Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013) Review
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Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013) At A Glance
Comfortable and quiet on the move, enjoyable to drive. Nicely trimmed with great attention to detail. 1.4 TSI sweeter to drive than a diesel.
7-speed dry clutch DSG problems. EA189 diesel emissions problems. Chain cam 1.4 TSI problems, especially Twincharger. EGR problems with 1.6 TDI.
If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Volkswagen Golf review.
It's not easy to improve something that's already near perfect, but Volkswagen appeared to have managed it with the Volkswagen Golf. It was more refined, more comfortable and felt even higher quality then the previous model. It appeared that the Volkswagen Golf set a new standard for hatchbacks.
It was not actually completely new, but a thoroughly revamped version of the 2004 Volkswagen Golf with small but key improvements all round. This is most telling on the move where the Golf VI is incredibly quiet and smooth, with the feel of a much larger car.
The quality and finish of the interior were impeccable too (velour lined golvebox, for example, so things don't rattle around in there) and there's a premium feel to the controls and switches. There was also new technology available on this Golf including a clever adaptive air suspension system (called ACC or Adaptive Chassis System) which can vary the handing and ride between sport or comfort modes.
The engine line-up was impressive and all the models offer good economy - both petrols and diesels. The 1.4 TSI 122 is a great choice with excellent torque and smoothness at low revs, but what really grabbed the headlines were the Bluemotion models. Thanks to continual improvements, the 1.6 TDI emits just 99g/km of CO2 and has claimed economy of 74.3mpg.
Unfortunately, these engines have proven unsuitable for repeated short runs from cold with many readers experiencing EGR and DPF problems. Great for long distances. But for short runs, far better a 1.4 TSI or 1.2 TSI.
Reviews for Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TSI 85 to R DSG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–72 mpg
Unlike Honda, VW didn't revert to a cheap twisty beam back axle. The new Golf has a sort of multi-link arrangement to rival that of the Focus and Mazda 3.
The 1.4 chain-cam engine has a turbo to help it deliver 122PS and a useful 200Nm torque from 1,500rpm. And no worries about the turbo overheating because it's water-cooled.
You get a 6-speed box as standard, with 6th geared to 30mph per 1,000rpm, which is long for any petrol car, never mind a 1.4. And it never seems to slip into a bottomless pit of turbo lag. Just pulls strongly, pleasantly and well. Like a FIAT Bravo 1.4TJET.
There's ample room in the back, with more headroom than most, and the SE has a useful armrest-cum-ski-flap to poke long things through. They've hollowed out just enough space behind the rear arches to lay a golf bag across your Golf. And under the boot floor, joy of joys, not a full-sized spare wheel, but at least you get a space-saver.
Out on the road, it's pleasant and quiet to drive. But the steering is far from the revelation I'd been led to believe. There's no real ‘feel' and it isn't linear, like the Focus and Megane so there's a change in the level of effort as you turn the wheel. It's not horrible, but it's just not as good as the Focus or Megane. With snow and ice covering the roads during he week of my test, I didn't get the chance to push the car safely and check out its ultimate grip, so handling impressions will have to wait.
It didn't pass the looks test. The female eyes I used in judgement found it wholly unremarkable. Park it next to a Mk V Golf and you can spot the differences. But, as with MINI Mk IIs, when you see one in isolation you're hard pressed to work out if it's the new car or the old one.
However, it does do the job a Golf is supposed to and that is to convey the impression that it's a cut above other mid size hatchbacks and so are you over their owners. The fit and finish and general ambience inside enhance the feeling you have afforded a higher quality car than a Ford. And the 1.4 TSI engine is a really pleasant thing to have under the bonnet, far nicer than the average 1.6 and better than Ford's 1.8.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TSI | 50 mpg | 10.6 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI 85 | 51 mpg | 12.3 s | 129 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI DSG | 49 mpg | 10.6 s | 134 g/km |
| 1.4 | 44 mpg | 13.9 s | 149 g/km |
| 1.4 GT TSI | 45 mpg | 8.0 s | 145 g/km |
| 1.4 GT TSI DSG | 47 mpg | 8.0 s | 139 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI | 46–47 mpg | 9.5 s | 138–144 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI DSG | 47 mpg | 9.5 s | 138 g/km |
| 1.6 | 40 mpg | 11.3 s | 166 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 60–63 mpg | 11.2–12.9 s | 118–123 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 | 63 mpg | 11.3 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI BlueMotion | 69–74 mpg | 11.3 s | 99–107 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology | 67–69 mpg | 11.2–11.3 s | 107–109 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI DSG | 60 mpg | 11.2 s | 123 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI DSG BlueMotion Technology | 67 mpg | 11.2 s | 109 g/km |
| 2.0 GT TDI | 59 mpg | 9.3 s | 126 g/km |
| 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Technology | 66 mpg | 9.3 s | 114 g/km |
| 2.0 GT TDI DSG | 53 mpg | 9.3 s | 138 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 58 mpg | 10.7 s | 128 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 140 | 53–59 mpg | 9.3 s | 126–138 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 140 DSG | 53 mpg | 9.3 s | 138 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology | 66 mpg | 9.3 s | 114 g/km |
| GTD | 55 mpg | 8.1 s | 134 g/km |
| GTD DSG | 52 mpg | 8.1 s | 142 g/km |
| GTI | 39 mpg | 6.9 s | 170 g/km |
| GTI DSG | 38 mpg | 6.9 s | 173 g/km |
| GTI Edition 35 | 35 mpg | 6.6 s | 189 g/km |
| GTI Edition 35 DSG | 35 mpg | 6.6 s | 185 g/km |
| R | 33 mpg | 5.7 s | 199 g/km |
| R DSG | 34 mpg | 5.5 s | 195 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013)
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
87%
Real MPG
22–72 mpg
MPGs submitted
1979
Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 275–1305 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4199–4213 mm |
| Width | 1779–1786 mm |
| Height | 1461–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2575–2578 mm |
Though apparently cheaper to build than the Mk V, it feels even better. The facia gives a higher impression of quality than any other mass-market hatchback. Open the glovebox and you find it's velour lined instead of the usual plastic bin. And if the designers are considerate enough to have thought of a small reminder flasher in the door mirror you wonder how else they're looking after you.
You'll find all mod cons in the central console, by which I mean an aux socket, USB socket and connectors to most modern phones and iPods, so they didn't skimp there. The rear passengers benefit from their own heater/aircon outlets at the back of the console and their own door speakers.
