« Reply #50 on: January 28, 2019, 10:30:56 am »
I think it's time to stop bitching about the downsized engine.
This is not a sad story. While those output losses are not negligible, they have been largely offset by new transmissions with additional gears. A standard six-speed manual—finally!—or optional eight-speed automatic has replaced the 2018 Golf's five-speed stick and six-speed autobox. Furthermore, as is the case with the Golf's sedan counterpart, the 2019 Jetta, the aluminum-block 1.4-liter contributes not just to a marked improvement in fuel economy but a reduction in curb weight compared to the iron-block 1.8. Our base-model Golf S, equipped with no options other than the $1100 automatic transmission, weighed a scant 2918 pounds—less than any Golf we've tested since a two-door model back in 2010.
Those factors helped the Golf achieve its highest fuel-economy ratings of any gasoline-powered Golf yet, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined for the 2019 models (automatic or manual) compared to 28 mpg for the automatic-equipped 2018 Golf and 29 mpg for the 2018 manual. We got very close to that combined number over nearly 900 miles of driving, averaging 31 mpg overall. And on our 75-mph highway test loop, we saw 43 mpg, beating the EPA highway estimate by a huge 6 mpg.
Even better, despite the loss of power and torque, acceleration from a stop keeps pace with the last automatic-equipped Golf we tested, a 2018 Golf SE. The 2019 car reached 60 mph in 7.6 seconds (versus 7.7 for the 2018 model) and matched its predecessor in the quarter-mile at 15.9 seconds, its 88-mph trap speed lower by 1 mph. During passing exercises, the smaller engine's relative weakness is more apparent, as it needs 4.3 seconds to go from 30 to 50 mph, 0.6 second longer than before, and 5.4 seconds to hustle from 50 to 70 mph, a 0.2-second increase. That said, while there's not much power, neither is there much lag in its delivery. Overall, we'd characterize the new turbo four's output as sufficient.
As with most other modestly powered cars, the 2019 Golf had us hammering the gas pedal pretty often during everyday driving. But unlike most other modestly powered cars, the engine didn't thrash and scream in protest when we did so. Nor did it boom at low rpm, as we observed in Golfs with the 1.8-liter and automatic combo. Only at the very upper reaches of the rev band does it start getting loud. Generally, the 1.4T is uncannily smooth and quiet in most of its operating range—a few times we had to check the tachometer at stoplights to see if it was running.
https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/golf
Isn't that basically what that Jeff guy said in the story? That there's nothing to worry about with the 1.4?
Noticed that you can build a base GTI for about the same price as the Execline Golf.
Manual $30,845 / DSG $32,245
I think he also mentioned that, too.
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The past:00 BMW M Rdstr, 19 Jetta, 15 Ducati Scrambler, 09 Triumph Bonneville, 98 Boxster, 17 Kawi Z900, 05 LS 430, 99 LS 400, 17 Subaru STI, 14 Triumph STR, 15 WRX, 09 Ducati Monster 1100, 08 335i, 06 Suzuki SV650S, 06 330i, 06 MX-5, 04 Audi A4, 03 Suzuki SV650S, 98 328i, 93 Civic Si, 85 Corolla
