braking system, cruise control, tire pressure check, etc. Rear parking sensors also appeared, which were sorely lacking.
Finally, it should be said about fuel consumption and trunk volume. For engines 1.6 and 2.0, consumption is 11-12 liters in the city and from 6.5 to 7 when driving on the highway. On 1.2 engines, these figures are 7.5 and 5 liters, in 1.4 - 5 and 8 (9) liters, and, finally, the modernized 1.6 consume 5.5 (6) - 9 (10.5) liters.
The trunk volume of a car is 395 liters, but if you fold down the row of rear seats, you can get all 1450.
Modifications
Now that we have finished with the technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Golf Plus, we can proceed to the modifications of the car. Before restyling, according to the data, there were 3 of them: Trendline, Sportline and Comfortline. After 2008, Sportline and Comfortline disappeared and replaced with new ones - Match and CrossGolf.
There were no particular differences between the modifications. Basically, the difference was in certain elements of the car, for example, chrome on the bumpers or a leather steering wheel in the cabin. There are no differences at all in the set of safety options - the set of airbags was the same. The exceptions are certain options, such as "Take me home", adaptive lighting, climate control, and more.
In addition, the differences in the trim levels were in the upholstery. For example, Trendline had an exclusively fabric interior, CrossGolf, in addition to fabric, it could also be leather, but Match was equipped only with a combined upholstery (leather + fabric).
The only significant difference between the three modifications was ground clearance and wheel size. The CrossGolf's ground clearance was 180 mm and the discs were 17 inches in diameter. As for the Trendline and Match, they had a ground clearance of 160 mm and a wheel size of 15 inches.
Sales of the Golf Plus model (dimensions 4206x1759x1580 mm) began in the spring of 2005 in Europe, and then in other markets, which is a 5-seater compact van on Golf V units. At first glance, the car is perceived as a Golf, but it has an individual styling and broadens the perspectives of the Golf series. The main plus is the body height increased by 95 mm. Although other dimensions remain the same as that of the famous predecessor, the feeling of spaciousness is completely different due to the more vertical position. It also provides more legroom for both the driver and passengers.
The extra centimeters went to the front fenders (the nose of the Plus is more massive) and the roof pillars - with the same angle of inclination, they start much earlier. To make it look harmonious, we added triangles of windows and a rib from the headlights to the lanterns. Compared to the donor, the Plus has a significantly changed "front": here almost all the parts are their own, original - head optics, bumper, fenders and so on. Also, the rear door and lights are decorated differently, in which, instead of incandescent lamps, high-speed LEDs are used.
Interior features - multifunctional overhead console, fully transformable rear seat (40:20:40) with the possibility of separate adjustment in length (160 mm) and backrest angle, comfortable front (adjustable) and rear armrests, double boot floor and many pockets, boxes and nets for placing small luggage. For example, a multifunctional front armrest that can accommodate a refrigerated box (optional).
Taking into account the maximum height of the Golf Plus, the design department has developed a new control panel. She expectedly rose up and acquired a "minivan" look - mainly due to the massive center console and 4 pairs of round ventilation deflectors. All individual elements remain the same as on the Volkswagen Golf.
Trunk volume can be increased from 395 liters to 1450 liters with the rear seats folded down. The kinematics of the rear seats are designed so that when the backrest is folded down, the cushion goes down and forward, so that in one movement you get a cargo compartment with a flat floor. The middle seat in the back row can easily turn into either a table with cup holders, or a hefty armrest, or (with an additional module) a multifunctional box.
At first, Volkswagen offered four engines for the Golf Plus: two petrol 1.4 l (75 hp) and 1.6 FSI (115 hp), as well as two turbodiesels 1.9 l (105 hp) and 2.0 l ( 140 hp). By mid-2005, the range of engines will be replenished with 1.6 liter petrol power units (102 hp) and two-liter FSI (150 hp), as well as a 90-horsepower turbodiesel. Transmission Golf Plus also suggests a variety: five- and six-speed "mechanics", six-speed "automatic" and an advanced robotic gearbox with two clutches DSG.