Volkswagen Golf (2009 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4199–4213 mm |
| Width | 1779–1786 mm |
| Height | 1461–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2575–2578 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1157–1541 kg |
| Boot Space | 275–1305 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,880–£33,710 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–36 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–J |
| Official MPG | 33.2–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until September 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 3dr | £19,430 | 74.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 5dr | £20,015 | 74.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| GT 1.4 TSI 3dr | £21,630 | 44.8 mpg | 8.0 s |
| GT 1.4 TSI 5dr | £22,215 | 44.8 mpg | 8.0 s |
| GT 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £23,620 | 47.1 mpg | 8.0 s |
| GT 2.0 TDI 3dr | £22,130 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| GT 2.0 TDI 5dr | £22,715 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| GT 2.0 TDI DSG 5dr Auto | £24,190 | 53.3 mpg | 9.3 s |
| GT BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 3dr | £22,540 | 65.7 mpg | 9.3 s |
| GT BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 5dr | £23,125 | 65.7 mpg | 9.3 s |
| GTD 2.0 TDI 3dr | £24,975 | 55.4 mpg | 8.1 s |
| GTD 2.0 TDI 5dr | £25,560 | 55.4 mpg | 8.1 s |
| GTD 2.0 TDI DSG 3dr Auto | £26,345 | 52.3 mpg | 8.1 s |
| GTD 2.0 TDI DSG 5dr Auto | £26,930 | 52.3 mpg | 8.1 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI 3dr | £25,650 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI 5dr | £26,235 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI DSG 3dr Auto | £27,005 | 38.2 mpg | 6.9 s |
| GTI 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £27,590 | 38.2 mpg | 6.9 s |
| GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI 3dr | £27,895 | 34.9 mpg | 6.6 s |
| GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI 5dr | £28,480 | 34.9 mpg | 6.6 s |
| GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI DSG 3dr Auto | £29,245 | 35.3 mpg | 6.6 s |
| GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £29,830 | 35.3 mpg | 6.6 s |
| Match 1.4 TSI 3dr | £18,675 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| Match 1.4 TSI 5dr | £19,260 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| Match 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £20,665 | 47.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
| Match 1.6 TDI 3dr | £19,450 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Match 1.6 TDI 5dr | £20,035 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Match 1.6 TDI DSG 5dr Auto | £21,455 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Match BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 3dr | £19,860 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Match BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 5dr | £20,445 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Match BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI DSG 5dr Auto | £21,865 | 67.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Match BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 3dr | £21,070 | 65.7 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Match BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 5dr | £21,655 | 65.7 mpg | 9.3 s |
| R 2.0 TSI 3dr | £31,770 | 33.2 mpg | 5.7 s |
| R 2.0 TSI 5dr | £32,355 | 33.2 mpg | 5.7 s |
| R 2.0 TSI DSG 3dr Auto | £33,125 | 33.6 mpg | 5.5 s |
| R 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £33,710 | 33.6 mpg | 5.5 s |
| S 1.2 TSI (85ps) 3dr | £16,425 | 51.4 mpg | 12.3 s |
| S 1.2 TSI (85ps) 5dr | £17,010 | 51.4 mpg | 12.3 s |
| S 1.2 TSI 3dr | £17,295 | 49.6 mpg | 10.6 s |
| S 1.2 TSI 5dr | £17,880 | 49.6 mpg | 10.6 s |
| S 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £19,400 | 48.7 mpg | 10.6 s |
| S 1.6 TDI (105ps) 3dr | £18,585 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.6 TDI (105ps) 5dr | £19,170 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.6 TDI 3dr | £17,840 | 62.8 mpg | 12.9 s |
| S 1.6 TDI 5dr | £18,425 | 62.8 mpg | 12.9 s |
On sale until June 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S 1.4 TSI 3dr | £17,810 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| S 1.4 TSI 5dr | £18,395 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| S 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £19,800 | 47.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until April 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Match 2.0 TDI (140ps) 3dr | £20,520 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Match 2.0 TDI (140ps) 5dr | £21,105 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Match 2.0 TDI (140ps) DSG 5dr Auto | £22,580 | 53.3 mpg | 9.3 s |
On sale until November 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S 1.4 3dr | £14,880 | 44.1 mpg | 13.9 s |
| S 1.4 5dr | £15,465 | 44.1 mpg | 13.9 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SE 1.4 TSI 3dr | £17,380 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| SE 1.4 TSI 5dr | £17,965 | 45.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
| SE 1.4 TSI 5dr Auto | £19,320 | 47.1 mpg | 9.5 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI 3dr | £18,165 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI 5dr | £18,750 | 62.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI 5dr Auto | £20,120 | 60.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI (140ps) 3dr | £19,375 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI (140ps) 5dr | £19,960 | 58.9 mpg | 9.3 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI (140ps) 5dr Auto | £21,375 | 53.3 mpg | 9.3 s |
| SE BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 3dr | £18,575 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 5dr | £19,160 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE BlueMotion Technology 1.6 TDI 5dr Auto | £20,530 | 67.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
On sale until September 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BlueMotion SE TDI 1.6 3dr | £17,730 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| BlueMotion SE TDI 1.6 5dr | £18,315 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.6 3dr | £14,985 | 39.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.6 5dr | £15,570 | 39.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.6 5dr Auto | £15,570 | - | - |
| S 2.0 TDI 3dr | £16,665 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| S 2.0 TDI 5dr | £17,250 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI 3dr | £17,445 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI 5dr | £18,030 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
Model History
- September 2008
- October 2008: Prices announced
- January 2009: Golf went on sale in the UK
- March 2009: New Golf GTI announced
- July 2009: 1.6 TDI launched
- September 2009
- October 2009: Golf BlueMotion announced
- January 0001: Golf R prices announced
- May 2010
- May 2010: Golf Match introduced
- September 2010
September 2008
Golf BlueMotion concept vehicle unveiled. Combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. 0- 60 mph in a respectable 11.0 seconds, top speed 117 mph. Low rolling resistance tyres, optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. The entry-level diesel Golf V1 powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail engine capable of 62 mpg on combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. Golf on sale in the UK in January 2009; BlueMotion mid 2009.
October 2008
Prices announced
Prices announced and orders being taken ahead of the cars arriving in the UK in January. Starting from £13,150 ‘on the road’ RRP for the entry-level S three-door model with a 1.4-litre 80 PS engine, prices rise to £20,980 for the range-topping GT five-door with 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS and six-speed DSG gearbox.
The new Golf is available in three trim levels – S, SE and GT. S has ABS and ESP, seven airbags including a new driver’s knee airbag, remote central locking, Climatic air conditioning, CD/radio, plus body-coloured bumpers, door handles and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.
SE trim adds uprated stereo with eight speakers and an MDI (multi-device interface) for connection to external multimedia sources such as an iPod, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and coming/leaving home lighting function as well as rain and dusk sensors. GTs benefit from sports suspension (lowered by around 15 mm), sports seats with Alcantara trim, front fog lights and a multifunction steering wheel plus 17-inch alloys.
Petrol engines are a 1.4-litre 80 PS or 1.6-litre 102 PS, plus 1.4-litre TSI with 122 or 160 PS; 2.0-litre common rail diesels offer power outputs of 110 or 140 PS.
Insurance Groups:
1.4-litre 80 PS IG4
1.6-litre 102 PS IG5
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS IG7
2.0-litre TDI 110 PS IG6
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS IG12
January 2009
Golf went on sale in the UK
Inside, white backlit dials sit in recessed, individual cowls behind a three-spoke steering wheel with the option of controls for entertainment and communications functions. High quality, soft touch plastics are integrated with tasteful aluminium and chrome highlights. The new look is combined with reduced wind noise, including a completely new design of door and window seals, a new damping film that supports the windscreen and a new engine mounting system. The result makes the new Golf the quietest yet.
4,199mm (13’ 9”) long x 1,786 mm (5’ 10”) wide (2,048mm = 6’ 9“ with mirrors) x 1,479mm high.
Impressive details, such as a clever lens in the door mirror that reminds the driver when the indicators are flashing, and a velour lined glovebox. The new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine emits just 119 g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle (see 'What's Bad'). Other diesel variants are available with 90 PS, 140 PS and 170 PS outputs linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Many of the petrol engines adopt highly efficient TSI technology with outputs of 80 PS, 102 PS, 122 PS and 160 PS.
Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) will be offered on the Golf and allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.
Automatic Distance Control is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors and will, if necessary, reduce the vehicle’s speed should an obstruction be identified. In extreme cases the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop using the system.
Safety equipment includes the addition of a knee airbag for the driver to bring the total number of airbags fitted as standard to seven. A new head restraint system designed to reduce whiplash injuries and rear seat belt detection sensors are joined by new, more advanced Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) software. Nice detail touches like lens of flashing indicator in mirror pod carried through to mirror side to show the driver the indicators are operating.
March 2009
New Golf GTI announced
New EA888 chain cam 1,984cc TSI unit features substantial changes including modified pistons and piston rings, an improved oil pump, new induction system and a high-pressure fuel pump. 210 PS between 5,300 and 6,200 rpm, 206 lbs ft (279Nm) between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm, 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, emissions 170 g/km (DSG: 173 g/km), 38.7 mpg (DSG: 38.2 mpg). 149 mph tops.
Standard new XDS electronically controlled differential. A series of sensors detects when, through hard cornering for instance, the inside wheel is not sufficiently loaded and applies braking pressure via the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) in order to restore traction. The result is less wheelspin and greater control and precision on demanding roads. Unique springs and dampers linked to a ride height lowered by 22 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. Anti-roll bars front and rear. Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC), with pneumatically controlled damper units, is offered for the first time on the GTI as an extra This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.
