With the launch of the new Mk6 Golf there has been some criticism that it is too much like the old model. Outwardly, despite sharing just one panel from the Mk5 (the roof), the Mk6 is a small progression from the previous model. Although, trainspotters, like myself, could spot the differences a mile away, the average punter will be hard pressed to do likewise. Indeed, it has been suggested that the Mk6 should simply be called a Mk5.5, in that it could be considered only half an upgrade.
Merits of that argument aside, it turns out that the new Golf actually is an old Golf. Or, more strictly, a recent independent audit has found that over 500kg of the car’s total weight contains recycled materials.
German authority TÃœV NORD has assessed 5,000 parts and found that there is 527kg of recycled materials used in the production of the Mk6. The bulk of the recycled matter is metal (501kg), with plastics next (15kg), followed by glass (9kg) and operating fluids (2kg).
According to the Australian specifications released with the local launch of the Mk6, the range here tips the scales from 1270kg for a 6-speed manual 90TSI, to 1380kg for a 6-speed DSG 103TDI. Assuming the 527kg recycled material figure is consistent across the model line up, that represents 41.5% recycled materials used to build a 90TSI, or 38% for a 103TDI.
The mid-weight locally is the 118TSI, which weighs 1330kg when fitted with a 7-speed DSG, and that would mean 39.5% of the car’s weight is reused matter. The spec sheets claim the DSG transmissions weigh 20kg, so add half a percent or so to those figures if changing your own gears is your thing.
Understandably, most consumers focus on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when considering their next purchase. However, it is pleasing to see that a more holistic approach to sustainability is being taken by car makers. Further to that approach, over 85% of Volkswagen vehicles can be recycled at end of life.
