SV gives VW Golf extra flexibility

Golf’s SV is basically an MPV version of iconic hatchback

The notable thing about the Golf SV, Volkwagen’s new MPV version of the iconic Golf, is that its good looks aren’t marred by a large backside, showing that practicality doesn’t always mean boring.

The extended wheelbase with a wider and taller body aren’t apparent thanks to some clever sleight of hand using a fifth side window and bonnet-lengthening creases resulting in a spacious, practical vehicle without (in this reviewer’s opinion) sacrificing good looks.

On test was the Golf SV 1.4 TSI Comfortline auto with a R340 700 price tag. Competitors in this segment are the Opel Meriva 1.4 turbo Enjoy auto (R261 500), Mazda5 2.0 Individual auto (R308 500), and Citroën C4 Picasso e-THP 121kW Intensive auto (R369 900).

The 92kW turbocharged 1.4 petrol engine is lively with little turbo lag and our test version was matched to a slick 7-speed DSG gearbox resulting in a responsive vehicle that gets off cleanly from the line, with little more than a fraction of a hesitation. Despite the relative small engine capacity it never felt as though the motor was working overly hard or straining and the 200Nm of torque provides excellent open-road cruising ability and overtaking capabilities. As in most tests, our combined fuel consumption figure at 7.6l/100km in real world conditions was higher than the claimed 5.2l/100km.

Suspension set-up is slightly on the firm side with the Golf SV riding on 16-inch “Toronto” alloy wheels, ensuring good roadholding while still soaking up most bumps and ripples and inspiring confidence when pushing through tighter corners.

Build quality is good with a pleasing solid feel and we liked the interior, with the decoratively brushed Titanium Silver dashboard and door side inserts adding a classy feel to the cabin although some may find it a bit conservative for their taste. Seats are cloth and would be easy to clean after the kids have made it their home, spilling drinks and smearing chocolate.

The Golf SV comes with a comprehensive spec level although the panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control and Composition Media Radio were optional extras. The panoramic roof isn’t really suitable for our hot climate while the Golf is small enough not to need Park Distance Control as it has good forward and rear visibility making parking quite easy without it.

But the Composition Media Radio is a nice feature with a touchscreen colour display for a car menu as well as enabling hands-free phone calls using satellite controls on the steering wheel, as well as play gadgets such as iPods, CDs, MP3, WMA and AAC audio files.

Standard features include a tinted windscreen with tinted windows all round, heated mirrors, climatic air conditioner, and a cooled glovebox. We liked the adjustable arm rest between the front seats with a spacious compartment below it for storing things. The air conditioning system is operated by oldfashioned dials, and yet we found them easy to use and practical instead of fiddling with a complicated system while driving.

The climate control doesn’t indicate temperature settings which we would have preferred as instead it meant getting used to the various red and blue settings.

Passenger space in the rear is ample with good leg and head room, although a passenger in the middle would find the seating a bit uncom- fortable. Folding tray tables ensure passengers can eat on the move.

It is when it comes to carrying luggage that the difference in space to a normal Golf becomes noticeable with 500 litres of space in normal configuration in the SV compared to the 380 litres of space in a Golf.

The seats are a 60/40 split making for versatile packing as the seats also slide or tumble forward. With the rear seats flat the load area increases to 1 520 litres and swallowed a mountain bike with 29-inch wheels without having to remove a wheel although it did mean moving the front passenger seat slightly forward.

The Golf SV comes with a threeyear/120 000km warranty, a fiveyear/90 000km service plan and service intervals are every 15 000km. VERDICT The SV retains the Golf hatch characteristics such as high build quality, comfort and performance that have made it a firm favourite with motorists, while adding increased flexibility and practicality so that the family can now have their cake and eat it.