Basis of GTI is chassis structure of Mk VI Golf, onto which is added an aggressive new front bumper. This features a deep honeycomb airdam framed by vertical foglights which sit below a new grille element adorned by the now iconic GTI badge. Horizontal lines to make the GTI appear lower and wider than it really is. At the rear, a diffuser is located between an all-new exhaust system with separated tailpipes to lower further the stance of the car. A subtle rear wing sits above a pair of smoked rear light lenses and a single ‘GTI’ badge.
Standard GTI equipment includes red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and headrests featuring the ‘GTI’ logo, a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers, 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloy wheels and 2Zone electronic climate control. Also, as with the entire Golf range, the new GTI features class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all as standard. The Golf was recently awarded a maximum five-star rating by the EuroNCAP crash testing agency.
Diesel-powered Golf GTD unveiled at Leipzig Motor Show late March 2009. 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, top speed of 136, economy of 53.3mpg combined. Low 139g/km CO2. "Sharp responses and an agile chassis complement the car’s 258lb ft torque which is available from as low as 1,750 rpm. Powering the new GTD is a refined 2.0-litre (1,968 cc) common rail TDI engine, producing 170 PS. Driving through a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox, this delivers CO2 emissions of just 139g/km, very low for the performance.
GTD is suspension is lowered by 15 mm when compared to the standard Golf. In addition, Volkswagen’s innovative Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC), featuring pneumatically controlled damper units, can be specified on the GTD. This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey. Golf GTD’s appearance differs from standard Golf’s.
Has GTI’s honeycomb grille, badge-style and front-end design, though with the addition of chrome rather than red highlights. At the back, full body-coloured bumpers make the GTD appear lower and wider than it really is, while the Golf’s standard wheels are replaced with unique 17-inch ‘Seattle Black’ alloys. Inside, the main contact points are unique to the Golf GTD – a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a GTD gearshift and a standard tartan interior. The tartan finish is subtly different from that in the GTI, being grey, white and black, rather than red, white and black. UK orders from end April 2009, deliveries from 22 June 2009. Prices from £21,850 RRP for the three-door, six-speed manual model. + £585 premium for five-doors. + £1,305 for six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
July 2009
1.6 TDI launched
Common rail diesel announced: All Golf models with this engine and five-speed manual gearbox achieve CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km, while the new Golf BlueMotion is capable of 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle which equates to a theoretical range of over 800 miles, while emitting just 107 g/km of CO2.
Three versions of the 1.6-litre TDI engine are available. Entry-level 90PS – offered in S trim only – which returns 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle while producing 118 g/km of carbon dioxide. Second version has more power at 105PS and is available in S and SE trim. This has a combined economy figure of 62.8 mpg and a CO2 output of 119 g/km. This engine is also available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
The third is the 105PS BlueMotion. Although it uses the same basic powerplant as the other new vehicles, the BlueMotion variant has significantly enhanced economy and carbon dioxide figures: 68.9 mpg and 107 g/km. The gains in efficiency are through a combination of changes to the vehicle’s drivetrain and aerodynamics. The engine’s five-speed gearbox has longer ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears as well as regenerative braking.
A Stop-Start system is also fitted to the new Golf BlueMotion to improve efficiency further. The system allows the engine to shut down completely when at a standstill before automatically restarting as soon as the driver is ready to move off. The Bluemotion features optimised aerodynamics with front-mounted cooling ducts moved to the underside of the vehicle, a ride height lowered by 15 mm and low rolling resistance tyres.
Standard can be ordered from 4-7-2009 for imminent delivery. BlueMotion models are due to arrive in the UK in September. A second phase of Golf BlueMotion models will be introduced at the end of 2009 based on the entry-level S model and these second phase cars are expected to have a CO2 output of 99 g/km and a combined economy figure of over 75mpg.
1.6-litre TDI 90 PS: 1598cc, 90PS @ 4200rpm, 170lb ft / 230Nm @ 1500rpm, 110mph, 0-60 12.6, 62.8mpg combined
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS: 1598cc, 105PS @ 4400, 185lb ft / 250Nm @ 1500rpm, 117mph, 0-60 11.0 (10.9 with 7-spd DSG), 62.8mpg com (DSG 60.1 com)
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS BlueMotion: 1598cc, 105PS @ 4400, 185lb ft / 250Nm @ 1500rpm, 118mph, 0-60 11.0, 68.9mpg combined.
September 2009
Golf R unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine developing 270 PS and four-wheel drive.
The new engine is 35 kg lighter and 20 PS more powerful than the 3.2-litre V6 found in the outgoing Golf R32. Economy is 33.2 mpg while CO2 emissions are 199 g/km. 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox, this figure falls to 5.3 seconds while top speed is 155 mph. The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder EA113 engine (as opposed to the EA888 fitted to the current Golf GTI) is derived from the Mk V Golf GTI. To extract the extra power the block has been reinforced with an entirely new alloy head, uprated pistons, conrods and high pressure injectors. An uprated turbocharger generating 1.2 bar of boost is joined by a new intercooler to cope with the extra heat generated. The result is 270 PS developed at 6,000 rpm and 258 lbs ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.
New 345 mm diameter front brake discs (rear: 310 mm) and callipers are joined by uprated suspension that’s been lowered by 25 mm with revised spring and damper rates and new anti-roll bars. The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) has also been revised for the Golf R with two stages designed for track use. Finally, the electro-mechanical power steering system has been tweaked to sharpen responses.
Unlike the four-wheel drive system fitted to the R32 that relied on differing wheel speeds between the front and rear axles to engage the four-wheel drive, the system fitted to the Golf R uses a pre-charged hydraulic system that’s able to react more quickly while also limiting the torque being channelled through either axle to reduce wheelspin. In extreme cases up to 100 per cent of the torque can be channelled to the rear wheels if required.
18-inch five-spoke wheels complete with 225/40 tyres are standard. 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres are optional. At the back, unique rear light units lend the Golf R an aggressive look – the high-intensity LED bulbs hidden behind smoked lenses. Gloss black highlights throughout the interior are complemented by the subtle, electric blue needles in the revised instrument column. The new Golf R is on sale in the UK from December 2009 with prices and specifications due to be announced nearer this time.
October 2009
Golf BlueMotion announced
Returns claimed 74.3mpg comb and 99g/km CO2. Golf BlueMotion costs £17,325 RRP OTR; exempt from annual VED. Unique styling and economy package. Uses standard Golf’s 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine with 105 PS and maximum torque of 184 lbs ft (250 Nm) developed at 1,500 rpm. This engine endows the new model with a zero to 62 mph time of 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph.
Standard specification is based on that of the standard Golf S model, but the BlueMotion has a number of additional features which enhance economy and reduce emissions. These include a Start/Stop system, regenerative braking, hill hold, longer gear ratios, low rolling resistance tyres, a multifunction computer showing recommended gear changes for maximum economy and sports suspension.
January 0001
Golf R prices announced
From £28,930. Fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine and a six speed manual gearbox as standard, the Golf R produces 270 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option from £1,300. The Golf R, available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, uses a pre-charged hydraulic version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four wheel drive system. This system can react quicker than previous 4MOTION systems while also limiting torque to maximise traction and minimise wheelspin.
The Golf R does 0 to 60mph in 5.4 seconds. The DSG gearbox shaves a further two tenths of a second from this time. The Golf R returns 33.2 mpg on the combined cycle (DSG 33.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (195g DSG). Top speed is 155 mph.
New front bumpers complete with LED running lights and a trio of deep airdams, Xenon lights which frame gloss black grille elements, gloss black wing mirrors, sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels housing gloss black ‘R’ callipers. Optional 19-inch alloy wheels in the same design are also available and can be specified with a gloss black finish. At the back a roof mounted spoiler, and twin exit exhausts exiting from the centre of a gloss black diffuser. Smoked rear light units house high-intensity LED bulbs.