The equipment options are the same as on the Golf V - from the base Trendline to the top-of-the-line Comfortline and the sporty Sportline. Already in the standard equipment, the car is equipped with front and side airbags, ESP, ABS and ASR traction control. In the Comfortline and Sportline versions, the Golf Plus comes standard with Climatic air conditioning.
The console between the front seats is available in two versions. In the top version, it contains a refrigerated box (in cars with air conditioning), and also makes it possible to install an optional CD changer or DVD player of the Rear Seat Entertainment system from Volkswagen Individual. In addition, as an option, the center console can accommodate a 230-volt electrical outlet for recharging the laptop battery or other devices, which is an absolute innovation in the Golf class.
Golf Plus is aimed primarily at family people with an active lifestyle who use the car not only in the city, but also on long journeys.
Sales market: Russia.
The Golf Plus is an enlarged (mainly in height) variant of the Volkswagen Golf. In appearance and many other parameters, this car, which has a 5M body brand, is closer to minivans. For example, it differs from the standard Golf in the presence of triangular windows in the A-pillars, as well as in the design of other body elements and headlights. In the interior - a control panel with round double ventilation deflectors. The driver's position has also been slightly changed - it provides a higher position for better visibility. The increase in dimensions has a positive effect on the interior space, especially on the rear seats, equipped with longitudinal position adjustment, respectively, the volume of the luggage compartment is larger, to which a removable floor is attached over the entire trunk area with additional space under it.
The Golf Plus Trendline features black roof rails, body-colored exterior door handles and side mirrors, electric and heated side mirrors with turn signals; tilt and reach steering column, climate control system, power windows, driver's seat with height adjustment, multifunction display, chrome edging for vents, tinted glass, fabric seat upholstery. The Comfortline package includes: 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored moldings, folding tables and pockets on the front seat backrests, comfort seats and a height-adjustable front passenger seat, hooks in the luggage compartment, front center armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake lever, double boot floor. The Highline trim includes silver roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats with Alcantara center trim, Plus multifunction display, automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel. From the options available bi-xenon headlights, several options for audio and navigation systems.
For models from 2004, the lineup includes six engines: a 1.4-liter gasoline 80 hp, a turbocharged 1.4 TSI 122 hp. and 160 hp; diesel 1.9 TDI 90 hp and 105 hp, as well as a 2.0-liter TDI with 140 hp. The technically advanced TSI and TDI unit designs deliver class-leading efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. In 2010, the engine line-up was supplemented with a 1.2-liter TSI with 105 hp, new diesel engines such as the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp. and 2.0 TDI with 110 hp. In addition to manual 5- and 6-speed gearboxes, robotic gearboxes with dual clutch DSG are available in 6- or 7-speed versions.
The chassis is similar to the fifth generation Golf. The front independent suspension uses a proven McPherson design, redesigned to improve handling and reduce body roll. The rear suspension is also independent, multi-link - it improves both handling and ride smoothness, and one of the features is the presence of a rear lightweight subframe made of high-strength steel, due to which the level of vibrations transmitted to the body is reduced. Electromechanical power steering is able to change the steering response depending on the speed.
The Volkswagen Golf Plus offers a high level of passenger protection through the presence of an extended range of restraint systems: front airbags (passenger deactivated), side airbags and curtain airbags, active head restraints for whiplash protection, three rear head restraints and three-point belts for all three rear passengers. as well as Isofix mounts for the two outer rear seats. The car is equipped with ABS and ESP with an extended range of functions, including an electronic simulation of a differential lock. The Comfortline trim adds cruise control, a parking pilot with sensors in the front and rear.
The Volkswagen Golf Plus is more than just a Golf. Using the same technical stuffing, the car has not only its own individuality, but also increased practicality - for example, the volume of the luggage compartment easily increases from 395 to 505 liters only depending on the position of the rear row, and if its seats are folded down completely, then up to 1450 liters ... The carrying capacity has also been increased - up to 639 kg. All of this can serve to heightened interest from buyers.
