Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009) Review

Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009) At A Glance

3/5

+A taller, roomier, more versatile version of the Golf Mk V. Good ride and reasonably tidy handling. The 2.0 TDI 140 DSG is the one to have.

-Slightly thirstier than the equivalent Golf. The 1.6 FSI and 1.9 TDI 105 are unremarkable performers.

Insurance Groups are between 7–19
On average it achieves 91% of the official MPG figure

The Gulf Plus is only 3.75” taller than the Golf. But that’s enough to allow passengers to sit slightly more upright which most find more comfortable. And, since bent legs don’t take up so much length, the designers can offer a choice of more legroom or a longer load-bay. 

To facilitate this the 60/40 split back seats can be slid forward or backward on runners. One or both can be flopped down to form an almost flat luggage deck. The armrest centre section can be folded, allowing long objects like skis to poke through. And the passenger seat can be folded so two people can travel behind each other and alongside a surfboard, for example. On left-hand drive models, that 60/40 split means three can travel beside the surfboard 

VW Golf Plus 2005 Road Test

Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009) handling and engines

Out on the road, the standard car with sensible 65 section tyres rides well with no jarring and handles tidily. It doesn't suffer the ‘roll understeer' of some MPVs so can be hustled along in pretty much the same manner as a hatchback.

We tried the 1.6FSI and the 1.9 TDI 105, both of which performed unremarkably except for a mild tendency for the 105 to come on turbo at about 2,500rpm. Drivers do suffer a slight performance and economy deficit as all figures are slightly down on the lighter Golf.

A month later, I tried the 2.0 TDI 140 DSG and this is definitely the spec to have. You can drive it manually or in full auto mode (and if you forget, it reverts to full auto mode by itself). As with the Touran, the DSG box not only masks the engine's aggressive torque delivery, it also makes best use of it and the car is a real pleasure to drive with bags of front end grip.

So you pay a mere £500 more for a Golf Plus over and above the price of a Golf, and continue to pay a bit more for fuel, which would be stupid if you're the only one in the car most of the time.

But it's not a rep's car, or a business car. It's a family car for one-car families or a school run and shopping car for two-car families. A Germanic Scenic with the status of that all-important Golf badge. And the 2.0 TDI DSG is bags of fun to drive.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.2 TSI 85 49 mpg 13.4 s 136 g/km
1.4 40–43 mpg 14.9–15.2 s 154–169 g/km
1.4 TSI 42–44 mpg 8.5–10.2 s 153–159 g/km
1.4 TSI DSG 45 mpg 10.2 s 147 g/km
1.6 FSI 40 mpg 11.8 s 169 g/km
1.6 TDI 59–60 mpg 12.1–13.5 s 125–126 g/km
1.6 TDI 105 59 mpg 12.1 s 126 g/km
1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology 66 mpg 12.1 s 114 g/km
1.6 TDI DSG 58 mpg 12.0 s 129 g/km
1.6 TDI DSG BlueMotion Technology 64 mpg 12.1 s 115 g/km
1.9 TDI 51–52 mpg 12.1–13.5 s 144–146 g/km
1.9 TDI BlueMotion 59 mpg 12.1 s 127 g/km
2.0 TDI 49–55 mpg 9.7–11.6 s 134–153 g/km
2.0 TDI 140 55 mpg 9.8 s 132 g/km
2.0 TDI 140 DSG 51 mpg 9.8 s 144 g/km

Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

91%

Real MPG

30–67 mpg

MPGs submitted

211

Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009) interior

Dimensions
Length 4204–4206 mm
Width 1759 mm
Height 1580–1651 mm
Wheelbase 2578 mm

Full specifications

There are the usual folding seatback trays with cupholders. Centre console and door cupholders. Even a bottle holder. You don't get cubbyholes in the floor as on a Scenic, but there are a total of up to 43 places to put things, including a flat storage area capable of accommodating most baby buggies between the rear luggage platform and the spacesaver spare.

