This is an in-site review of a MY2001 European-spec Volkswagen Golf 4Motion V6. All photographs and information contained within are the intellectual property of the author, please ask before using them, or credit the author/owner.

specifications

• engine: 24 valve v(r)6, 15° angle vee
• displacement: 2'792 c.c
• horsepower: 204 bhp @ 6200 rpm
• torque: 200 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
• transmission: 6 speed manual

standard equipment

safety

• 6 airbags (dual front, side and head)
• electronic stability program (esp)
• anti-lock brake system (abs) with electronic brake force distribution (ebd)
• electronic differential lock (edl)
• automatically dimming rearview mirror
• xenon headlights with high pressure washer system
• automatic headlight range adjustment
• rear foglight

• body colored power door mirrors (heated)
• power windows
• power moonroof
• wipers with rain sensor
• body colored rear spoiler (Votex)
• 7jx17 alloy wheels (monte carlo)
• 225/45r17 tires (continental contisport contact)

• recaro front sport seats, height adjustable/heated
• recaro rear seats, center eurogolf
• leather sport steering wheel (3 spoke)
• wood interior trim (burled walnut)
• climatronic
• gamma radio
• digital sound processor (dsp) using nokia amplifier
• 6 disc cd changer
• on board computer (mfa)

introduction

If history is any barometer by which to gauge trends, then it would seem that the performance enthusiast's mantra has always been a cry for "more power!". It was perhaps the realization that the limitations of physics were not always forgiving to a dynamic object, which quite possibly led to pleas of "more traction!", from the same market segment. The Volkswagen Golf 4Motion V6 is the definitive answer to their collective cries with its 204 horespower engine turning all four wheels through a Haldex based all wheel drive system, and a 6 speed transmission. There is power. Then there is controlled power.

history

Volkswagen originally satiated horsepower junkies by releasing the VR6, a 12 valve 6 cylinder engine with a 15° angle vee, and shoehorned it into almost all their platforms produced in the years between the 1980s and the 1990s. After roughly a decade of service, the 12v VR6 has been replaced worldwide by a newer version that produces about 30 more horspower. These extra ponies are courtesy of a 24 valve cylinder head, as well as a variable length intake manifold. Although the cars with the new engine are badged "V6", they still contain a VR6, or vee reihen motor (inline vee motor in German). This is because they retain the 15° angle vee, as opposed to the 60° or 90° angle vees found in more tradtional V6s (such as the B5 Passat's, which is based on Audi's 3.0l block).

All wheel drive first appeared in the cars that VW was producing in the 1980s, and these models were equipped with what was called "Synchro" by the marketers. The current moniker used by VW is "4Motion" and is found in European market Golfs, Boras (Jetta) and Passats. Of note, the differential found in the Passats is different than that found in a Golf or Bora. The Passat is based on the Audi A4 platform and thus uses a Torsen differential, which Audi calls "Quattro" on its cars. The Golfs and Boras (as well as the Audi TTs) are equipped with Haldex differentials. The main difference is that the Torsen differentials drive all four wheels continuously, whereas the Haldex differentials are front wheel drive biased. This means that the differential in the Haldex equipped cars only sends torque to the rear wheels if the computer senses the front wheels losing traction.

first impressions

Those familiar with VAG (Volkswagen AG) products can appreciate that the company's quality standards have increased within the last four years with the release of the "Mk (mark) IV", or "4th Generation" platform. Everything from fit and finish, to the level of quality in the materials used (such as plastics, paint, etc.), has improved by leaps and bounds over the previous platform. Although there have been quality control concerns with failing window regulators, faulty mass airflow sensors and so forth, "this ain't your daddy's Volkswagen" by any stretch of the imagination.

The Golf 4Motion V6 is (at the time of writing) the top of the line Golf available, the ultimate luxo-box. Interior trim consists of real burled walnut wood veneers, as well as Recaro seats both front and rear. All seating surfaces are real leather (referred to as "Napa" in the company literature), although the seat sides/backs and door inserts are vinyl. The front Recaro seats are extremely comfortable and have large bolsters that hold the driver and front passenger in place during lateral acceleration, these are the real deal when it comes to factory sport seats, they will not let you out of their grip until you unbuckle and clamber out under your steam. The rear seats feature two full sized headrests, 3 point seatbelts (and a center lapbelt), as well as a center eurogolf that has a built in storage compartment.

