Volkswagen Golf S 2003 Review

Volkswagen re-established the Golf here in 1990 with the emaciated 77kW GTI, and followed up with gems like the poverty-pack 66kW CL (1996), and the equally tragic CL Cabriolet (1998).

But poor product-planning calls and inferior engines make no difference with the Golf; nothing, it seems, can tarnish its haute-couture glow.

In which case, any criticism of the Golf's soft, slovenly dynamics will probably fall on deaf ears. Judging by VW's response so far, it already has. Since the fourth-generation Golf hit the ground in Europe in 1997, enthusiasts have lamented its lack of driving spirit and ultra-conservative dynamic philosophy.

Ford's amusing Focus proves that driving panache and user-friendliness can coexist, a point Volkswagen's chassis engineers obviously don't get.

The Golf's suspension is simply too soft for taxing Australian conditions. Its rear suspension tops out (or reaches full extension) over even moderately undulating roads, and that's when the driver is alone. Feed in three additional adults and watch the under-damped Golf lose its cool - bouncing around, bottoming out needlessly, and prompting the question: "Are there any dampers at all back there?"

On smooth roads, the Golf lopes along quietly with plush assurance and impressive refinement. In most situations it rides extremely well - arguably as impressive as the Focus - but ask it to briskly traverse a 100km/h back road with a moderate load and you find yourself cringing as the damping resistance dissolves. Over one particular bump on our four-up ride/handling route - an abrupt undulation crested at 100-110km/h - the VW was the only car to disturbingly ground its underbody on the road.

It doesn't like hard cornering much, either, but here the Golf is no worse than the Corolla. It understeers doggedly and has lots of body movement - shifting soggily on its bushes and neglecting to use its rear end for the sake of chassis balance. You just need to keep your aspirations low. Roadholding is pretty good, though, and its light steering offers reasonable feel, despite leisurely off-centre response.

And the Golf's brakes are bloody good - easier to modulate during initial travel than the Focus's stoppers, with more progressive assistance. They're ultimately stronger, too.

Surprisingly, considering VW's enviable powertrain expertise, this Golf 2.0 S still uses the ancient 1984cc eight-valve four, which traces its ancestry back to the dawn of time (1972, actually). It's torquey but characterless, feels a bit flat (although noticeably stronger than the Golf 2.0 tested in June '02, and the lethargic Focus), and does it tough winding out to the pointless 6500rpm redline. It's best to surf the mid-range via the vague-but-agreeable gearshift to avoid both high-rev thrash and the accompanying thirst for (premium) unleaded fuel.

So the Golf isn't a driver's car, nor would it be our first choice for an interstate blast. What it does best is city living - even right on the beach, thanks to its fully galvanised body and 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Fastidious attention to detail lurks everywhere - from the super-strong doors and the intelligent, notched door stays, to the glossy paint in the bits you can't see, the retractable cords in the luggage cover, and the damped grab handles. It has been said before but, even after five years, the Golf's cabin remains the benchmark for materials quality, fit, and presentation. It is very dark and sombre in this S model, though, and feels cheerless compared to lighter, posher Golf offerings. But then one glance inside the depressing Focus puts the VW in perspective.

Owing to its stunted 2511mm wheelbase - roughly 100mm less than the others - the Golf has the least cabin length, but it's still a nice place to be. The front seats could do with more lateral support, but are well shaped and, like the steering column, feature an enormous range of adjustment in all directions. The 60/40 double-split rear bench boasts three height/tilt adjustable headrests, and three lap-sash belts, as well as decent door grips, good under-thigh support, reasonable headroom, and adequate leg and knee room. Plus, the Golf has a sizeable, beautifully trimmed boot.

Equipment isn't bad in this $28,400 2.0 S: twin airbags, ABS, air-con, central locking, a cranking eight-speaker CD player, and heated electric mirrors. It's definitely a smarter buy than the plush-but-gutless $29,490 1.6 SE. But rivals offer more gear for substantially less money and, while few can match the Golf's class, the VW isn't a standard-setter when it comes to pure function.

This car review is part of a four-car comparison from Wheels magazine, February 2003, which compared the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Peugeot 307 and VW Golf. Click here to read more.