Inside are new sports seats complete with ’R‘ logos, piano black and silver highlights, a new three-spoke black leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and revised white backlit dials with subtle electric blue needles unique to the ‘R’ range. Vienna leather sports seats are available on both models and Recaro bucket seats can also be specified as an option on both the three- and five-door Golf R models.
May 2010
The Golf blue-e-motion concepy adopts an electric motor developing 115 PS and 199 lbs ft of torque powered by lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 26.5 kilowatt-hours. This allows the Golf blue-e-motion to accelerate to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 86 mph with a range between charges of over 90 miles.
The batteries are neatly located in the boot of the Golf blue-e-motion, under the rear seats and in the transmission tunnel to leave a boot capacity of 279 litres. The batteries are kept at the optimal temperature through the use of a secondary cooling system.
Mounted in the engine bay, the electric motor, transmission and differential along with high-voltage pulse-controlled inverter, the 12 Volt electrical system, DC/DC converter and charging module are all incredibly compact and account for a rise in overall weight of only 205 kg when compared to a conventional diesel Golf. The Golf blue-e-motion will take its next step in 2011 when a fleet of 500 prototypes begin testing in real-world conditions ahead of production starting in 2013.
May 2010
Golf Match introduced
Replacing the SE trim level, with over £1,600 worth of extras while costing £300 more than the outgoing SE. The Match also comes with the newly-available option of a 140 PS BlueMotion Technology model for added economy and performance.
On top of the SE’s already generous specification which includes, among other items, ABS, ESP, seven airbags, Climatic air conditioning, alarm, cruise control and multi-device interface for connectivity to iPod or MP3 player, the Match adds unique 16-inch ‘Croft’ alloy wheels, a leather multifunction steering wheel, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth system, front and rear parking sensors and an RCD 510 touchscreen stereo with six-disc CD autochanger.
Available with the same engines as the outgoing SE: 1.4-litre TSI petrol with 122 PS, a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS or a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS. Both the petrol and the 1.6-litre TDI are offered with Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG gearbox, while the 2.0-litre TDI can be specified with the six-speed DSG option.
BlueMotion Technology Match model is also available with the 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS returning 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 107 g/km of carbon dioxide. New for the Match is a BlueMotion Technology model in combination with the popular 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS unit. This offers customers a combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of only 114 g/km and, as such, is likely to appeal to fleet customers who will benefit from BIK tax advantages as well as environmentally conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance. The BlueMotion Technology models’ enhanced economy comes as a result of a Start/Stop system and battery regeneration.
Prices start at £17,730 RRP OTR for the 1.4-litre TSI three-door. The first customer deliveries will start at the end of June.
September 2010
New, entry level Golf Twist announced at £12,995 for the 3-door. Has 1.4-litre petrol engine developing 80 PS and 97 lbs ft of torque, six-speed manual transmission. Zero to 62 mph in 13.9 seconds and top speed of 107 mph. The Golf Twist has a combined cycle economy figure of 44.1 mpg and emissions of 149 g/km. More than £700 of additional equipment over the Golf S on which it is based. The Twist adds 16-inch ‘Atlanta’ alloy wheels, RCD 310 radio system with MDI multimedia connectivity and a front centre armrest to the comprehensive list of standard equipment.
What to watch out for
EGR cooler failed on September 2009 Golf 1.6 TDI. Volkswagen Used car warranty refused to pay but Volkswagen paid 50%.
21-07-2011:'Knocking' noises reported in 1.4 TSI twincharger engines (supercharged and turbocharged).
01-01-0001:Starting to hear of DPF cloggings on 1.6TDI, usually sorted by forced regeneration by the dealer free of charge.
05-01-2012:Problem reported on 16 month old Golf 1.6TDI Bluemotion with dry clutch 7 speed DSG. When moving slowly or creeping forward or backwards on an incline e.g. when reverse parking, the car will hold on the accelerator for a few seconds, but then, without warning, the transmission will completely disengage allowing the car to roll in the opposite direction. The clutch will re-engage with more accelerator but by this time it has already rolled about half a metre. The car is fitted with the “Hill Hold” and “Stop-Start” features making “two foot” manoeuvring very complicated.
27-03-2012:Faults on seven month old Golf Match Bluemotion: Bluetooth/mobile system failed four times. Rear wash wipe has failed to work intermittently. Heater/cooling system failed, dealer did a "Software upgrade". Stop/start system failed.
27-03-2012:Poor batch of headlights fitted to 2012 delivered GTI. Not only is the range of the main beam very poor, but it has a distinct shadow on main beam at about the 3 o'clock position on the offside.
09-06-2012:Another report of dry clutch 7-speed DSG failure, this on a March 2009 1.4 TSI with 34,000 miles. Quoted £4000 for new transmission, but Volkswagen picked up more than half leaving reader with a £1950 bill.
10-06-2012:Numerous complaints of water retention in the doors when parked at an angle. Suggest making sure the door drain holes are clear (they can sometimes get blocked with anti corrosion wax). Use a wooden kebab or cocktail stick as anything metal could breach the paint and lead to rusting.
04-07-2012:210PS TFSI engines are oil sensitive and need fresh oil at least every 10,000 miles or there can be trouble with the timing chain.
20-07-2012:Sporadic reports of high oil consumption of chain cam EA113 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI engines.
05-09-2012:Rear suspension top links can start to rattle after a couple of years and need replacing under warranty.
05-09-2012:A/c compressor and exhaust sensor failed on November 2009 Golf 2.0 TDI before the car had reached 24,000 miles. Fixed under warranty.
16-12-2012:44k mile 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI 122 required a new cam chain, indicating that longlife oil service regime is inadequate.
05-01-2013:Report of DPF failing to regenerate on 2010 1.6 TDI.
27-02-2013:Oil pump of 2009 1.4 TSI failed at 46k miles leading to a severe rattle.
07-03-2013:More short run problems reported with EGR of a 1.6 TDI 105, part paid for by Volkswagen and the dealer. These engines make sense for distance driving.
03-05-2013:Report of failure of 6-speed manual transmission of 1.4 TSI at 4 years old and 26,000 miles, always annually dealer serviced.
26-05-2013:On 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI 122, original chain failed at 43k, second change failed at 50k. Now on its third chain, tensioner, and pulleys. Along with all the hydraulic tappets now replaced, all done under warranty.
16-06-2013:UK reader reports that eight software updates were carried out on his DSG control unit and the car is transformed. No hesitation at roundabouts. moves off smoothly on hills, handles changing hill gradients without drama.
19-07-2013:Another DSG problem reported on Golf 1.4 TSI SE DSG. Roll back on starting even on level ground and juddering when cornering. Dealer replacing the clutches.
01-09-2013:Engine failure on 30k mile 2009/59 Golf 1.4 TSI purchased new and serviced on plan by Volkswagen dealer. At first, low compression diagnosed, then valves found to be burned out, then a cylinder found to be scored and problem detected at main bearings. New engine needed but offered no more than £400 discount by the dealer. Later resolved and new engine fitted.
26-10-2013:Failure of EGR reported on a 41k mile 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion.
13-11-2013:Two problems reported on three years 10 month old Golf 1.6 TDI 105. Lambda sensor failed four months out of warranty, bill reduced to £300. Then three injectors failed 10 months out of warranty, bill eventually reduced to £802.
14-11-2013:Oil consumption of 52k mile 2009/59 Golf GTI EA113 reported as up to 2175km/litre. Dealer prescribed a new engine.
20-11-2013:Another EGR failure on a 23k mile 4 year old Golf 1.6 TDI. Replaced by an independent and Volkswagen refused any goodwill.
25-11-2013:Total failure of Golf 1.6 TDI engine three months out of warranty. Volkswagen refused to pay anything, but reader had taken out a Warranty Direct policy that paid the maximum due of £5200.
30-11-2013:A/c compressor failure on 41k mile 25 month old Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion, but might be no more than the a/c electromechanical clutch.
04-12-2013:2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion fires up and runs for 5 secs then fizzles out can take 15 attemps before starting.
19-12-2013:2010 Golf DSG started slipping into neutral in October 2013. Eventually diagnosed as a broken gear.
