Volkswagen Golf Plus: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Volkswagen Golf Plus was offered across two generations as a Hatchback 5-door with FWD. For the versions shown here, the main buying decision is between the first generation, produced from December 2004 to January 2009, and the second generation, produced from April 2008 to September 2014.
The Volkswagen Golf Plus was offered across two generations as a Hatchback 5-door with FWD. For the versions shown here, the main buying decision is between the first generation, produced from December 2004 to January 2009, and the second generation, produced from April 2008 to September 2014. The first generation supplies the broadest performance range, including 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG versions with up to 170 hp. The second generation has less peak power in the listed specifications—up to 122 hp—but adds economical 1.2-liter Gasoline choices and 1.6- or 2.0-liter Diesel alternatives. Buyers wanting the quickest listed Golf Plus should examine the first-generation 170 hp 1.4 DSG, while those prioritizing measured fuel economy should consider the second-generation 90 hp 1.6 MT Diesel.
Volkswagen Golf Plus generations compared
The first-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus ran from December 2004 through January 2009. It is a Hatchback 5-door with 30 modifications in the database, of which 12 are detailed here. The listed engines span 1390–1598 cc and 75–170 hp. Every shown version is FWD, with either a Manual or Robotic gearbox. This generation offers the strongest acceleration and highest top speeds in the supplied data, led by the 170 hp 1.4 DSG.
The second-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus ran from April 2008 through September 2014. It is also a Hatchback 5-door and has 14 modifications, with 12 detailed here. Its listed range covers 1197–1968 cc, Gasoline and Diesel engines, and Manual, Automatic, or Robotic transmissions. Outputs extend from 80 to 122 hp. Compared with the strongest first-generation version, its maximum listed output is 48 hp lower, but its best measured combined consumption is 4.7 L/100 km rather than 6.5 L/100 km.
Volkswagen Golf Plus engine and gearbox specs
Identical version names are separated by generation, output, and—where necessary—engine type.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second, 1.2 MT (105 hp) | 105 hp | 175 Nm | 1197 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second, 1.4 MT (80 hp) | 80 hp | 132 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.4 MT (122 hp) | 122 hp | 200 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (102 hp, 1293 kg) | 102 hp | 148 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second, 1.2 MT (86 hp) | 86 hp | 160 Nm | 1197 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (102 hp, 1318 kg) | 102 hp | 148 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 230 Nm | 1598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT (110 hp) | 110 hp | 250 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT (110 hp) | 110 hp | 250 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.2 DSG (105 hp) | 105 hp | 175 Nm | 1197 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 7 | FWD |
| Second, 1.4 DSG (122 hp) | 122 hp | 200 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 7 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 DSG (102 hp) | 102 hp | 148 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Robotic, 7 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (75 hp) | 75 hp | 126 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (80 hp) | 80 hp | 132 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 130 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (122 hp) | 122 hp | 200 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 DSG (140 hp) | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (140 hp) | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 DSG (160 hp) | 160 hp | 240 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (160 hp) | 160 hp | 240 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 DSG (170 hp) | 170 hp | 240 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.4 MT (170 hp) | 170 hp | 240 Nm | 1390 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 MT (102 hp) | 102 hp | 148 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 MT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 155 Nm | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD |
Power density helps explain the character of these choices. The 75 hp first-generation 1.4 MT produces approximately 54 hp per liter, whereas the 170 hp first-generation 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG each produce approximately 122 hp per liter. In the second generation, the 105 hp 1.2 MT and 1.2 DSG deliver approximately 88 hp per liter, while the 122 hp 1.4 MT and 1.4 DSG also deliver approximately 88 hp per liter.
Volkswagen Golf Plus performance and fuel economy
| Generation and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second, 1.2 MT (105 hp) | 11.3 s | 188 km/h | 7.3 | 5.1 | 5.9 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.4 MT (80 hp) | 14.9 s | 169 km/h | 8.7 | 5.4 | 6.6 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.4 MT (122 hp) | 10.2 s | 195 km/h | 8.4 | 5.4 | 6.5 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.6 MT (102 hp, 1293 kg) | 12.5 s | 181 km/h | 13.1 | 7.8 | 9.8 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.2 MT (86 hp) | 13.4 s | 175 km/h | 7.2 | 4.9 | 5.8 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.6 MT (102 hp, 1318 kg) | 11.8 s | 184 km/h | 10.2 | 6.0 | 7.6 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.6 MT (90 hp Diesel) | 13.5 s | 174 km/h | 6.0 | 4.1 | 4.7 L/100 km |
| Second, 2.0 AT (110 hp) | 11.6 s | 187 km/h | 7.1 | 4.7 | 5.5 L/100 km |
| Second, 2.0 MT (110 hp) | 11.6 s | 189 km/h | 6.6 | 4.1 | 5.6 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.2 DSG (105 hp) | 10.6 s | 188 km/h | 7.3 | 5.2 | 5.9 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.4 DSG (122 hp) | 10.2 s | 195 km/h | 8.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 L/100 km |
| Second, 1.6 DSG (102 hp) | 11.8 s | 184 km/h | 9.1 | 5.5 | 6.8 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (75 hp) | 16.2 s | 161 km/h | 9.7 | 5.7 | 7.1 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (80 hp) | 15.2 s | 165 km/h | 9.6 | 5.7 | 7.1 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (90 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First, 1.4 MT (122 hp) | 10.1 s | 194 km/h | 8.6 | 5.5 | 6.6 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 DSG (140 hp) | 9.3 s | 200 km/h | 9.8 | 5.7 | 7.2 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (140 hp) | 9.3 s | 202 km/h | 9.6 | 5.9 | 7.2 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 DSG (160 hp) | 8.5 s | 211 km/h | 8.3 | 5.5 | 6.5 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (160 hp) | 8.5 s | 211 km/h | 8.9 | 5.6 | 6.8 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 DSG (170 hp) | 8.2 s | 214 km/h | 10.2 | 6.0 | 7.4 L/100 km |
| First, 1.4 MT (170 hp) | 8.3 s | 216 km/h | 10.0 | 6.2 | 7.4 L/100 km |
| First, 1.6 MT (102 hp) | 12.0 s | 180 km/h | 10.2 | 6.3 | 7.7 L/100 km |
| First, 1.6 MT (115 hp) | 11.8 s | 189 km/h | 9.6 | 5.8 | 7.2 L/100 km |
The performance choice is straightforward. The first-generation 170 hp 1.4 DSG reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, making it 0.1 second quicker than the 170 hp 1.4 MT, although the Manual version has a 2 km/h higher top speed. The 160 hp pair both take 8.5 seconds, but the 1.4 DSG records 6.5 L/100 km combined, 0.3 L/100 km less than the 1.4 MT.
