VW Golf 1.9 TDI- A real drivers car?

Veloce · 13-09-2011 10:16AM #1

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 · 13-09-2011 10:29AM

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 · 13-09-2011 10:52AM

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 · 13-09-2011 11:04AM

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 · 13-09-2011 11:18AM

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 · 13-09-2011 11:29AM

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 · 13-09-2011 08:40PM

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

Veloce · 14-09-2011 09:15AM

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 · 14-09-2011 09:24AM

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 · 14-09-2011 09:27AM

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

Parkers figures for reference

vectra · 14-09-2011 09:32AM

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 · 14-09-2011 09:33AM

blacktalons wrote: »

he nearly got u there :pac:

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

Veloce · 14-09-2011 09:34AM

vectra wrote: »

No,
You''re Alfa GT :pac:

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

keithclancy · 14-09-2011 09:42AM

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 · 14-09-2011 09:58AM

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- · 14-09-2011 10:26AM

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 · 14-09-2011 10:29AM

This thread should be locked due to its overwhelming ridiculousness

keithclancy · 14-09-2011 11:10AM

-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- · 14-09-2011 11:12AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:27AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:29AM

-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 · 14-09-2011 11:35AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:38AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:40AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:53AM

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 · 14-09-2011 11:58AM

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 · 14-09-2011 12:00PM

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

keithclancy · 14-09-2011 12:00PM

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 · 14-09-2011 12:21PM

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 · 14-09-2011 12:21PM

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 · 14-09-2011 12:22PM

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

VW Golf 1.9 TDI- A real drivers car?

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