Read completelyThe Volkswagen Golf Plus debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The car is built on the VW Golf V platform. Compared to the classic Golf, the Plus version has a wider and slightly longer body, which makes the cabin more spacious.
Petrol engines
The Volkswagen Golf Plus engine range is well known from other cars of the brand. The base units are 1.4 and 1.6 MPI gasoline units. The first is, unfortunately, too weak for such a large machine. It offers just 80 hp and takes over 16 seconds to accelerate to 100 km / h. During acceleration, the engine runs too loudly and fuel consumption increases significantly. Therefore, many European drivers prefer to convert this engine to gas. With a good gas installation, the car will be a good option for getting around the city.
For trips out of town, a 1.6-liter unit with 102 hp is better suited. Although it is not a "speed demon", it has a reliable and time-tested design, for which it received only the most flattering reviews from its owners. 1.6 MPI rarely causes problems and tolerates the installation of gas equipment well. The only recurring malfunction is the failure of the ignition coils. Fortunately, they are not too expensive - from 2,000 rubles apiece. In addition, there are throttle valve problems. It stops completely closing, and the engine behaves as if the driver presses the gas pedal all the time. Cleaning the damper and adjusting it using a computer removes the defect.
The interior is different from the usual Golf. Interestingly, it went to the 2007 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Unfortunately, HBO is contraindicated for other gasoline units of this model. The FSI and TSI engines are equipped with direct fuel injection, and the gas equipment created specifically for these engines is still imperfect and too expensive. On the go, however, the FSI and TSI are great. The 150 hp 2.0 FSI is very energetic and supple.
And yet there is a chasm between 1.6 MPI and 1.6 FSI - and not just in terms of dynamics. FSI series motors have a number of disadvantages: carbon deposits on the intake valves, electronics malfunctions, stretching of the timing chain, failure of the hydraulic chain tensioner and the valve timing regulator.
The timing chain drive does not differ in durability in turbo engines, especially in 1.4 TSI with double supercharging. The latter even has premature piston ring wear and loss of compression. In addition, the compressor clutch sometimes fails. The 1.2 TSI can let the turbocharger fail.
Diesel Engines
Diesel units are tireless in the 1.9 TDI 90 and 105 hp versions, as well as the 2.0 TDI 140 hp. Until 2005, they were deprived of the particulate filter, which was later included in the list of mandatory equipment. Mechanics do not hesitate to consider the 1.9 TDI the best. A car with such an engine can be easily perked up by modifying the ECU software. A simple procedure allows the power to be increased to almost 130 hp, and in the case of the 2.0 TDI - up to 170 hp. If the engine is in good working order, the negative consequences of "chip tuning" are excluded.
Malfunction? They do not happen often, but there are a couple of weak points. Among them are nozzles - from 40,000 rubles. At high mileage, they begin to "overflow", which is why part of the fuel enters the engine oil, which in turn leads to increased engine wear.
After 400-500 thousand km, more serious problems are encountered: hydraulic pushers wear out (from 300 rubles per piece), camshafts and bearings (from 50,000 rubles per set). In turn, wear products destroy the turbocharger (from 40,000 rubles). However, with frequent oil changes, the parts last a long time.
2.0 TDI engines are more prone to malfunctions in the injection system. And the versions with 2.0 TDI PD unit injectors were often let down due to cracks in the block head.
Details
Mechanics recommend that you be very careful when choosing vehicles with an automated DSG transmission. If the previous owner did not care about regularly changing the oil in the box, then you should be prepared for a series of major failures.
In the suspension, bushings and stabilizer struts wear out the fastest - from 400 and 600 rubles, respectively. The rest of the parts have an average resource, but, fortunately, not too expensive.
The body, if not damaged, usually does not bloom.
Minor troubles are sometimes presented by an electrician: power windows fail, and LEDs in the rear lights burn out.