Having driven to the launch in a C-Max it was immediately apparent that the designers have missed a trick. The front seats have side bolsters, so you can't simply walk into the car as you can into a C-Max. Once there, though there's a massive range of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel and the seats are very comfortable.

As with the Touran, the ‘A' pillar quarterlights are too small to be of much use, so shorter drivers may find their vision impeded by quite a big blindspot. It didn't bother me, but it may bother some people.

Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005 – 2009) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4204–4206 mm
Width 1759 mm
Height 1580–1651 mm
Wheelbase 2578 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1293–1501 kg
Boot Space 395–1450 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing -
Costs
List Price £13,920–£24,910
Insurance Groups 7–19
Road Tax Bands C–H
Official MPG 39.8–65.7 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until November 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
S 1.2 TSI 5dr £18,270 48.7 mpg 13.4 s
S 1.4 TSI 5dr £20,025 43.5 mpg 10.2 s
S 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr £21,020 65.7 mpg 12.1 s
SE 1.4 TSI 5dr £21,595 43.5 mpg 10.2 s
SE 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto £22,910 44.8 mpg 10.2 s
SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr £22,590 65.7 mpg 12.1 s
SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology DSG 5dr Auto £23,940 64.2 mpg 12.1 s
SE 2.0 TDI 140 5dr £23,545 55.4 mpg 9.8 s
SE 2.0 TDI 140 DSG 5dr Auto £24,910 51.4 mpg 9.8 s

On sale until April 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
S 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto £20,875 44.8 mpg 10.2 s
S 1.6 TDI (105ps) 5dr £20,150 58.9 mpg 12.1 s
S 1.6 TDI 5dr £19,390 60.1 mpg 13.5 s
SE 1.6 TDI 5dr £21,680 58.9 mpg 12.1 s
SE 1.6 TDI DSG 5dr Auto £23,030 57.6 mpg 12.0 s

On sale until November 2010

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
S 1.4 5dr £15,890 42.8 mpg 14.9 s

On sale until November 2009

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
S 2.0 TDI 5dr £17,885 55.4 mpg 11.6 s

On sale until September 2009

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
SE 2.0 TDI 5dr £19,330 55.4 mpg 11.6 s

On sale until February 2009

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.4 Luna 5dr £13,920 39.8 mpg 15.2 s
1.4 Sport TSI 5dr £18,725 41.5 mpg 8.5 s
1.4 Sport TSI 5dr Auto £18,725 - -
1.4 TSI Luna 5dr £16,020 42.8 mpg 10.1 s
1.4 TSI Luna 5dr Auto £16,020 - -
1.4 TSI SE 5dr £16,970 42.8 mpg 10.1 s
1.4 TSI SE 5dr Auto £16,970 - -
1.9 Luna TDI 5dr £15,735 51.4 mpg 13.5 s
1.9 Luna TDI 5dr £16,730 52.3 mpg 12.1 s
1.9 SE TDI 5dr £17,680 52.3 mpg 12.1 s
1.9 SE TDI 5dr Auto £17,680 - -
1.9 SE TDI DPF Auto £19,525 - -
1.9 TDI DPF BlueMotion 5dr £17,320 58.9 mpg 12.1 s
2.0 Sport TDI 5dr £19,635 48.7 mpg 9.7 s
2.0 Sport TDI 5dr Auto £19,635 - -

On sale until August 2007

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 Luna FSI 5dr £15,177 39.8 mpg 11.8 s
1.6 Luna FSI 5dr Auto £15,177 - -
1.6 SE FSI 5dr £16,022 39.8 mpg 11.8 s
1.6 SE FSI 5dr Auto £16,022 - -

Model History

March 2005

Golf Plus unveiled

Tall 5-seater Golf to fit between Golf and Touran. 95mm higher than Golf V at 1,580mm. More interior space and more flexibility. rear seats can be shifted lengthways by 160 mm and folded via a new system, which means they are lowered automatically when folded down resulting in an almost level luggage space.

