VW Golf 1.9 TDI- A real drivers car?

Veloce

A colleague of mine has a 2006 Golf- the 1.9 TDI model. I sort of noticed he was into cars and we have the odd chat here and there about motors.

One thing I did notice however is that he raves on about his Golf being a great car etc and its a real drivers car etc... and that his car can do 225km/hr?!

I know the Golf GTI is a quick car but am I missing something about the 1.9 TDI? I have never driven one before so interested as I plan to get a diesel in the few months.

cabrwab

sniff, sniff, what is that smell i must of stood in something, is what you say to your colleague, 140MPH really wow!

While the 1.9 VW TDI of few years ago was a great engine, they would just keep on going mechanically. Can't imagine it would get to 225km/hr, 140km/h sure no probs.

savagecabbages

Someone who thinks a 1.9tdi golf is a real drivers car is someone who thinks he is in to cars, I know lots of them!

Good family car yes, drivers car no;)

EPM

It's a decent daily hack, can be relatively nippy in some states of tune. Your colleague is being affected by the diesel fumes however if he thinks it's close on 140mph. Even the best 150 can't manage that. The 105 that he has is going good for 116 according to parkers.

whippet

EPM wrote: »

It's a decent daily hack, can be relatively nippy in some states of tune. Your colleague is being affected by the diesel fumes however if he thinks it's close on 140mph. Even the best 150 can't manage that. The 105 that he has is going good for 116 according to parkers.

I think my old mkV Gti had a claimed top speed of 143mph .. so a MkIV tdi wouldn't get close to that unless it was falling from a very high cliff and managed to defy the laws of terminal velocity at the same time.

I had one opportunity to push the Gti and at about 130mph I was running out of available road to see if it was capable of getting near the claimed speed.

the 'No Smoke - No Poke' brigade love the 1.9Tdi lump in all its many guises (A4, Passat, Bora, Jetta, Leon's) probably due to the fact there were so many options for aftermarket tuning to push a few extra HP from it ... but as a 'real driver's car' .... probably based on an opinion of someone who has limited real life driving variety ..... actually I had more fun driving a 1.6 Ka Softtop than any 1.9tdi lump ..

Veloce

I figured as much he was spoofing... 225km/hr on a bog standard TDI just didn't sound right..

I don't think I'll be switching my Alfa GT for a VW Golf anytime soon!

bazz26

OP, I think your friend needs to drive something else.

Veloce

bazz26 wrote: »

OP, I think your friend needs to drive something else.

I think so too... I wonder what might be a suitable upgrade for him... Passat TDI?!

blacktalons

lol, dont believe that jammy bstard, he is trying to sell u a pile . drivers car, me hole. he nearly got u there :pac:

pippip

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/summary.aspx?model=1177

Parkers figures for reference

vectra

Veloce wrote: »

I think so too... I wonder what might be a suitable upgrade for him... Passat TDI?!

No,
You''re Alfa GT :pac:

Veloce

blacktalons wrote: »

he nearly got u there :pac:

Well he tried his best....! Ah no I wasn't buying it to be honest.

Veloce

vectra wrote: »

No,
You''re Alfa GT :pac:

haha I won't be letting him near my one!

keithclancy

Drivers car me arse, its a boggo 1.9TDI

However I had a boggo 1.9TDI Octavia, 220km/h is possible, but a waste of time and really uncomfortable and sucks diesel like theres no tomorrow.

180km/h is fine and easily achievable.

However thats indicated so throw in a 10%ish margin of error.

My current Volvo V50 2.0D (136ps) tops out at around 230km/h indicated.

Some fool was trying to convince me a Ford Mondeo Diesel would beat a Ford Focus ST around a track one day ... there was no convinving him, he was conviced Diesel Power would beat Petrol anytime.

unkel

LOL the TDI delusions are reaching a climax here

The Golf IV was not a good drivers car at all compared to any of its competition. Even the petrol GTI hot hatch was mediocre at best. The diesel engine was decent and reliable way back then, but very agricultural. That particular Golf is more like a Toyota Corolla / Nissan Almera diesel A-B vehicle than anything else.