Execution
The interior of the Volkswagen Golf Plus has an aesthetic look and is assembled from decent materials. Plastic is hard in places, and therefore starts to make noise with age. Inside, there is a little more space than in the classic Golf, but the three are still cramped in the back. If there is a lot of space above the head, then there is clearly not enough reserve between the sofa and the backs of the front seats. This is especially evident when tall people are comfortably seated in front. The trunk offers 395 liters of storage space, which is pretty good. The car was already equipped in the basic configuration with a set of airbags, electric front windows, ABS and an audio system.
Market
The price tag for a used Volkswagen Golf Plus starts at 280,000 rubles. Well-groomed specimens are much more expensive. Most of the cars were imported from Germany. They are often well equipped, so inside you can find climate control, power windows and mirrors.
Specifications Volkswagen Golf Plus (2004-2008)
|
Engine |
Volume (cm3) |
Power (hp / rpm) |
Torque (Nm / rpm) |
Speed (km / h) |
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (sec) |
Fuel consumption (l / 100 km) |
|
1.6 |
Sales of the Golf Plus model (dimensions 4206x1759x1580 mm) began in the spring of 2005 in Europe, and then in other markets, which is a 5-seater compact van on Golf V units. At first glance, the car is perceived as a Golf, but it has an individual styling and broadens the perspectives of the Golf series. The main plus is the body height increased by 95 mm. Although other dimensions remain the same as that of the famous predecessor, the feeling of spaciousness is completely different due to the more vertical position. It also provides more legroom for both the driver and passengers.
The extra centimeters went to the front fenders (the nose of the Plus is more massive) and the roof pillars - with the same angle of inclination, they start much earlier. To make it look harmonious, we added triangles of windows and a rib from the headlights to the lanterns. Compared to the donor, the Plus has a significantly changed "front": here almost all the parts are their own, original - head optics, bumper, fenders and so on. Also, the rear door and lights are decorated differently, in which, instead of incandescent lamps, high-speed LEDs are used.
Interior features - multifunctional overhead console, fully transformable rear seat (40:20:40) with the possibility of separate adjustment in length (160 mm) and backrest angle, comfortable front (adjustable) and rear armrests, double boot floor and many pockets, boxes and nets for placing small luggage. For example, a multifunctional front armrest that can accommodate a refrigerated box (optional).
Taking into account the maximum height of the Golf Plus, the design department has developed a new control panel. She expectedly rose up and acquired a "minivan" look - mainly due to the massive center console and 4 pairs of round ventilation deflectors. All individual elements remain the same as on the Volkswagen Golf.
Trunk volume can be increased from 395 liters to 1450 liters with the rear seats folded down. The kinematics of the rear seats are designed so that when the backrest is folded down, the cushion goes down and forward, so that in one movement you get a cargo compartment with a flat floor. The middle seat in the back row can easily turn into either a table with cup holders, or a hefty armrest, or (with an additional module) a multifunctional box.
At first, Volkswagen offered four engines for the Golf Plus: two petrol 1.4 l (75 hp) and 1.6 FSI (115 hp), as well as two turbodiesels 1.9 l (105 hp) and 2.0 l ( 140 hp). By mid-2005, the range of engines will be replenished with 1.6 liter petrol power units (102 hp) and two-liter FSI (150 hp), as well as a 90-horsepower turbodiesel. Transmission Golf Plus also suggests a variety: five- and six-speed "mechanics", six-speed "automatic" and an advanced robotic gearbox with two clutches DSG.
The equipment options are the same as on the Golf V - from the base Trendline to the top-of-the-line Comfortline and the sporty Sportline. Already in the standard equipment, the car is equipped with front and side airbags, ESP, ABS and ASR traction control. In the Comfortline and Sportline versions, the Golf Plus comes standard with Climatic air conditioning.
The console between the front seats is available in two versions. In the top version, it contains a refrigerated box (in cars with air conditioning), and also makes it possible to install an optional CD changer or DVD player of the Rear Seat Entertainment system from Volkswagen Individual. In addition, as an option, the center console can accommodate a 230-volt electrical outlet for recharging the laptop battery or other devices, which is an absolute innovation in the Golf class.
Golf Plus is aimed primarily at family people with an active lifestyle who use the car not only in the city, but also on long journeys.
