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Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion Match: Small engine but tempting business proposition

VW Golf 1 Bluemotion front
Petrol power for Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion - 127mph top speed!

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2 February 2017

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion Match

What is it?

Diesel as a fuel has been in the news a lot over the last year, notably with Volkswagen and its major emissions issues. So how about a petrol Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion?

With the German company re-focusing its efforts on greener power, could downsized petrol engines be a viable option?

One of Volkswagen’s solutions could be their recently introduced 1.0-litre TSI petrol. Will it work in a Golf? We tried the Match Edition version to find out

What’s hot

    • It might be a 1.0-litre engine in a Golf, but don’t think it’s going to be sluggish considering its size. In fact, it feels more eager than the 113bhp that Volkswagen quotes. This punchy performer will accelerate to 62mph in just 9.7 secs and has a top speed of 127mph. Most impressive is the smooth, linear feel to the acceleration, even though the 200Nm maximum torque is available from as little 2,000rpm and this engine only feels strained at the top of the rev-range.
    • However, the performance and torque figures are only part of the story with this 1.0-litre TSI engine. 65.7mpg economy and just 105g/km CO2 figures make this Golf very attractive to business buyers because of its low 20% tax band for 2017/18 (see our Company car tax tables).
    • Face-lifted versions of the current Golf are due within weeks, but aren’t changed too much from the car we have here. Familiar – well yes, but the seventh-generation of Volkswagen’s iconic hatch still looks sharp and modern.
    • Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion
      Premium-feel cabin

      Like the performance, we were surprised what a keen drive the latest Golf offers with this 1.0-litre engine. The Match Bluemoton might boast lowered suspension, but this Golf is still really comfortable. We’d go as far to say that this Golf has a perfectly judged ride and handling balance. This again works well with the refined nature of the downsized engine. During the week we had this car, we did a couple of long trips and it proved to be an excellent companion.

    • Inside, this feels like any other current Golf. So it’s hardly memorable, but the premium feel to the plastics and trim impresses. The driving position is comfy and multi-adjustable and the front seats supportive. Space in the back is above average and there’s a practically-shaped boot.
    • This engine is only available in high-value Match spec, so 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air-con and Bluetooth connectivity come as standard , plus Volkswagen’s brilliant touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav.

What’s not

  • You might get plenty of standard kit in Match trim, but you certainly pay for it – £20,765 seems like a lot for what is pretty much an entry-level Volkswagen Golf. There’s also a lengthy and expensive option list to consider when buying!
  • The latest Golf looks modern, but is it too familiar and boring?
  • We feel there could be more rear space in the back of the Golf, especially when you compare it with rivals.

Verdict

We think that the 1.0-litre TSI Bluemotion Match version of the current Volkswagen Golf could be the pick of the standard range.
Despite the downsized engine, it offers an impressive performance, consumption and emissions mix that along with top drawer build quality, make this Volkswagen hard to ignore by the business buyer.

So how does it compare to its key rival – the Ford Focus? Closest model to the Golf 1.0-litre TSI Bluemotion Match, is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost ST-Line. The Golf, although expensive, gets off to a good start as it’s cheaper by £80.

The Ford might be the sportier drive, although for an SME the emissions and tax band are going to be key and this is where the Volkswagen is stronger, with 105g/km versus 108g/km of the Ford, although both share the same 20% tax band for the new financial year.

But unless you can get either before April 1, both are going to cost more in road tax. Whereas both currently have zero first year VED and £20 in subsequent years (for now) because of their low emissions, those first registered from April 1 2017 are caught in the New Vehicle Excise rates for 2017.

This brings £140 first year tax and £140 standard rate in subsequent years – not much for a single private buy although that’s £420 over three years certain to be included in leasing contracts. Then start talking fleets and it soon adds up – like £42,000 for 100 low emission cars!

The lowdown on: Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion Match

List price £20,765
Doors and body style 5-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.0-litre, 3cyl petrol turbo/six-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 105g/km
Economy (combined): 65.7mpg
Power/torque: 113bhp/200Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 9.7/127mph
Insurance group: 14

What it Costs:

P11D value £20,710
Road Tax (VED) from April 2017: £140 first year/then £140 p.a.
Company Car Tax Band 2017/18 to 2019/20: 20%, 22%, 25%
Benefit in Kind 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20: £4,142, £4,566, £5,177
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £904/£75
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £1,808/£150
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (20%): £828/£69
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (40%): £1,657/£138

 

Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion
No diesel issues from tailpipe of Golf 1.0 TSI Bluemotion

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