The new all-wheel drive Golf debuts the latest evolution of the system’s fifth-generation Haldex, which not only efficiency in the spotlight, but also adopts new electronic functions in order to improve dynamism.

Some time ago 4Motion stands, at least in the Golf, they are synonymous with Haldex. This system, based on the needs of the distribution of power between the front and rear axles varies by a clutch, promises lower fuel costs because, when not necessary, do not send almost power to the rear wheels and this thus reducing parasitic drag. The 5th generation Haldex device incorporates some changes, including a weight 1.4 kg and elimination lower system pressure buildup, and now has an electrohydraulic pump to generate oil pressure acting on said clutch regulating traction.

By working together with the ESP sensors, even before a wheel starts to lose traction can act on it by distributing torque, and intervention is now even faster, according to its leaders. The distribution changes depending on the power applied to the motor, the rotational speed of the wheels and the steering angle. Should be maneuvering, or driving high speed with the engine at low load, most traction to the front wheels is. However, if the situation requires, almost 100% could be rerouted to the rear axle.

To all this, the Golf 4Motion adds new features that enhance the dynamism and allow power also spread between the wheels on the same axle. Its about "electronic differential lock" (EDS), which it is integrated into the ESP and, if a wheel loses traction, automatically slows its power to pass to the opposite side. This system incorporates both the rear axle and the front, and so does the XDS function, that aim to reduce understeer when cornering at high speed (not necessarily low acceleration) is taken, and for that the two wheels on the inside of the curve, also automatically, so that rotation is induced so are decelerated "forced". The result, as could not be otherwise given the good starting, is excellent, giving twist agility and control in delicate situations in which the car is easy and progressive.

Motor and behavior

At the moment, although in Germany will also be powered 1.6 TDI, the 4MOTION in our country is associated only to the engine 2.0 TDI 150 hp and the Sport finish. It is a very balanced and prestacional combination, although developments of change, they remain somewhat long despite have shortened relative to the front-drive model, penalize recoveries 5th and 6th. The set is very nice and the engine pushes hard from below, while still being refined at any time and with a very low noise level. According to official data, Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h remains unchanged in front of the front-drive version, 8.6 seconds, but the maximum speed is reduced from 216 to 211 km / h.

Consumption and ecology

Efficiency is taken into account, but the greater weight of the total tension (Golf 4Motion in moving from 1354 to 1449 kg, according to the manufacturer) and intrinsic friction of the system, although they are down, make the average consumption increases, particularly from 4.1 to 4.7 l / 100 km, which it is not much, but it raises the level of CO2 emissions from 106 to 122 g / km, so that it ceases to be exempt from tax, which will also affect negatively the price of the many tempting options that can incorporate latest generation of the Volkswagen Golf.

inner life

Inside nothing changes compared to a conventional, except that the 4Motion Golf logo in front of the shifter appears. Therefore, few or no hits will be placed in this paragraph except with a less intuitive operation of its telematic systems in the Audi A3 model with which it shares platform and all-wheel drive technology. In the case of the Golf, the multi-touch screen requires more attention to handling the knob of his rival, in which the screen is conventional. Otherwise, include the variety of systems driving assistance, most of them optional, as smart lights, active lane assistant or radar cruise control with automatic braking functions.

With all-wheel drive Golf becomes an even more effective dynamic model with top-level behavior even under adverse conditions. A lack of evidence in depth, the new Haldex system seems that delivers what it promises and feels great to the German model.

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