Can also split 60/40, with middle seat doubling as fold-down drinks table. Double height boot floor allows more adaptable stowage with a maximum capacity of 505 litres. Near identical line-up of trims and engines to the Golf hatchback ranging from S through SE to Sport. No 3-door. Standard ESP, ABS, twin front, side and curtain airbags, and a CD player. On sale in UK from May 2005.

Four trim levels – S, SE, Sport and GT TDI/GT FSI. ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); Climatic semi-automatic climate control; ABS; six airbags; and a CD/radio as standard on every model. The Golf Plus also has LED rear lights as standard,

60/40 split rear seats can be shifted lengthways by 160mm independently of each other. They can also be folded via a new system, which means that the base lowers as the backrest is folded down, resulting in an almost level luggage space. Middle seat doubles as a fold-down drinks table. Double height boot floor, standard from SE upwards, allows more adaptable stowage and a maximum capacity of 505 litres with the rear seats in place.

January 0001

Golf Plus launch list prices

1.4S £12,895.00
1.6S FSI £14,785.00
1.6S FSI 6 speed auto £16,100.00
1.9S TDI £15,670.00
1.6SE FSI £15,585.00
1.6SE FSI 6 speed auto £16,900.00
1.9SE TDI £16,475.00
1.9SE TDI 6 speed auto DSG £17,935.00
1.6 Sport FSI £16,005.00
1.6 Sport FSI 6 speed auto £17,345.00
1.9 Sport TDI £16,710.00
1.9 Sport TDI 6 speed auto DSG £18,210.00
2.0 GT FSI £17,920.00
2.0 GT FSI 6 speed auto £19,245.00
2.0 GT TDI £18,250.00
2.0 GT TDI 6 speed auto DSG £19,600.00

June 2006

New supercharged/turbocharged 140PS 1.4 TSI engine from summer 2006 offers 38.2mpg combines, 174g/km CO2 and costs £17,215.

May 2007

Golf Plus Dune launched May 2007. Revised springs and dampers raise ride height by 20 mm to improve ground clearance. BBS 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres. Matt blistered wheel arches and tough, textured plastic front and rear. Deep air dam framed by a set of fog lights, rear bumper is intersected by contoured, silver panel. Silver roof rails and durable plastic rubbing strips running down the side of the vehicle. Ice Silver, Steel Grey metallic or Blue Graphite pearl effect paint. 1.9-litre TDI with 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque. DPF standard. 50.4mpg combined and 148g/km CO2. Top speed 121 mph. 0-60 11.8 seconds.

Unique interior trim, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake. Climatic semi automatic air conditioning, automatic driving lights and windscreen wipers, electric front and rear windows, multifunction computer and eight-speaker CD stereo system. 6 airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).
£18,495 (RRP on the road).

Volkswagen has replaced its troublesome 1.6-litre FSI petrol engine with a new 1.4 TSI fitted only with a turbocharger (like FIAT's) rather than both turbocharger and supercharger. Power is 122PS and torque 200 Nm (155 lbs ft) delivered from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Choice of 6-speed manual or new 7-speed DSG transmissions. Combined consumption of Golf 44.8 mpg for the new 1.4-litre TSI. C02 is down to to 149 g/km (139g/km with 7-spd DSG ). Production of the DSG starts at the beginning of 2008, while manual models available to order from late October 2007.

Golf Plus Luna 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr 157g/km £15,302
Golf Plus Luna 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr 149g/km £16,607
Golf Plus SE 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr 157g/km £16,147
Golf Plus SE 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr 149g/km £17,452

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

On 1.9 TDI 105 both a clutch release bearing fault and a hesitation on running fault.

SP warning light can indicate Fault Code "Boost Pressure Sensor G201". This is embedded inside Teves Mk 60 ABS systems and requires replacement of ABS control unit/pump. Seems to be age-related, occurring mainly in 3 - 5 year old cars. Does not necessarily lead to an MoT failure. Volkswagen policy seems to be to pay 100% for fully VWG serviced cars up to 48 months old. Older than that, 35%. Non VWG serviced, smaller contribution towards £1,500 cost of replacement. More on the problem and independent rebuilds of the unit at:http://ecutesting.com/vw_golf_touran_abs_pump_module.html

Cheapest fix: £225 from www.sinspeed.co.uk

Dodgy dealers and unscrupulous private vendors were unplugging the ECU as no warning then shows on the dash. Replace the plug and the light 'ECU off' appears permanently whether you switch it on or off.

