German engineers once again decided to surprise the public by introducing a new category — Allround Vehicle. The idea is simple: take a regular model and, figuratively speaking, "pump it up." Thus, the Golf Plus was born, which became noticeably taller and longer than its predecessor.
2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus
© Photo: Volkswagen
Although outwardly the car resembles its "relative," it is essentially an independent design, more like a minivan. Sporty notes are added to the appearance by the sloping windshield, a sculpted hood that continues the line of the radiator grille, a large air intake in the bumper, 16-inch wheels, and a spoiler on the fifth door. The LED optics at the rear are a clear nod to the flagship Phaeton, while the shape of the headlights came from the Touareg SUV. Inside each headlight are lenses for low and high beam, plus turn signals. For an extra $1500, you can get adaptive bi-xenon, but the standard headlights also handle illuminating the road and roadside quite decently.
2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus
© Photo: Volkswagen
The interior immediately makes it clear: this car is made for everyday chores — whether it's a trip to the countryside, for groceries, or into nature. Thanks to the high roof, it is also well suited for taxi work.
The seating position here is high, almost like in a real van, which gives a pleasant sense of security. The front seats adjust in all directions, including height, and the steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake — so a driver of almost any build can get comfortable. Rear passengers won't have to complain on long journeys either: the bench seats three, and it can be slid forward and backward and the backrest angle adjusted. A wide rear armrest is equipped with two cupholders — a nice touch for summer trips. True, if you fold it down, an opening appears in the floor into the trunk, from which a noticeable draft of cold air comes in winter. But through this hatch it's convenient to carry long items: skis, fishing rods, or seedlings.
The transformation capabilities are best illustrated by the numbers. In its normal state, the trunk holds a minimum of 395 liters (provided there's a full-size spare tire), and with the rear row folded, all 1450 liters. But don't be fooled: despite such an impressive volume, with the bench unfolded, there isn't that much space in the trunk. The secret is that the liters are gained through height, not length. The trunk floor can be secured at two levels, creating additional space for necessary small items.
2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus
© Photo: Volkswagen
There are generally many small details — the cabin is literally dotted with pockets and storage compartments. Even on the ceiling, there's room for four folding boxes.
The instrument panel pleases the eye with blue backlighting, which reads equally well both day and night. The numbers on the dials are designed so that they appear three-dimensional in the dark. But the speedometer, in my opinion, is slightly overloaded with numbers. All secondary information — clock, mileage, outside temperature — is displayed in red, so you definitely won't miss the warning lights coming on.
The controls for the music center and dual-zone climate control are intuitive. The CD receiver has a large display, and navigation can be ordered if desired. The ventilation works efficiently: the central and side vents are duplicated, allowing airflows to be directed in different directions simultaneously.
Under the hood of our car is a time-tested 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 102 horsepower. It is distinguished by excellent torque and elasticity — just what you need for long highway trips when you don't want to constantly fiddle with the gear lever. The car pulls confidently in the 80–180 km/h range, hardly losing any dynamics. In the city, you can easily start in second gear — this is especially helpful on slippery surfaces. I'll also note the acoustic comfort: thanks to good sound insulation and the quiet engine itself, it reminds you of itself only with a slight growl at 5000–6000 rpm. For those who want more, other options are available: a 2.0-liter gasoline FSI with 150 hp, as well as two TDI diesels — 1.9 liters (105 hp) and 2.0 liters (140 hp).
Handling the "grown-up" Golf is simple and convenient. The steering wheel clearly conveys changes in effort, which depends on data from speed sensors — this is handled by the electromechanical EPS servo drive.
2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus
© Photo: Volkswagen
Among the electronic assistants, it's worth noting the stability control systems, ABS, and traction control, as well as a two-stage brake booster and differential lock. But don't rely solely on electronics; you also need to be on your toes. For example, during a sharp start from a traffic light on a snowy road, the front axle noticeably drifts, so you'll have to correct the steering. And when tackling an icy hill, it's better to turn off the ASR system in advance. Otherwise, the electronics, reacting to increased torque, will start to strangle the engine, and the car, despite the gas pedal being floored, will slow down. With ASR off, there's no such problem. But on even surfaces, especially uneven ones (asphalt-ice), the system is very useful.
The five-speed manual gearbox pleases with precise engagement and short lever throws. In other engine and trim combinations, you can get a six-speed manual, an automatic, or the innovative DSG gearbox, which combines the comfort of an "automatic" with sporty dynamics.
The base Golf Plus in Trendline trim is priced at $21,293.
Technical specifications of Volkswagen Golf Plus
Body – 5-door hatchback
Curb weight, kg – 1490
Gross weight, kg – 1920
Dimensions, mm:
- length – 4206
- width – 1759
- height – 1580
Wheelbase, mm – 2578
Trunk volume, l – 395/ – 1450
Maximum speed, km/h – 180
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s – 12
Fuel consumption, l/100 km:
- city cycle – 10.4–10.6
- highway – 6.2–6.4
- combined – 7.7–7.9
Fuel tank volume, l – 55
Engine:
- type – gasoline
- displacement, cm3 – 1595
- power, hp at rpm – 102/5600
- torque, Nm at rpm – 148/3800
Transmission – manual, 5-speed
Tire size – R16 205/55
Suspension (front/rear) – McPherson/multi-link
Brakes:
- front – disc, ventilated
- rear – disc
Steering – electromechanical EPS servo drive
Price, $ – 23,330.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Reliable engine.
– Insufficient visibility.