05-01-2014:Complaints of hiccuping 1.4 TSI DSG when the engine is cold are now being met in the UK by a change of transmission fluid from synthetic to mineral, as per the worldwide DSG recall.
06-01-2014:Due to a design fault with the tensioner, the timing chain of early Golf GTI EA113 engines can slip, resulting in valves hitting pistons and the engine self-destructing.
12-01-2014:EGR failure on a Golf 1.6 TDI, this a 30k mile 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI.
13-01-2014:'Thudding' into 1st gear and occasional loss of drive reported in 37k mile 2009 Golf GT TDI DSG.
03-02-2014:Total drive failure reported on Golf 1.4 TSI DSG when exiting junction. Not the brake switch problem.
08-02-2014:Another Golf 2.0 TFSI EA113, this one a 2010, needed a new set of piston rings.
18-02-2014:57k mile Golf 2.0 TDI bought from and cared for by the same dealer was always an oil user. Needed a new DPF early in life. Culminated in total engine failure with no oil pressure at 57k miles. Probably oil pump failure.
19-02-2014:Oil found in coolant of 22k mile 4 year old Golf 2.0 TDI.
21-02-2014:Turbo and EGR failure on 65k mile 2009 Golf 2.0 TDI. Quoted £1800 by dealer, after £180 goodwill for EGR and 10% reduction in labour charge.
10-03-2014:Mechatronics failed on 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG. Taken in for repair without question and courtesy car provided. The warning of imminent DSG failure is a spanner icon that alternates with the 'current gear' indicator at the top right of the multifunction display between the tach and speedo.
11-03-2014:DMF and clutch of 2009 Golf TDI SE 110 failed at 44k miles.
17-03-2014:Loss of drive of 7-speed DSG in 20,000 mile 2009 Golf eventually analysed as failure of Mechatronics unit that was eventually replaced, but car had not had a transmission fluid change.
24-03-2014:Further complaint that when reversing uphill in a 2011 Golf Plus 1.6 TDI BlueMotion 7 speed DSG, the transmission loses drive unless the engine is revved hard at which point drive can return suddenly.
05-04-2014:Another EGR failure on 68k mile 4-year old Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion.
12-04-2014:One piston burned out in a 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI.
26-04-2014:A/c compressor of 2009 Golf failed, damaging other components and costing £1400 to put right.
06-05-2014:Report of brake problems with 2011/61 Golf. Dash ABS light did not light up which resulted in overheating and warping discs and having a RAC recovery.
13-06-2014:Offside rear ABS reluctor ring and wheel hub required due to corrosion on 20,000 mile Golf 1.4TSI. Cost £305 to replace.
16-06-2014:Three failures of injectors on a 2009 Golf 1.6 TDI. The first at 11,000 miles, six months out of warranty, then two more failed within a further three months and the fourth was also replaced. Customer asked to pay £330 towards the cost.
30-06-2014:DSG transmission oil change and software update carried out as TSB 34F6 on a 20k mile June 2011 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG, but afterwards reader complained that when driving off in D the 1st gear does not bite as it quickly changes up, it is like changing gear in a manual and starting off in 2nd or 3rd gear. After the initial pulling away all is then great. No other gear box issues
07-07-2014:DSG 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI 122 failed at 31,500 miles. Lost drive entirely. Mechatronics fuse blown. Any replacement fuse immediately blows.
12-07-2014:DSG of 22k mile 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI started to judder, particularly with four adults on board, despite having had a fluid change.
19-07-2014:Another owner of a Golf 1.6 TDI DSG contacted by dealer to be offered a free inspection and gearbox oil change if necessary. Volkswagen stated that there is an issue with DSG seven speed gearbox - clutch liable to disengage and vehicle may freewheel if gearbox is filled with synthetic oil. Synthetic oil can lead to an internal short circuit. If necessary they will drain and refill with a mineral oil - no charge.
16-08-2014:46k mile 2009 Golf 1.6 DSG suffered complete loss of drive after transmission fluid change by Volkswagen dealer.
20-08-2014:Another Golf timing chain tensioner failure reported, this one on a 50k mile 2009/59 GTI. Volkswagen offered to fix for £1,300, reduced to £910 after a goodwill payment.
20-08-2014:Volkswagen agreed to replace the clutch pack and Mechatronics after a Golf 1.4 160PS DSG started to suffer second gear shudder.
30-08-2014:Direct Injected Golf 2.0 TFSI EA113 engines in GTI highly prone to coking up of inlet valves because petrol does not wash over them and keep them clean. This was later rectified in EA888 engine which has both direct and indirect injection.
31-08-2014:Another rattling timing chain reported on a 30 month old Golf 1.4 TSI bought from a Volkswagen dealer.
17-09-2014:Another DSG reported to be "rattling" on a four year old Golf 1.4 TSI DSG on extended warranty. Clutch pack replaced and continues to rattle. Reader reported that it was investigate under 'TPI 2021120/3', but judged to be "within tolerances".
14-10-2014:34,500 mile 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI suffered a misfire. Owner charged £640 just to diagnose that it had a cracked piston ring. Volkswagen will pay for a new 'long engine', but dealer wants a further £1200 to fit it, quoting a 15 hour job.
03-11-2014:2011 Golf 1.2 TSI 105 bought March 2014, now 28k miles, has needed a new drivers seat and complete air-con system (covered by warranty). Broke down on 1-11-2014 and advised it requires a new coil pack. Under the post 6 month warranty conditions, the part is covered, but not the labour charge.
09-11-2014:Juddering of 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG cured by dealer FoC under warranty by fitting a new clutch pack.
27-11-2014:Further report of DSG 7 problems with a 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI. Car has suffered intermittent gearbox problems from early on, espedially juddering when pulling away from low revs. Clutch pack replaced under 3 year warranty. Then started clunking when changing gear. Transmission oil was changed inder the recall. Did not solve the problem. Eventually a new Mechatronics activator was prescribed. VW paid 100% of the parts and 30% of the labour leaving a £450 bill.
18-12-2014:Apparently 1.6 TDI manuals do not have dual mass flywheels so a bit of vibration feeding into the cabin is normal.
27-12-2014:EGR of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI failed after being subjected to a regime of short runs from cold starts for 1,000 miles over 4 months.
08-01-2015:DSG of 48,000 mile 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI auto failed. Volkswagen will replace under warranty but dealer requires reasonable £575 contribution towards fitting it.
16-01-2015:Yet another Golf 1.4 TSI DSG failure, this on a 19,500 mile 2011 car.
20-01-2015:Timing chain failure of four year old 46k mile Golf 1.2 TSI. Dealer tried replacing chain but engine damage means new engine required.
21-01-2015:On 20,000 mile 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI engine light keeps coming on and engine goes into limp home mode. Lambda sensor replaced by dealer but fault persisted and became worse.
02-02-2015:Waterpump failed on 33k mile Golf GTD.
03-02-2015:EGR failure on 39,000 mile 2009 Golf 1.6 TDI. Quoted £1387.80 to fix.
12-04-2015:Jerking transmission reported on 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG still under warranty. Volkswagen franchise specified software upgrede, but no mention of transmission fluid change. Might need a new clutch pack.
20-04-2015:11,400 mile 2012 Golf R suffered suspicious failure of Haldex clutch and rear diff 300 miles after routine Haldex clutch oil change by dealer.
30-04-2015:Report of piston crown burning out in engine of 2011 Golf 1.2 TSI after 37k miles. Repair cost £2115 reduced to £500 after contributions from dealer.
07-06-2015:History of problems with 2013/62 reg Golf Plus 1.4 TSI DSG. In January 2014 the clutches were adjusted. In August 2014 the car was recalled for the DSG fluic to be changed and an internal pipe replaced. On 8 Jan 2015 at the car's second service dealer noted that the judder was "very slight". On 20 Feb 2015 car booked in to have the judder investigated again.
11-06-2015:2009 7-speed Golf DSG lost Drive completely. Apparently on the list to be recalled for a transmission oil change even though too early to have been filled with synthatic on the line.