Also minor problems with hestitation when pulling away and car very prone to stalling.

On 6-speed twin shaft manuals the gearchange from first to second can become stiff. First stage dealer cure is to replace the transmission oil. If that fails, it needs a synchro ring replacing. So if your box stiffens up, make sure it is attended to before the warranty expires.

Check 2.0 TDI regularly for coolant loss. Volkswagen has become aware of a problem with the alloy used to make the cylinder head, causing the head to become porous allowing coolant to leak in to the engine. Means a new head at a cost of £1,700 plus labour at VWG franchise rates. By July 2009, cylinder head failures of 1.9 and 2.0 diesels were becoming increasingly common.

22-01-2011:

If ESP/ABS amber warning light comes on intermittently and will not re-set, you might not actually have the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP problem. First check circuits and start at the ABS fuse and holder (no 9 on a Golf, on scuttle edge by driver door). Pull it out, have a look and if okay replace it. The warning light may then go out. Sometimes they slip out a bit and become wobbly, which is enough to set off the warning.

28-01-2012:

Manufacturer recall to replace Siemens Piezoelectric injectors of 2006 - 2009 2.0 TDI BMN engines. All the injectors from the the 2.0 TDI PD engines that use piezoelectric Siemens injectors and Siemens ECUs are affected by this problem. The most problems are on the Passat 2.0 TDI 140. No problem from 2009 and the introduction of the common rail 2.0 TDI engine (CEGA).

13-03-2012:

Three year old, 32,000 mile Volkswagen Golf Estate 2.0 TDI with DSG automatic transmission. Started making a noise a couple of weeks before, then reader was told by the dealer it needed a new gearbox. After various calls to Volkswagen were 'offered' 70% off the price of a new gear box, and 50% off the cost of fixing it, which left over £1,300 to pay.

11-04-2012:

Golf 1.4 GT TSI 170 purchased new in July 2006. In July 2011 at 58,736 miles the timing chain needed to be replaced (Volkswagen paid half the cost). In April 2012 at 64,280, lack of compression on number four cylinder diagnosed.

18-04-2012:

Another report of timing chain failure on 1.4 TSI. Could be due to insufficiently frequent oil changes, or the wrong oil.

06-05-2012:

Timing chain issue with Golf 1.4TSI. During the preceding two weeks journalists from Auto Bild in Germany met with Volkswagen to discuss the extent of a chain failure. In the meeting, managers admitted that they have identified a problem with a defective component supplied by a third party company. The engines affected have been identified by Volkswagen but there is no general recall. Journalists from Autoweek have also started to investigate the extent of the problem in the Netherlands. Clarification of which engines are affected is urgently needed but has not so far been forthcoming. Timing Chain Failure Video No evidence that this is a problem with the same engine in later cars such as the Golf VI.

20-06-2012:

Reports of dealers fixing the ESP pressure sensor fault FoC in cases where the car had been fully Volkswagen dealer serviced.

28-06-2012:

Another DSG bearing failure reported on 1.4 TSI, this one 3 years 8 months old and 30k miles. Quoted £7,500 for complete new box or £3,500 for exchange box + fitting. Volkswagen agreed to pay 80% of the costs.

30-07-2012:

Siemens Piezoelectric injector recall on 2006 - 2009 2.0 TDI BMN engines seems to be causing problems with DPFs. Several reports of this.

02-09-2012:

Can be a persistent problem with the door locks.

30-09-2012:

Check carefully for rust beginning to spread across the surface of the inner wheelarches as a result of abrasion from the sound deadening material that gets wet during normal use of the car. If unchecked, this can result in paint bubbling as it gradually spreads to the visible surfaces at the top edge of the wheel arches. It is not covered by the perforation warranty.