In order to fully appreciate the car, one must approach it with the understanding that it is a very tactile experience in many ways. The doors shut with a satisfying thump, rather than a deathly rattle. The engine starts with a subtle roar emitting from the 2 chrome tailpipes, and the idle is a smooth burble. The leather surfaces have a fine grain and make for pleasant seating arrangments for short or long jaunts. The VW Gamma headunit sends its signals to 8 speakers through a Nokia DSP producing sound quality that is on par with that offered by more expensive automobile manufacturers. But we haven't come here to sit and fiddle with the radio controls...

the test drive

The Golf has arguably got a set of the most user friendly and comfortable front seats of any car in its class. Not only is there the afore mentioned leather surfaces, but they can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. Lumbar support, as well as infinitely variable tilt, are adjusted by two knobs on the side of the seats closest to the doors. Perfect ingredients for soothing one's aching back on prolonged trips! The steering wheel is equally adjustable with both height and telescopic changes made by releasing a latch on the under side of the steering column. Your last name had better be either be Troyer or O'Neill if you cannot find a perfect position in this car!

Key in the ignition, step on the clutch and turnover that melodious little six cylinder for the beginning of a very pleasant ride. Although the clutch travel and the throws between gears are long, they are relatively smooth when compared to the O2A and O2J transmissions. This is because the new V6 gains the added benefits of the MQ350 box, a completely new transmission said to be capable of handling up to 350 horsepower (hence the name)! Step into the throttle and you will be surprised by how quickly the engine revs, it is practically begging for a low mass flywheel and lightened pulleys!

VW quotes 0-60 mph (0-100 kph) times for this engine in the low to mid 7 seconds, which is very easy to pull off even under moderate throttle. Power delivery throughout the tachometer range is strong and smooth, with the greatest lump of torque peaking in at around 3000 rpm. There is enough torque to push you (and your passengers) into the Recaros and keep you there as you work your way through the gears. That said, it would be wise to watch that other dial lest the law come rocketing after you with sirens blaring, and pen and paper at the ready. The engine is deceptively smooth and it will unknowingly coax you into marching through the revs and gears with utter abandon. You will find yourself in the triple digits in no time at all with a gear or two to spare. And that extra 6th gear will be a blessing for those planning on long distance drives, but be sure you order the cruise control, which does not come standard (in the European market).

Throw the Golf into the twisties and you will find it a willing partner as the suspension is geared slightly harder than the standard Golf fare. There is slightly less body roll and conering is a joy (rather than a tempting of the fates at each turn), but the ride is still suple enough for tender bums. The suspension could stand to be a tad bit more agressive, but this is coming from an enthusiast viewpoint, and daily drivers will enjoy the sporting intentions without the pain of personally meeting every bump or rut in the road. The added security of ESP and 4Motion are comforting, but their actions are so transparent that you will have to be forgiven for needing an explanation for the blinking yellow light in the instrument cluster. That's the car telling you that it's saved your life several times over and that your first name is not Colin or Richard. Unfortunately the car still has a tendency to act like a front wheel drive, diving into a corner and doing its thing until something comes loose and the Haldex kicks in. This is the one downside to the front wheel drive bias system, however all is well after power is redirected and you're happy rocketing along to the next set of curves. The Continental ContiSport Contacts are very grippy and the 17" Monte Carlo wheels help keep you pointed in the right direction, and they look the part too!

Night time brings an entirely different atmosphere to the driving experience found in this car. As with most of the other late '90s VWs, the interior lighting is a blue and red contrast. As put by Volkswagen, "blue for information and red for action". The particular model tested was also equipped with the new xenon/HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights. These headlights are extremely bright, yet use less power than standard halogen lamps. They also feature a nifty high pressure cleaning system consisting of sprayers that pop up and soak the headlights (as well as a good deal of the hood) in washer fluid. As with all German made cars equipped with xenons, an automatic leveling system can be found in the Golf that adjusts the beam of the lights according to the amount of weight in the car and the angle at which the axles are orientated.

Unfortunately the fun and games have to end somewhere and the Golf must be able to stand up to its supposed daily driving duties. Impressively, it is this area in which the car excels and proves its worth. The particular model tested was a 4 door hatchback, but there is a 2 door hatchback version available. The 4 doors are a teriffic help if you have lots to carry, or tots to shuttle. ISOFIX (or LATCH) is standard in all VWs and the Golf is no different. The one downside to the 4Motion is that several inches of hatch space are lost due to the redesigned fuel tank and to make way for the rear differential. The plus is that one can completely fold down the rear seats and remove the rear parcel shelf, creating a cavern of space. College students take heed, there are dorm rooms with a smaller cubic capacity than the interior of this car!

parting thoughts

There are thousands of VW enthusiasts in the United States who are missing out on the ideal car in terms of power and versatility. With the resurrgence in popularity of the hatchback platform because of their (perceived) fuel economy and their abundance of space, it may do VWoA some good to give some thought to making the 4Motion Golf an option for American car buyers.

Before local taxes and registration the Golf's MSRP was approximately US$31'900. There are precious few options that can be added and although that figure places the car deeply in BMW territory, there are people who would find that price reasonable for the amount of standard equipment included. Will it ever make a strong enough case to appeal to the higher ups in VWoA? Probably not. Which is a pity because the 4Motion and 24v V6 combine to make for a dangerously addictive Driver Found car.

photographs