Oh and indicated speed can be a lot more than the actual speed. An indicated speed of 225km/h can be as slow as only 200km/h in the real world. Any boring entry level family saloon car can do that these days...

-Chris-

I got a 1.9TDI 105BHP Golf (mkV) to an indicated 220KMPH. It didn't feel like it was screaming at that speed, but it didn't have a lot of puff left either.

It's possible he believes his car will do 225KMPH, but I'd expect the speedo isn't quite as accurate as he'd like.
I wouldn't call him a liar about it either though.

To answer the original question - no, it's not a "real driver's car". No how, no way.

tossy

This thread should be locked due to its overwhelming ridiculousness

keithclancy

-Chris- wrote: »

I got a 1.9TDI 105BHP Golf (mkV) to an indicated 220KMPH. It didn't feel like it was screaming at that speed, but it didn't have a lot of puff left either.

It's possible he believes his car will do 225KMPH, but I'd expect the speedo isn't quite as accurate as he'd like.
I wouldn't call him a liar about it either though.

To answer the original question - no, it's not a "real driver's car". No how, no way.

I'd call it a long distance commuter car.

I'd say an MX5 is a 'drivers car'

-Chris-

For long distance commuting, I'd want something with a longer wheelbase.

It's a standard family hatchback with a diesel engine. It doesn't deserve any analysis beyond that imho.

krissovo

What would we consider a "real drivers car"?

For me it would have to be car that connects me with road and that I have to engage with.

I am sure there are loads more but are my initial thoughts:
Mid sized Alfa's and up, the jury is out on the spider
Mazda MX5
Aston Martin (any)
Escort Mexico/RS200
Sierra Cosworth? (never drove one though)
I would not consider anything prestige German:P Maybe a early M3 but still too perfect
Nothing Diesel:P
Mk1 Golf GTI

keithclancy

-Chris- wrote: »

For long distance commuting, I'd want something with a longer wheelbase.

It's a standard family hatchback with a diesel engine. It doesn't deserve any analysis beyond that imho.

Sorry, Tightarse long distance commuter

I wouldnt say its great as a family car, the boot is tiny.

BostonB

For me a "driver car" is very little to do with top speed, I dunno why ye all are obsessed about top speed. For me its primarily about handling. No ones mentioned the difference between generations. Which is kinda odd tbh.

The 2006 Golf is a Mk5 not a Mk4. Handling was much improved, over previous generations, they added new rear multi-link suspension. Most reviews say its has decent handling, with only the Civic and Focus being slightly better. But much better than the barge like Mrk4 and Mrk3.

So its better to drive. But a "real drivers car" what does that mean? Does that mean a 1960's mini, a hot hatch, a MX5, a Boxster, a 458 Italia, an elise, a Golf GTI MRK1, a Mr2, Mrk1. How about a track car, a racing car, where do you stop. Seem like a very broad and sweeping generalisation.

Most people can't see past over huge tyres, and straight line speed, with little or no feel or balance. The Golf might be the best thing hes driven, and while decent to drive, its not really a "real drivers" car in my eyes.

Veloce

tossy wrote: »

This thread should be locked due to its overwhelming ridiculousness

I know its pure ridiculous- I figured you guys would get a kick out of this thread!

-Chris- wrote: »

For long distance commuting, I'd want something with a longer wheelbase.

It's a standard family hatchback with a diesel engine. It doesn't deserve any analysis beyond that imho.

Agreed

krissovo wrote: »

What would we consider a "real drivers car"?

For me it would have to be car that connects me with road and that I have to engage with.

I am sure there are loads more but are my initial thoughts:
Mid sized Alfa's and up, the jury is out on the spider
Mazda MX5
Aston Martin (any)
Escort Mexico/RS200
Sierra Cosworth? (never drove one though)
I would not consider anything prestige German:P Maybe a early M3 but still too perfect
Nothing Diesel:P
Mk1 Golf GTI

Agree with that, there are loads of other cars you could throw into that category too I guess.