15-06-2015:2011 Golf 1.6 TDI Match DSG needed new EGR valve. Now having issues with DSG such as stuck in gear 2 to 3 and driver needs to lift foot to help it to change up.
02-07-2015:52k mile 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI needed new EGR at £575 and, of course, a replacement timing belt, tensioner and waterpump.
08-07-2015:Coil light indicating engine problem on 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI, probably the EGR.
14-07-2015:Dealer replaced Mechatronics of 2009 7-speed Golf 1.4TSI DSG mentioned 11-6-2017 Free of Charge because had been filled with "the wrong oil" in production.
05-09-2015:3 year old Golf 1.4 TSI DSG suffering a gap when the gears are changing in the low gears this then leads to a clunk when the box changes to the next gear it is intermittent but gradually getting worse. May not have had the transmission fluid change. May be a fault with the Dual Mass Flywheel.
12-09-2015:Low compression on 47k mile 2009/59 Golf 1.4 TSI found be be caused by a cracked block.
17-09-2015:2011 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG lost transmission fluid, first alerted by a flashing spanner over the gear indicator.
26-09-2015:Clutch and DMF of 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI failed at 33,000 miles, slightly out of three year warranty. Dealer made a goodwill contribution to the repair, bringing the cost down to £1145.
10-10-2015:Complaint that last year at 36k miles the EGR of a 2009/58 VW Golf 1.6 TDI EA189 needed to be replaced and that the same replacement EGR was needed on the reader's sister's 1.6 TDI.
05-11-2015:EPC and catalytic converter warning lights lit up on 24k mile year 2000 Golf 1.4 TSI. Dealer diagnosed need for new throttle pedal module at £490 including £100 for the diagnostics. Volkswagen agreed to pay.
28-11-2015:2011 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI Bluemotion with full service history suffered an EGR problem and went into limp mode. Owner turned engine off for 30 seconds, warning light went off and engine has been okay since.
30-11-2015:2011 Volkswagen Golf EA189 1.6 TDI Match used for short runs and run down the motorway "periodically" to clear the DPF lost power twice after the motorway runs and 'two loop' symbol lit up. If left for an hour car then ran fine again.
04-12-2015:4 year old 2012 Golf 1.6 TDI required new DSG transmission. Three months into ownership in 2012 it lost drive. A replacement mechatronics unit at a cost of £1350 was put in under warranty. Then in October 2012 a few months later the gearbox was holding in first gear for too long. A software update on both the engine and gearbox control units was carried out under warranty. Then in September 2014 the car was then subject to the recall action 34F6 where the transmission oil was changed and a software update conducted.
16-12-2015:Engine failure in used privately bought 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI 160 Twincharger at 42,000 miles that had been 'LongLife' serviced. No compression in chamber 2. Engine stripped down. Revealed a broken piston head and scoring to the bore. Dealership estimated cost of repair at £5868.20. Dealer contacted Volkswagen customer services and together they offered a third of the price each, with the expectation that the owner should pay the remaining third.
18-12-2015:EGR failed on 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI EA189. Dealer quoted £1000 to replace.
08-02-2016:Coolant hose to turbo of 2012 GTI failed. The part costs £125 but dealer said it involves four hours of labour as they have to dismantle the rear part of the engine.
13-02-2016:Report of glow plug light coming on in 2010 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI at 64k miles, indicating problem with EGR valve. Car has not been in for NOx emissions 'fix'.
14-02-2016:Slipped/stretched timing chain reported on 2009 Golf GTI EA113 at 47,000 miles.
19-02-2016:Report of problem with headlights of 2011/61 Golf Bluemotion leaving an unlit area in front of the car at road level. Light up the trees and the road immediately in front of the car but not forwards. First time this complaint received.
16-03-2016:72k mile 2010 Golf GTI failed to start after running normally. Towed to dealer and diagnosis looks like it will be "no compression following timing chain failure".
19-03-2016:EGR replaced under used car warranty on 2011 Golf 1.6bTDI Bluemotion in December 2015. Now losing coolant.
04-04-2016:Report of clearcoat over water-based solid red paint of 6 year old Golf flaking off in sheets.
24-05-2016:Problems reported with 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Match from new. EGR went after a few months and was sorted under warranty. In 2015 EGR went again and Volkswagen gave some goodwill, namely free part and reader paid labour. DMF went in Summer 2015 and he had this replaced independently. Now back in garage as went in limp mode.
29-05-2016:DSG failure reported on 2011/61 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI at 47,000 miles. Volkswagen fixing it for £250 dealer labour charge.
15-06-2016:Mildly noisy timing chain reported in engine of 2011 Golf 1.4bTSI at 34k miles.
17-06-2016:Report of 94k mile 2010 Golf 2.0 TDI going in for NOx Emissions Software upgrade in May 2016. Work done within a few hours, assurances made that all had gone well and there should be no noticeable difference in the car's performance. However, as soon as reader drove away from the garage, the car felt very different. The car 'juddered' in 4th & 5th gear and felt like it was about to stall unless dropped down to a lower gear.
24-07-2016:Report of tinkle from engine of 2009 Golf GTI at 42,000 miles on attempting to re-start after 6 mile run . Turned out to be failure of the chain tensioner.
05-08-2016:Report of DSG of 2012 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG failing (some internal parts had shattered).
15-08-2016:Piston ring failure in no 1 cylinder reported in engine of 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI 160 Twincharger at 28,760 miles. Volkswagen offered £1000 towards the cost of the repair.
17-08-2016:Report of Golf 1.4 TSI engine management light and exhaust light both on. Originally it started with the check oil light which after checking and adding new oil has been resolved but now this other problem. The car seems to drag its heels when trying to pull away at junctions.
27-08-2016:Report of EGR failure of 2011 Golf 1.6TDI at 26,000 miles.
03-09-2016: Report of EPC light of 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG coming on a few times at 4 years old. Nothing happened drove okay. Owner took it to the dealer: £530 for a new throttle pedal assembly. Paid £130 of that.
Report of loss of boost at motorway speeds from 65k miles 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI and now have an engine management warning light appear on the dash. Local independent plugged car in and reported possible turbo problems.
21-09-2016:Report of significant oil leak from transmission of 62k mile Golf.
21-09-2016:Owner of 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI (EA189) that is yet to be recalled for the NOx emissions fix told that EGR cooler needs replacing at a cost of £1000.
03-10-2016:Transmission failed on Golf 2.0 TDI, ironically just after the car has received its emissions software fix. Suffered breakage of a spring on the clutch that wore a groove in the transmission eventually causing a transmission oil leak. Volkswagen agreed to pay a percentage of the parts, but it still leaves a big bill.
28-10-2016:Curious case of 2011/60 reg Golf 1.4 Twist 80PS intermittently failing to start. Clutch depressed. Ignigion switch turned, and warning 'CLUTCH' appears on dash.
04-11-2016:Report of waterpump failing on 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI. Routinely replaced at owner's cost, but then a whistling developed from the timing chain.
05-11-2016:Reader quoted £550 to replace rocker cover and injector seals due to "leakage"
14-11-2016:Report of high pressure fuel pump of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI failing at 62,000 miles. Metal particles found in fuel filter between pump and injectors.
21-11-2016:Report of 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG having needed two clutch packs and a driveshaft replacing when in warranty and now at 9500 miles the engine is losing compression. Quoted £6000 for a new engine.
30-11-2016:Report of coolant leak from engine of 64k mile 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI.
05-12-2016:EGR reported choked on 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG.
19-12-2016:Report of EGR light of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI 105 DSG intermittently flashing on and off at 45k miles. Checked at last service and dealer said it was a bit sooty on the outside but was fine for another year or two.
19-12-2016:Report of 7-speed DSG transmission of 2010/60 reg "packing up".
19-12-2016:Rattle reported from engine/transmission of 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI manual at 24k miles. Volkswagen dealer software update did not fix it.
20-12-2016:Report of EGR of Golf 2.0 TDI failing for the sixth time and dealer has quoted £1600 to replace it. The last time it failed was just over two years ago but Volkswagen picked up the cost.
