A Volkswagen Golf Break Electric tested by the energy supplier Essent
In Belgium , several vehicles 100% electric are already marketed or under development.
Among them, there is a Volkswagen Golf Break Electric currently tested in real conditions by the energy supplier Essent.
It is society Athlon Car Lease (international provider of operational solutions for mobility and rental vehicles) who delivered the first alternative exemplary: it is also the first family car electrical Lease Belgium .
Ingrid Lieten, Flemish Minister of Innovation, also had the opportunity to try it during the ceremony of the vehicle.
All employees of Essent Belgium will drive this Volkswagen Golf Break Electric in the coming months, the story familiar with the operation and the electrical charge.
It will also be available in days of meeting with clients: a good campaign to promote electric mobility in this country to encourage many companies to embark on this adventure in the future. And as soon as all the employees of Essent have tried, the public can also use it.
A clarification: In order to accelerate the shift to driving electric Ingrid Lieten Minister announced in September 2010 an investment of about EUR 30 million. It works well for an action plan for electric cars Flemish (Vlaams Actieplan Elektrische voertuigen) in view of harmonizing the various initiatives on electric vehicles.
Compared to its predecessor, it still has grown up – like all new generations of Golf with respect to their predecessor – and still trying to seduce the same revenue: a beautiful interior finish, a strong personality and TDI engines very sharp. But it is not as sovereign as his ancestors and was caught up by competitors extremely talented too. What the market opportunity is sometimes difficult to realize, implying levels of resale commonly overstated, although the premium previously recorded is no longer entirely appropriate today.
What you can try
Livability: generous. Generous interior dimensions. Of the 5 doors have broad rear doors, easy access to the seat.
Finish: always flattering enough, but the Golf is still s’erst catch up on this chapter with many of his rivals. The appearance of the dashboard improves the surface in March 2005.
Trunk: quite roomy for the class.
The TDI engines: very good benefits, and sobriety unquestionable.
The driving qualities: good level.
Braking: good teeth, ease of dosing, shorter stopping distances.
The driving position: very finely adjustable. The driver’s seat is set in very large amplitudes.
Gearboxes: handling very rewarding lever in manual version. The robotized gearbox DSG is also known very well developed and offers fast and quiet passages.
Orders: rational implementation without unnecessary complication.
What may make you hesitate
The front seats on the 3 doors after being rocked, they do not regain their original setting. Annoying.
Silent diesel: still a rather scolding TDI engine during acceleration, and idling.
ESP (electronic aids to maintain the trajectory): there was widespread on the previous Golf in May 2001 and is ironed optional on many versions.
Prices: still pretty strong odds.
Buy / Quote
Score relatively high. Golf 5 has a price too expensive compared to its actual merits.
Consumption
Nothing extraordinary side of petrol versions. Always a good record with TDI diesels.
Insurance
Rates slightly higher than the category average.
Parts prices
All relatively expensive. And some excesses on certain parts.
Maintenance
Maintenance visits every 20 000 to 30 000 km (and every year more than if the mileage limit has been reached). Timing belt replacement every 120 000-180 000 km. Versions with large wheels tires require higher budgets. Longevity appreciable wear parts.
Description
This generation rose compared to the previous whose career was marred by many weaknesses. But this is not yet the full use of serenity that could be dreaming. Including the start of production models, which have not been free from worries electronic devices but certainly annoying, and small mechanical faults.
Heavy breakdowns and immobilizing
TDI engines. A few cases of failure of the turbo mileage very variable, especially on the 1.9 TDI 105 manufactured until 2004.
2.0 TDI engine 140. On models manufactured until August 2005, the risk of cracking the cylinder head at one of its fastening points on the engine block. Causes a flow of oil in the coolant. Risk of engine damage if the driver is still rolling despite the warning light illuminates on the dashboard. If the defect is found, it is most often replace the bolt. Partially supported by VW, depending on the mileage and prior maintenance already done.
Other failures or weaknesses
FSI petrol engines (direct injection). On models manufactured until 2005, a few jerks and occasional illumination of the engine management and operation outright disorders (caused by the recycling of gas or programming electronic control unit).
TDI engines. Some cases of concern in the electronic management, including the 2.0 TDI: setting standby mode, with degraded performance. Can “start afresh” carefree after a few minutes of contact cut, or require reprogramming.
1.9 TDI 2.0 TDI 105 and 140. On the TDI 105 and 140 mostly manufactured until January 2004, rough idle (often too low, generates vibrations) and harshness at low speeds, feeling that the engine is running on three cylinders, especially cold just after its implementation road and when accelerating in 1st. Caused by the engine management (bad mix flow injectors by the computer). Remedy: reprogramming using a new app.
Gearbox. On TDI 105 built before June 2004, engagement or disengagement of reverse gear difficult.
Direction. On models manufactured until February 2004 deficit of assistance after the road with direction indicator lights; remedy: reprogramming.
Front tires. On some models manufactured until 2005, and accelerated wear asymmetrical front tires.Caused by a misalignment at the factory.
Rear tires. Especially on models manufactured until 2005, wear facets of the rear tires (manifested by increased traffic noise).
External appearance
Wind noise. On models manufactured until March 2004, air noise generated by the strips side windshield (loose) and on the shell exterior mirrors, the imperfect seam around the flashing integrated with.
Headlights. On models manufactured until July 2004, internal condensation in the headlight (main and Fog) and taillights.
Interior Finish
Assembly. On models manufactured until May 2004, dashboard sometimes not so square, anchored on the left too. Otherwise, proper assembly, little noise present, despite a slight increase compared to the Golf 4 (above).
Malfunctioning electronic / functions on
Comfort functions. On models manufactured until the summer of 2004, possible hazards – but often passengers – on some automation or electrical functions. Usually resolves by reprogramming mail.
Power windows. On models manufactured until the end of 2004, whims or failure of power windows.
Radio. On models manufactured until 2004, potential vagaries of radio. On the CD, sound cuts or, more often, CD hangs.
Air conditioning. On models manufactured until 2004, some vagaries in the electronic temperature control or ventilation.
Warning indicators. On models manufactured until the summer of 2004, due to no ignition engine control and ESP. Remedy: reprogramming.
Witnesses airbag. On models manufactured until October 2004, ignition no reason.
Reminder and correction concession
1.9 TDI 105. For models manufactured between March and August 2004, may leak fuel. Caused by a failure of the injection pump upstream of the injectors (pump “tandem”): leakage, caused by a screw.Recall in March 2005: control and, if necessary, replace the screw in question.
Flywheel. Of the 2.0 TDI 140 manufactured until December 2005, risk of rapid deterioration of the flywheel “dual mass” (system to lessen the vibration). Caused by the failure to trap the hydraulic clutch. Symptoms: abnormal noise during gear changes, and possible wear of the clutch disc. Call to Summer 2006: inspection and replacement if necessary, possible replacement of the clutch disc if it has also suffered.