Funny you mention the Alfa, the Golf driver in question has actually criticised me owning an Alfa- about the cars reliability issues and lack of resale value!

keithclancy

BostonB wrote: »

For me a "driver car" is very little to do with top speed, I dunno why ye all are obsessed about top speed. For me its primarily about handling. No ones mentioned the difference between generations. Which is kinda odd tbh.

The 2006 Golf is a Mk5 not a Mk4. Handling was much improved, over previous generations, they added new rear multi-link suspension. Most reviews say its has decent handling, with only the Civic and Focus being slightly better. But much better than the barge like Mrk4 and Mrk3.

So its better to drive. But a "real drivers car" what does that mean? Does that mean a 1960's mini, a hot hatch, a MX5, a Boxster, a 458 Italia, an elise, a Golf GTI MRK1, a Mr2, Mrk1. How about a track car, a racing car, where do you stop. Seem like a very broad and sweeping generalisation.

Most people can't see past over huge tyres, and straight line speed, with little or no feel or balance. The Golf might be the best thing hes driven, and while decent to drive, its not really a "real drivers" car in my eyes.

Nah, the Golf handles like a donkey, i've driven a good few of them as they're popular rental cars.

Mainly becuase its FWD and has a heavy diesel lump.

Turbo lag is really long on the higher PS model too.

Seats aren't all that comfortable either.

BostonB

keithclancy wrote: »

Nah, the Golf handles like a donkey, i've driven a good few of them as they're popular rental cars.

Mainly becuase its FWD and has a heavy diesel lump.

Turbo lag is really long on the higher PS model too.

Seats aren't all that comfortable either.

You're inferring that any FWD, or a diesel, or turbo lag can't be a drivers car.

Which isn't true.

savagecabbages

Isn't the current Fiat Panda regarded by many (not just J Clarkson) journalists as a fun car to drive?
That in my eyes makes it a drivers car... As you'd have fun behind the wheel!

Haven't driven one, just think it add a different spin to this obsession with BHP/RWD/Petrol etc.

BostonB

Isn't that the 100BHP one, with chassis tweaks? THough I heard the 4x4 is a laugh too.

keithclancy

BostonB wrote: »

You're inferring that any FWD, or a diesel, or turbo lag can't be a drivers car.

Which isn't true.

Well .. Yeh ?

I have a FWD Diesel, its not a 'Drivers Car'

A 'drivers car' for me would be something I want to go and drive.

A Golf/Octavia/Leon 1.9TDI is more about moaning about the long drive to work.

BostonB

You might want to drive a Rolls Royce that doesn't make it a drivers car for me.


R'sport Megane dCi 175 Cup

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/208440/renaultsport_megane.html
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/221925/renaultsport_megane_dci_175_v_ford_focus_st.html

Veloce

savagecabbages wrote: »

Isn't the current Fiat Panda regarded by many (not just J Clarkson) journalists as a fun car to drive?
That in my eyes makes it a drivers car... As you'd have fun behind the wheel!

Haven't driven one, just think it add a different spin to this obsession with BHP/RWD/Petrol etc.

It's supposed to be class!

Some aero engineer over in the UK fitted a garrett supercharger to his Panda 100HP.. I think its cranking out something like 160bhp now! He wanted to get a badge to replace the '100hp' to '160hp' !

BostonB

How about a Yeti
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/249400/skoda_yeti_road_test_review.html

Henry Ford III

Everyone will have different views on what a "real drivers car" is. Many sports cars would make the grade, and even a few hot hatches.

Very few would argue a Golf Tdi is however.

BostonB

http://www.streetracersonline.com/articles/golfvrcr/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8_(race_car)

L-M

I drive one daily, I have coilovers in it and it's very, very far from a "drivers car". So bloody boring to drive, but it does what I want it to do, average over 50 mpg and not break down

retrothis

No...not a drivers car as stated above many times.
Is it "fun" to drive? It depends on what you define as fun. If you view its shortcomings as a challenge...then It could be fun (at least that how I get throught the day :rolleyes:).

Always remember, you can do a lot worse....Opel Meriva quickly springs to mind. (My apologies to Meriva owners).