06-01-2017:First owner we heard of notified that the NOx 'fix' is now available for EA 189 1.6TDI.
12-01-2017:Report of DSG of 2011 Golf failing and owner being quoted £1950 for repair. This happened three months after the NOx emissions fix that had been carried out in October 2016.
26-01-2017:Report to Ask of EGR cooler of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI clogging immediately after EA189 NOx emissions 'fix'.
01-02-2017:Report of mpg of Golf EA189 1.6 TDI dropping from 44mpg to 39mpg after the NOx emissions fix.
01-02-2017:Further report of EGR of Golf EA189 2.0 TDI failing after NOx emissions 'fix'.
03-02-2017:Report of Golf EA189 1.6 TDI becoming fifficult to start after NOx emissions 'fix'. Fault does not show up in dealer diagnostics.
06-02-2017:"Grating" reported from twin wet clutch DSG of 2009 Golf 2.0 TDI GT, shortly after a transmission oil and filter change.
06-02-2017:Another report of EA189 NOx emissions 'fix' to Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion causing problems. Car had the 'fix' two days ago and this morning had to be recovered and towed back to the garage after driving less than thirty miles since the 'fix' was applied. Had intermittent power loss and engine stalling but the diagnostics are not showing any fault.
07-02-2017:Report of Golf 2.0 TDI 140 DSG SE going in for 75,000 mile service to the dealer where owner had a maintenance plan. The service was to include replacing DSG oil and filter and changing the brake fluid. Prior to the service the car was averaging 58mpg. After the service it has been averaging 50mpg. The dealer confirmed that it had carried out the EA189 NOx emissions software fix.
08-02-2017:Report of Golf EA189 1.6 TDI going in for NOx emissions fix and starting to smoke heavily the next day. Dealer took it back. had it for three days and finally told him it's nothing they did and that the "needs the engine remapped".
09-02-2017:Report of a 2010 Golf needing a new EGR valve earlier in its life, then another just a week after going in for the NOx emissions 'fix'.
13-02-2017:Report of VW Golf EA189 1. 6TDI having EGR valve replaced in November 2016 at 59k miles. Went in for NOx emissions 'fix' on 1st February 2017 and number plate light started flashing. That was fixed and now glow plug light is flashing for the EGR valve when driving at 60mph plus.
20-02-2017:Report of 2011 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI going in for NOx emissions fix and the glow plug light came on twice with associated loss of power in the following week.
08-03-2017:Report of 2010 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI showing signs of EGR problems at 64k miles. Dealer offered diagnosis at £64 and on results of that might seek a goodwill payment. Car has not yet had NOx emissions fix.
08-03-2017:Report of numerous problems of used 44k mile 2012 Golf 2.0 TSI Bluemotion bought from a dealer: W ithin the first month the interior light and windscreen washer weren't working. these were sorted under warranty. 35 days after purchasing the car, the gearbox/clutch was changed due to the clutch pressure plate piece breaking off and making a hole in the gearbox causing a gearbox leak. Two months later, engine management light came on and is put down to EGR circuit failure.
22-03-2017:Report of cracked piston crown and failed piston ring in 36k mile 2009 Golf TSI 160. Owner told that attempting a repair could cost more than a replacement engine. Happily, the dealer and Volkswagen got together and contributed a lot of goodwill towards a fix.
22-03-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix problems with 2012/62 Golf 2.0 TDI. Recently the glow plug light comes on while driving and car loses all power. When owner turns the engine off and back on it clears the fault and doesn't come back until he takes another 20 minute journey.
27-03-2017:Report of 47,000 miles 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI going in to dealer for NOx emission fix and owner being offered a "free health check" at the same time. "Free health check" resulted in owner being told his car had an EGR Valve fault and cost to repair wll be £1300 - £1600.
27-03-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI becoming jerky when changing gears, fuel economy has dropped, the DPF is regenerating more than ever before and the EGR is leaking water/oil.
28-03-2017:Report of failure of Mechatronics of DSG of 2009 Golf 1.4 TSI that had been serviced locally by non Volkswagen specialists and had never been submitted for replacement of its synthetic fluid with mineral fluid. Quoted £6000 to replace, which is probably more than the value of the car.
28-03-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix problems on 2010 EA189 Golf 2.0 TDI. Engine warning lights, glow plug lights, limp home mode, EGR fault codes and DPF warning coming on.
29-03-2017:Report of Golf EA189 1.6 TDI DSG changing up to 5, 6 and 7 earlier than it did before the NOx emissions fix and then, having changed up, the engine is labouring.
03-04-2017:Report of changes to 2010/60 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI BMT after NOx emissions fix. DSG now changes up to 7th much earlier then before at around 40 mph with the engine labouring on occasions. It is also very jerky when cold and manouvering at low revs/speed and the fan continues to run on now after switch off.
04-04-2017:Golf 1.6 TDI taken for NOx emissions fix. Now stalling intermittently with loss of power.
05-04-2017:Golf 1.6 TDI taken for NOx emissions fix. Three days later engine coolant light came on (due to active regeneration). Next week DPF filter light came on. Went off after car left standing for a few days. Now three weeks after fix engine management light has been on and off and now the emissions light has come on with the engine management light.
19-04-2017:2011 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG went in for NOx emissions. Failed the day after, losing power and engine management light came on. Limped home and back to dealer where diagnostics showed an EGR fault code.
25-04-2017:Report that after the EA189 NOx emissions 'fix' a Golf 2.0 TDI lost power while cruising on the motorway. The 'glow plug' warning light was flashing indicating there is a fault in the engine management system. The engine runs 'reasonably' well up to 2000 revs and then misfires and drops revs. Owner took it back to the dealer who fitted a new EGR FoC and all is now fine.
03-05-2017:Fault with DSG of 72,000 mile 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI. Fault identified with the hydraulic pump on the gearbox, but there are no symptoms other than the gear indicator on the dashboard starts flashing after the engine's warmed up. Fluid had been chaged from synthetic to mineral in 2014 at 46,000 miles.
22-05-2017:Another report of EGR failure in a Golf with EA189 1.6 TDI engine one month after NOx emissions fix.
06-06-2017:Complaint of Golf Mk 1.4 TSI 7-speed DSG losing all its oil from failed seal resulting in total failure of the transmission at 30,000 miles.
15-06-2017:At 150,000 miles, Mechatronics of Golf 1.6 TDI started to fail. First seemed to “slip” a gear. The emissions control lamp came on (yellow engine) and where the display shows the gear its in It showed a flashing spanner.
19-06-2017:Problems reported with 39,000 mile 2011/61 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG after the NOx emissions fix. When accelerating, car "makes a noise like a gun shot".
12-07-2017:Report of 2011/61 Golf 1.6 TDI Match Bluemotion suffering a leak from the EGR cooler which the owner's mechanic was unable to fix.
17-07-2017:Report of EGR failing on 2011/61 Golf 1.6vTDI (EA189).
28-07-2017:Report of EGR cooler of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI (EA189) failing very soon after NOx emissions fix at a mere 31,000 miles. Owner billed £763.80.
31-07-2017: Report of radiator fan of Golf TDI coming on regularly, post NOx fix, on both short and long journeys. Back to dealer three times and still happening.
Report of engine failure of 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI at 51k miles, two months after NOx emissions fix.
11-08-2017:Report of injector failure on 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI at 59,000 miles. E missions fix carried out in March 2017. Since then, fan has been working after stopping 2/3 times a week. Last week car went into limp mode and AA declared failure of injector 4.
12-08-2017:Report that after the NOx emissions fix a 2010 Golf EA189 1.6TDI went into limp mode at 31,000 miles. Needed a new EGR Cooler at a cost of £763,80.
17-08-2017:Report that Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion with 83,000 miles had NOx emissions fix in May 2017. Since then the EGR was replaced as a goowill gesture but car was still losing power, stalling, using more fuel, idle revs fluctuating and regenerating its DPF constantly to the extent the radiator fans were on all the time. Eventually the engine got so hot the coolant evaporated.
