Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline: The spirited entry-level Golf.

Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline |

Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline

The Agile Entry-Level Golf

Volkswagen's lineup in Japan has recently welcomed the "Golf TSI Trendline," equipped with a 1.2-liter engine, which went on sale on April 9, 2010. This eco-friendly model qualifies for the reduced tax on eco-cars and the eco-car subsidy, and at ¥2.57 million, it is the most accessible in the series.

By Fumio OgawaPhotos by Masayuki Arakawa

Cost-Performance on Par with Domestic Hybrid Cars

The biggest draw of the Golf TSI Trendline is its balance of fuel efficiency and driving performance. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with an intercooled turbocharger is based on the company's "downsizing concept," which aims to achieve performance equivalent to an engine with approximately 1.5 times the displacement, while reducing the actual displacement.

The 1.2-liter engine is also said to pursue efficiency by reducing friction loss and promoting weight reduction. For example, compared to the 1.6-liter "E," the basic model of the previous Golf, maximum torque has increased from 15.8 kgm/4,000 rpm to 17.8 kgm/1,550–4,100 rpm. While the displacement is 25% smaller, torque is up by 13%. Furthermore, the broader torque band makes it easier to handle.

Volkswagen Group Japan, which aims for annual sales of 50,000 units if possible this year, with the import car market showing signs of recovery, highlights that customers can receive benefits of up to ¥383,700 through tax reductions and subsidies. They state that with a fuel economy of 17 km/L in 10-15 mode, the ¥2.57 million price point, considering the comprehensive equipment, is competitive with domestic hybrid cars.

To recap, the Golf lineup is as follows:

TSI Trendline (1.2-liter + turbo) ¥2.57 million
TSI Comfortline (1.4-liter + turbo) ¥2.78 million
TSI Highline (1.4-liter + turbo + supercharger) ¥3.12 million
GTI (2-liter + turbo) ¥3.66 million
R (2-liter + turbo) ¥5.05 million

The "TSI Trendline" is positioned as the entry-grade Golf due to its 1.2-liter engine, but it comes equipped with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission offering the direct feel of a manual and the convenience of an automatic. It also features active safety systems like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) for superior emergency response, passive safety features such as curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing headrests, and a hill-holder function to assist with starting on slopes.

In terms of comfort, it's noteworthy that it offers a comprehensive package including a fresh air filter, auto light system, car audio compatible with MP3 and WMA formats in addition to CD, and the coming home/leaving home function for headlamp delay. It lacks nothing.

Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline |

Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline (2)

The Agile Entry-Level Golf

Unfettered, Agile Driving

Once behind the wheel, the car feels agile. This is likely due to its relatively light curb weight of 1,270 kg and the engine's characteristic of generating maximum torque from 1,550 rpm. It starts off with a truly satisfying feel. While it shifts up before 2,000 rpm when cruising at city speeds for fuel economy, there's no sense of lacking power.

It's clear that lighter cars are inherently more ecological because they require smaller engines and brakes. The engine itself is deliberately SOHC to reduce oil volume, and the oil pump has been miniaturized. By also reducing the weight of the block, the entire engine is 40 kg lighter than the 1.4-liter version. This makes the handling nimble as well. The sensation of turning smoothly is enjoyable. It's not a car designed solely for fuel economy.

Even at highway speeds, the engine's responsiveness is surprisingly good, allowing it to lead the flow of traffic. The quietness is also high, strongly conveying the evolution of Volkswagen's car manufacturing. However, perhaps due to the balance of weight between the body and tires, or the suspension settings, the car tends to bounce slightly, which is a point of concern. When four adults are on board, the ride becomes smoother. But this is only noticeable if you're actively looking for flaws, so it's unlikely to be an issue in everyday driving.

Soft Ride, Worth Experiencing

Incidentally, I also test-drove the TSI Comfortline again, which features a 1.4-liter engine with a turbocharger producing a maximum output of 122 PS and maximum torque of 20.4 kgm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Compared to the 1.2-liter, the shift-up timing is at a slightly higher RPM range, the steering feel is a bit heavier, and the overall impression is sportier. When I drove it previously, I thought its charm lay in its mild and natural character, but the difference between these two models felt so significant that they seem to target entirely different markets.

Personally, the TSI Trendline might be the best Golf right now. However, as mentioned earlier, the Golf lineup is compelling, with models like the GTI and R, even when compared to the 1.4. But for those who use their car daily, the TSI Trendline, with its soft ride, is absolutely worth experiencing. It represents the current capabilities of European car manufacturing.