12-10-2012:

Another DSG failure, this time on a 2008/58 1.4TSI at 41,000 miles. First noticed asd a whistling sound. Eventually Volkswagen agreed to pay half the costs levaing the owner with a bill of £1,989.60. These transmissions do require a change of fluid and microfilter every 3 years at a cost of around £200.

29-12-2012:

Yet another Mechatronics failure in 22k mile 4 year old 1.4 TSI DSG. Cost £1,600, but Volkswagen paid 60%.

05-01-2013:

69,000 mile 2005 Golf Plus DSG developed alarming jolts and jerks usually at slow speeds. On one ocasion the engine revved up highly when the gearbox was in drive mode ie. in midst of traffic my car lost forward drive and slowed down despite foot pressure on accelerator. Reader took car to local Volkswagen garage who diagnose gearbox fault -oil contamination in gearbox wiring loom-TP reference 2022248/4 requiring replacement of internal gearbox looms. Their quotation for this repair is £815.

11-01-2013:

Warranty on DSG extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China.

05-02-2013:

Report of flickering of rear light cluster DRLs on 60k mile 2008 Golf Plus. Dealer recommended to replace both sides at a cost of £310.56.

02-06-2014:

Passenger doorlock problem on a 2008 Golf Plus 1.4 TSI 122 led to the following saga: "The passenger door lock on my 2008 Golf Plus started to refuse to open. It got worse and worse until eventually I took it into a local garage to fix. He locked the car overnight, but when he came back in the morning the door refused to unlock. As the internal door panels were now hidden by the door frame there was no way of him reaching the faulty door lock. After trying everything he could think of, he took it to the local VW dealer (terribly expensive so I never use them) for advice. They said that it was a common problem with VW group vehicles and the only way of dealing with it was to cut a large hole in the outer panel so that they could get into the door and release the solenoid! A new door skin was then required which would cost about £1100 plus a new door lock at about £400 plus hours of labour. He took the car back to his garage to contact me with the bad news, but thought he would try one more time to open the door and bingo it worked! So just £400 for a new lock (a sealed unit which couldn't be opened) and a charge of just £30 for his time.

05-06-2014:

Windows ECU failed on a five year old Golf Plus resulting in a soaked interior.

16-09-2014:

Rusty front wing top reported, on a 2006 Golf Plus 105 TDI, DSG, with approx 46,000. Same fault as on Golf Mk V diesels. Front wings prone to rust perforation if moisture retaining foam pads have not been removed by the Volkswagen dealer soon enough. TSB 2007396/15 of 6th November 2009 advises dealers what to do to stop rusting occurring around the wings. If this has not been done Volkswagen is claiming exemption from 12 year no perforation warranty and only offering a 50% contribution to the cost of replacing the front wings.

21-01-2016:

Report that VW's free or dealer contributed fix of the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module failure has ended in August 2015 because the cars were all then more than 6 years old. Fault discovered by VW dealer on Golf GTI Edition 30 in November 2015 and reader forced to pay, since when the reader has been attempting to get a contribution to the fix.

22-03-2016:

Another rod through block reported by a reader, this time on an 81k mile 2008 Golf Plus 1.9TDI fitted with the BXE coded engine. Apparently the material used in the conrods is not the same quality it used to be. See Golf monthly forum thread. Numeroud other reports in Golf V car by car entry.

23-03-2016:

ABS/ESP light flashing on 2010 VW Golf estate. Supplying dealer told reader that VW had stopped repairing these FoC or at discounted rates and wanted £1,400 for the repair. We advised that as the car is still less than 6 years old he may be able to claim against the supplying dealer. Otherwise a case of sewnding the ABS/ESP module to ECU Testing for the brake pressure sensor to be replaced. Total cost shoul,d not be more than £600.

10-09-2016:

Report of 2009 VW Golf Plus 1.9TDI losing power after 20 minutes running and failing to turn beyond 2,000rpm. Suspect carbon blockage in turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes starving the turbo bearing of oil and stopping if from turning freely. (Same car had needed standard ATE Teves Mk 60 brake prssure sensor replacement.)