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Volkswagen Golf FSI

Another Volkswagen Golf has joined the club! The eco-friendly 1.6-litre petrol model is the greenest and most frugal of the line-up to use unleaded. But does the newcomer score a hole in one, or is there still a 'fairway' to go?

By Dirk Branke

April 2002

Another Volkswagen Golf has joined the club! The eco-friendly 1.6-litre petrol model is the greenest and most frugal of the line-up to use unleaded. But does the newcomer score a hole in one, or is there still a 'fairway' to go? We got behind the wheel of one of the first German examples to find out...

The initial thing you notice is that the FSI, which has a similar direct- injection system to VW's excellent diesel engines, feels lethargic when compared to the standard 1.6-litre Golf. The 109bhp unit, identical to the one in the Audi A2 FSI (driven in last week's issue), feels less at home in the VW's bulkier body, taking two seconds longer to hit 60mph from rest, in 11.8 seconds. A top speed of 121mph is impressive for the size of powerplant, but getting there is a chore. The engine's optimum output arrives at 5,800rpm, yet it's rough and noisy at anything above 3,500rpm.

The car feels more refined if you change gear early

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For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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FIRST OPINION

    The FSI engine works well in the Audi A2, but struggles to cope with the Golf's extra bulk. The unit's lack of refinement doesn't outweigh the economy advantages, and we think the diesel VWs are still a much better bet.
 

AT A GLANCE

    VW Golf 1.6 FSI replaces conventional petrol unit next year
    Covers 0-60mph in 11.8secs; top speed of 121mph; 45mpg
     
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