Volkswagen Golf auto 2005 review

The automatic transmission system is so sophisticated it changes gears quicker than a driver can in a conventional manual.

However, unlike many sequential manuals, it still gives the driver a high degree of input before it will override the choice made.

Both the 1.9 and 2-litre diesel engines, offered in the Golf range, have the option of the all-new direct shift gearbox. The range-topping GTi also has this option.

Even with the benchmark automatic, VW still offers the choice of a manual variant on all models.

While the Golf automatic uses the same technology in the gearboxes and driveline as the Audi A3, the two cars maintain their individuality and the Golf's starting price is $11,000 cheaper.

The 2.0-litre Sportine FSI model tested was equipped with the 6-speed tiptronic automatic. FSI stands for Fuel Stratified Injection. This means that the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber is controlled by a volume valve ensuring only the necessary amount of fuel is supplied to create the required pressure.

According to VW, the FSI engines achieve low consumption levels by regulating the fuel mixture in the low and medium speed ranges where the engine operates with an increased air intake.

In these conditions the mixture is concentrated around the spark plugs positioned centrally in the combustion chamber and the outer areas contain only pure air.

It has three settings: a full automatic mode, a sports mode with more aggressive up and down changes for that twisty bit of road, or a tiptronic-style manual mode.

Unlike some other tiptronic-style manuals, the Golf's box in manual mode allows it to be held right up to redline (about 6500rpm) before the system will override and change.

Going back down the gears, again, it will kick in, but only if an over zealous gear change is attempted. In full-automatic mode it changes about 3500rpm but will go higher if the right foot is over active.

In sport-mode gear changes are also held but it is easy to see that this mode is suited best to a fast, but twisty, section of open road. Gear changes are not really suited to stop-start city driving. The Golf Sportline is comfortable on the road. The traction control system is not overly intrusive (and is switchable) and the sports suspension handles well without compromising the ride.

The backlit red lighting on the dash is easy to read and the steering wheel and stalk controls for the radio, trip computer and cruise control reduces the amount of time your eyes are off the road.

The seats are comfortable, and while the seat adjustment controls are not electric, it is not hard to find a good position with the manual height and lumbar adjustment.

The leather steering wheel is height and reach adjustable.

There are plenty of little hidey holes for the spare change, mobile and sunnies.

Boot space in this small car is generous and shopping bag hooks are also in the mix.

Safety features in the Golf include driver and front passenger side airbags, curtain airbags front and rear, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), hydraulic braking assistant and active front head restraints, height adjustable rear head restraints, front height adjustable with pre-tensioners and seatbelt force limiters.

Standard features on the Sportline include 16-inch alloys, cruise control, fog lights, Halogen twin headlights, power-heated mirrors with LED turn indicators integrated in, two-zone climate control airconditioning with dust and pollen filter, titanium inserts in dashboard, centre console and doors.

The multi-function trip computer calculates trip time, trip length, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, distance to empty and outside temperature.