The e-Golf Touch concept was just debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. VW’s new concept features a gesture control system, which is a preview of VW’s next generation of media systems. The e-Golf Touch has an infotainment system with a 9.2” high-resolution display embedded in a glass surface. Only four touch-sensitive buttons and a single push-rotary dial make for a clean, streamlined display. Media, navigation and basic phone controls will be accessed with simple gestures, though more specific details have yet to be announced. In addition, an updated voice control system is also featured in the concept, which is expected to be available this summer. It will feature electronic voice amplification, which uses speakers and microphones to make it easier for front-seat occupants to talk to those in the back. The system accounts for speed, raising the volume as the car drives faster. Also featured in the e-Golf Touch concept are integrated wireless charging for mobile devices, in-car Wi-Fi, and a host of other connectivity systems. Test drive the e-Golf and learn more at CardinaleWay Volkswagen today.
The plucky 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine offered in the Golf is expected to give the Corolla a run for its money. The Golf range has far more engine choice with turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines on offer. The Golf’s 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 81 kW and 200 Nm is closely matched to the Corolla’s powerplant while the more powerful 92 kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol will most likely outshine the Corolla in terms of performance. Manual and dual-clutch transmissions are offered on the Golf. Our gut feel is that the Golf will have the upper hand in terms of performance against the Corolla. However, we reserve final judgment regarding performance and ride and handling dynamics until we have had the opportunity to test the Corolla hatchback on local soil. With good looks, a modern cabin and more features as standard, the Corolla Hatch should be a more attractive offering than the outgoing Auris. The Volkswagen Golf is offered with a wide range of optional features and we suspect that Toyota will be far more generous in terms of standard specification in an effort to secure more sales. Throw in Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and after-sales service and you have a car that should offer a more tempting proposition than the outgoing Auris, but it's a tough segment these days with many consumers opting for crossovers instead. Also missing is a performance-orientated Corolla to compete with the GTI and Golf R, and these iconic cars contribute to overall Golf sales significantly. We recently drove the supercharged Yaris GRMN and it was fantastic! Can you imagine if the wizards over at Gazoo Racing brought a Corolla GRMN to market? We will keep you updated as soon as more details regarding local specification and pricing for the Toyota Corolla hatchback is revealed, so stay tuned! Do you have your own opinion about how you see the Corolla vs Golf rivalry playing out?
Three putts later and I'm in with my third double of the day. Pro couldn't find his original ball and did well to make a double, matching my score on the hole. Options upon options abound on this interesting hole that has been restored to its former glory. Floods in the 1930's washed out the double fairway but it was brought back a few years ago and once again gives the player many different choices from the tee. Higher handicappers can hit to the left fairway and keep it short of the bunker. However they will have a very difficult second shot. Better players will likely aim right to the larger, more accessible fairway (shown above) but will be forced to carry a mid-to-short iron over the barranca to reach a green that is pitched away from them. Big hitters have a chance to blow a shot past the trees that separate the two fairways and give themselves a wedge approach with no forced carry, as you can see above.
However, from the back tees, I see no reason why anyone would WANT to test the left side: there just doesn't seem to be enough 'reward' for the risk involved. I asked the pro what his thoughts were and he said that when he plays with members from the middle tees, he goes to the left fairway more often than not. However, he agreed that there wasn't much sense going left from the tips and the pros evidently feel the same way, as they almost all went down the right side during the 2007 Nissan Open. I drove perfectly down the right fairway and had only 175 yards into the green. Playing downwind, that meant a 7-iron and I hit it just left of the green. My chip shot was decent but I would miss the putt and make bogey. Pro continued to amaze with his short game and made another lengthy putt to save a par and go two up once again.