I plan to get an RX-7 in the next few years....cant wait to get a "real driver" status.

JJJJNR

keithclancy wrote: »

Drivers car me arse, its a boggo 1.9TDI

However I had a boggo 1.9TDI Octavia, 220km/h is possible, but a waste of time and really uncomfortable and sucks diesel like theres no tomorrow.

My current Volvo V50 2.0D (136ps) tops out at around 230km/h indicated.

.

I've had the Altea at that also on the autobhan to Westlicher Hafen, maybe the golf is mapped.?

ando

Sitec wrote: »

Owned a Passat 130 and they are a nice car for motorways etc but could never warm to the engine, no character at all.

No one likes the sound of a diesel, how bland they are and how quick you have to shift up a gear in them, that doesnt mean they cant be fast given the right circumstances. I have a diesel 150 pd that is nippy, and if i hadnt driven anything as fast as it before, Id be raving about it. But yea i hate the bland, dull sound of the engine.. but I have had in the past a petrol 230bhp car that handled great so I kinda have an idea how some ppl think a nippy car, diesel or not can be a drivers car.. nothing to go by which is probably what the OP's friend is like...

IrishZeus

Think my favourite car I've ever driven would be a Celica - just fun, amazing grip and handling and you feel very.... connected.... to it. That would be along my lines of definition for a drivers car.

Wasn't the fastest car I've owned, nor the flashiest but deffo the most fun

IrishZeus

IrishZeus wrote: »

Think my favourite car I've ever driven would be a Celica - just fun, amazing grip and handling and you feel very.... connected.... to it. That would be along my lines of definition for a drivers car.

Wasn't the fastest car I've owned, nor the flashiest but deffo the most fun

7th Gen celica?

MugMugs

TDI Golf is THE car of choice eh ?

225Kmh eh ?

Wouldnt the bail of hay sticking out the back not get completely blown apart if he did that kind of speed ?

Always expect a Golf have a bail of hay hanging out the back.

IrishZeus

Deleted User wrote: »

7th Gen celica?

Yep, 7th gen.

Have driven an older GT4 and that was a fun drive also, but would prefer the 7th gen overall.

Hiace.

It's a utility car, nothing more, and there are much better utility cars out there.
The last decent VW golf was the MKII
VW have been living off their long gone reputation ever since.
VAG do nice designs and interiors, in every other way, they are overpriced, overhyped kack.

L-M

MugMugs wrote: »

TDI Golf is THE car of choice eh ?

225Kmh eh ?

Wouldnt the bail of hay sticking out the back not get completely blown apart if he did that kind of speed ?

Always expect a Golf have a bail of hay hanging out the back.

I've actually never seen a Mk4 Golf being used as a farmers car, Jetta's, Vento's, Mk3 (vans mainly) and copious of Passat but never Mk4 Golfs! Young lads that live in the country, maybe, but not actual farmers.

Testament1

BostonB wrote: »

You're inferring that any FWD, or a diesel, or turbo lag can't be a drivers car.

Which isn't true.

But if you combine all 3 together you get something which is far from a "drivers car" .

For me a drivers car is something which has to be fast but also handle extremely well so I'm gonna go with this:

http://play-auto.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/citroen-wrc.jpg

:p

VolvoMan

You know, I wouldn't generally mind, but these sort of guys like in the OP would probably turn their nose up at any T5.

Testament1

VolvoMan wrote: »

You know, I wouldn't generally mind, but these sort of guys like in the OP would probably turn their nose up at any T5.

I doubt they'd even know what a T5 is!

Veloce

Testament1 wrote: »

I doubt they'd even know what a T5 is!

I certainly know what a T5 is, nice car!

BostonB

Do they like corners?

BostonB

Testament1 wrote: »

But if you combine all 3 together you get something which is far from a "drivers car" .

For me a drivers car is something which has to be fast but also handle extremely well so I'm gonna go with this:

http://play-auto.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/citroen-wrc.jpg

:p

The R'sport Megane dCi 175 Cup combines all three..

L-M

BostonB wrote: »

Do they like corners?

No, understeering like a motha****a!