24-08-2017:Report of timing chain being replaced on a Golf 1.4 TSI in 2014. Owner was invoiced for a t iming chain kit 03c 198 159a, which he understood understand to be an OEM kit. Timing chain since failed again, and was replaced this week by a different garage (in a different region). The mechanic informed the owner that the timing chain which was in the car was actually an aftermarket part, and not the OEM part he had been invoiced for.
20-09-2017:Report of Mechatronics failure in DSG of 2009 Golf at 19,000 miles.
21-09-2017:Report of clutch pack failure in 2013/63 Golf DSG at around 20,000 miles. Owner quoted £3000 to fix.
31-10-2017:Report of ABS module failing and affecting the speedo and petrol gauge plus several warning lights illuminated on a 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI.
06-11-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix problems with 2009 Golf 1.6 TDI with 60,000 miles. Since the fix in July 2017 the car has suffered faulty injectors (due to the increased workload on the injectors), then a replacement EGR valve (all at Volkswagen's expense).
10-11-2017:Report of intermittent loss of drive from 2011/61 Golf 1.6 TDI DQ200 DSG. Began in 2014 soon after purchase.
14-11-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG losing power with "wildly fluctuating revs" on its way to be part-exchanged for a 2015 Golf DSG. Dealer blamed the transmission, quoting £4400 to replace it. Volkswagen offered to pay half of this.
14-11-2017:Report of all four injectors of 2010 Golf TDI failing concurrently. Owner proved it was not due to swarf from the high pressure pump and that the car had not been part-filled with petrol.
15-11-2017:Dashboard warning showing on 2011 Golf EA189 1.6 TDI DSG. Dealer says might be either fuel filter or pump.
18-11-2017:Report of 45,000 mile 2011 Golf DSG requiring a new transmission.
19-11-2017:Report of judder and power loss from 2009 Golf DSG, bought from independent trader.
10-01-2018:Report of fault light on dash of 68,000 mile 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI. Owner told it needs a new EGR at a cost of £800. Owner had not had the EA189 NOx emissions fix.
01-02-2018:Report of failed DSG on 2012 Golf bought used and owned for 13 months.
24-03-2018:Report of failed turbo on 2013 Golf 1.2 TSI.
13-04-2018:Report of transmission failure on 2012 Golf 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion at 33k miles. Cost £2000 to repair.
24-04-2018:Report of engine failure of 2009 Golf Twincharger 160PS, bought in March 2017 at 32,000 miles.
16-05-2018:Report of coil warning light and engine warning light coming on in dash of 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI and car going into limp mode. Owner quoted £800 for new EGR. Owner had not had the EA189 NOx emiisions fix carried out prior to this.
19-06-2018:Report of failure of DQ200 DSG of 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI Match at 38,000 miles. Dealer quoted £1600 to fix.
21-06-2018:"Jerking and stalling" reported from 7-speed (DQ200) DSG of 2010 Golf. Quoted £1900 by dealer to repair it.
25-06-2018:Report of 2011/61 Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion DSG going into limp mode after a flashing Engine Management warning light and solid Emissions Control light. Owner had the NOx emissions fix in January 2017.
18-07-2018:Report of Mechatronics failure of 7-speed DQ200 DSG of 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI DSG at 5000 miles. Owner quoted £2000 to replace Mechatroics.
25-07-2018:Report of a/c compressor failure on 2011 Golf Match 2.0 TDI soon after EGR failed and was replaced after the NOx emissions update. Quoted £800 to replace.
09-08-2018:Report that timing chain of 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI 122 "developed a rattle" at 56k miles. Replacing the chain assembly would have cost £1653.32. But Volkswagen UK paid 100% of the parts and 70% of the labour. Volkswagen Used Car Warranty department picked up the rest of the bill.
14-08-2018:Report of juddering on acceleration from 2010 Golf 2.0 TDI.
14-08-2018:Report of timing chain slipping in 2001/61 Golf 1.4 TSI GT. No warning lights. engine running well. Then would not re-start. AA towed it to an independent garage who said the chain has slipped three sprockets.
18-08-2018:Report that 100k mile 2009 Golf 2.0 TDI broke down because the lead from the alternator to battery was routed between the boost pipe and oil cooler and over time had rubbed through. Re-routed to avoid rubbing.
18-01-2019:Report of 'known fault' with the piston rings of a batch of 2009 Golf 1.4TSI. Reader bought one in November 2009 and in 2016, at 28,760 miles the engine developed a fault with the splitting off of the ring on the side of the first piston, which owner only noticed when there was a loss of compression. Fortunately, this had not scarred the piston chamber nor deposited any debris into the engine compartment and, on recommendation, a repair to change all the pistons was effected. The invoice for this was just under £3000, which on settlement was reduced to just under £2000, on the part of the dealership as customer loyalty/goodwill.
29-01-2019:Report of problems with DSG of 2013 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG at 49,000 miles. When owner tries to drive it a wrench/spanner symbol appeared she had to use shift ‘gears’ manually. It went from 1 and then jumped to 3 with no reverse.
28-02-2019:Report of DQ200 6-speed wet clutch DSG failing in a 2010 Golf 2.0 TDI 140 at 53,000 miles. Quoted £5000 to replace that is more than the value of the car.
29-04-2019:Engine failure reported in 2010 Golf 1.2 TSI 105HP at 41,000 miles. Probably either the timing chain or the timing chain tensioner.
01-05-2019:Report of rising oil level in engine of 2012 Golf 2.0 TDI 140 at 107k miles. Historically no DPF issues as mainly steady long distance motorway journeys and have never seen the DPF dashboard light.
08-06-2019:Report of transmission casing crack in 2012 Golf GT TDI at 57,000 miles causing oil seepage onto the clutch and consequential clutch slip. Welding will not stop the leak and if "liquid metal" doesn't a replacement transmission will be required at £1800 for a reconditioned unit.
13-06-2019:Report of problem with Golf 1.4 TSI with DQ200 DSG transmission purchased second hand. Engine management light came on. Owner took it back and dealer replaced the mechatronic unit. Now, three weeks later the same issues are reoccurring, namely the gearbox is skipping the odd gears and jumping from 2-4-6 and it eventually loses power.
24-07-2019:Report of 2011/61 Golf 1.2 TSI needing an engine rebuild after timing chain slipped and turbo failed.
29-08-2019:Report of coolant loss from engine of 40,000 mile 2011 Golf 1.4TSI.
29-08-2019:Report of 2012 Golf 1.4 TSI 122 DQ200 7-speed DSG seeming to stick in 2nd or 1st gear when braking to a stop.
30-08-2019:Report of injector failure on 2010 Golf 1.6 TDI 105 at 45,000 miles. One injector had failed soon after the NOx emissions update (which increases the number of injection cycles to counter soot build-up).
18-09-2019:Report of injector failure on 2012 Golf 1.6 TDI.
07-10-2019:Report of three replacement resistors to heater fan motor of 2009 Golf failing. Likely to mean a fault with the heater fan motor.
12-02-2020:Report of 58,000 mile Golf automatic requiring new DQ200 DSG transmission and a fuel injector the total cost of which exceeded the value of the repaired car.
18-02-2020:Report of rusting around hatchback badge which doubles as door latch handle of 2012 Golf at 40,000 miles. Water collects in it and it has no drain tube. Volkswagen's solution was a complete new hatchback at a cost of £1250, though Volkswagen would pay 50% leaving the owner to pay £625.
08-03-2020:Report of thumps from DQ200 7-speed DSG of 50,000 mile 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI when changing gear. Eventually traced to a dying battery not supplying sufficient charge to the Mechatronics.
28-07-2020:2014 Golf 2.0 TDI needs a new engine. Leading up to it's five year mark it started to lose coolant and was over pressurising. VW customer services have led investigations with the dealer and coolant was found to be in the oil. They stripped and investigated the gasket - found no crack or fault. They sent the head away to be pressure tested - no fault was found. Owner has been told to replace the engine at their own cost.
DSG gearbox problems reported on 2009 Golf TSI. The issue started with slow up and downshifts. Mechanical inspection has found several problems and owner has been told the transmissions need to be replaced.