For second-generation Gasoline models, the 122 hp 1.4 DSG combines a 10.2-second acceleration time with 6.3 L/100 km combined consumption. It matches the 122 hp 1.4 MT to 100 km/h and at 195 km/h, while using 0.2 L/100 km less combined. The 105 hp 1.2 DSG is 0.7 second quicker than the corresponding 1.2 MT, and both record 5.9 L/100 km combined.
The second-generation 90 hp 1.6 MT Diesel is the economy leader at 4.7 L/100 km combined. The 110 hp 2.0 AT Diesel needs 5.5 L/100 km and reaches 100 km/h 1.9 seconds sooner. The 2.0 MT posts the same 11.6-second acceleration time, a 2 km/h higher top speed than the 2.0 AT, and 5.6 L/100 km combined consumption.
Volkswagen Golf Plus weight, ground clearance, tank and wheel sizes
All listed Volkswagen Golf Plus versions have 160 mm of ground clearance and a 55-liter fuel tank. Wheel sizes are not measured for every listed version.
Kerb weight ranges from 1293 to 1438 kg in the second generation. The lightest listed second-generation entries are the 1293 kg 102 hp 1.6 MT, 90 hp 1.6 MT Diesel, and 110 hp 2.0 MT Diesel. The heaviest is the 1438 kg 122 hp 1.4 DSG. Gross weight ranges from 1890 kg for the 80 hp 1.4 MT to 2050 kg for both 110 hp 2.0 Diesel versions.
In the first generation, kerb weight ranges from 1293 kg for the 75, 80, and 90 hp 1.4 MT versions to 1386 kg for the 170 hp 1.4 DSG. Gross weight is 1900 kg for every listed 1.4 version and 1960 kg for both listed 1.6 MT versions. Wheel sizes are not measured for every first-generation version.
Weight per horsepower favors the performance engines. The first-generation 170 hp 1.4 MT carries approximately 8.0 kg per hp, while the 170 hp 1.4 DSG carries approximately 8.2 kg per hp. By comparison, the first-generation 75 hp 1.4 MT carries approximately 17.2 kg per hp. In the second generation, the 122 hp 1.4 MT carries approximately 11.6 kg per hp and the 122 hp 1.4 DSG approximately 11.8 kg per hp.
Which Volkswagen Golf Plus version should you buy?
For maximum performance, choose the first-generation 1.4 DSG with 170 hp. Its 8.2-second 0–100 km/h time is the quickest measured result, while its 214 km/h top speed is only 2 km/h below the 170 hp 1.4 MT. Choose that Manual instead if top speed matters more than the 0.1-second acceleration difference.
For the strongest performance-and-economy compromise in the first generation, the 160 hp 1.4 DSG is the standout numerical choice. It reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, achieves 211 km/h, and consumes 6.5 L/100 km combined. It is 0.3 second quicker and 0.7 L/100 km more economical than the 140 hp 1.4 DSG.
For a balanced second-generation Gasoline choice, select the 122 hp 1.4 DSG. It provides the generation’s joint-fastest 10.2-second acceleration and joint-highest 195 km/h top speed, while its 6.3 L/100 km combined figure is lower than the 6.5 L/100 km of the equivalent 1.4 MT.
For the lowest measured fuel use, choose the second-generation 90 hp 1.6 MT Diesel. Its 4.7 L/100 km combined consumption is 0.8 L/100 km below the 110 hp 2.0 AT Diesel, although it takes 1.9 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h. If an Automatic gearbox and more torque are priorities, the 2.0 AT supplies 250 Nm—20 Nm more than the 1.6 MT Diesel—and still records 5.5 L/100 km combined.
For a smaller Gasoline engine with moderate consumption, compare the second-generation 105 hp 1.2 MT and 1.2 DSG. Their output, torque, top speed, and combined consumption are identical at 105 hp, 175 Nm, 188 km/h, and 5.9 L/100 km. The 1.2 DSG accelerates 0.7 second faster, whereas the 1.2 MT has marginally lower highway consumption at 5.1 rather than 5.2 L/100 km.
The supplied data does not include purchase prices, sale listings, reliability records, or Volkswagen Golf Plus problems. Those factors therefore cannot be used to recommend one version over another here. On the measurable specifications alone, the first-generation 170 hp 1.4 DSG is the performance choice, the second-generation 90 hp 1.6 MT Diesel is the economy choice, and the second-generation 122 hp 1.4 DSG offers the clearest Gasoline balance.