BEING frugal and fun to drive are not always incompatible qualities in a car. One model that has achieved this remarkable compromise is the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI.

This turbocharged German hatchback was used during the recent Fuel Economy Workshop and fitted with Michelin Energy XM1 green tyres.

Its relatively small 1,400cc direct injection engine ensures good fuel economy, while the turbo compensates for its size by boosting power, especially when starting off. As a result, the 1.4 TSI feels like it has much bigger lungs.

To squeeze more fuel savings out of it, VW has put in a new version of the brilliant Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

This double-clutch transmission, which changes gears automatically and more quickly with less loss of power, debuted with six forward gears. In the Golf TSI, there is a new seven-speed DSG.

The extra gear means the seven ratios are better spaced, improving fuel economy further. For an idea of how economical this car can be, step lightly on the accelerator when taking off from the lights.

The gears climb rapidly and you will be in sixth by 50 kmh. And as soon as you cross the 60 kmh mark, seventh beckons.

But floor the gas pedal and the Golf can also surge forward rapidly - amazing stuff for something with its engine size.

On the other hand, the economical inclinations mean that if you are cruising and kickdown is attempted - that is, when the gas pedal is jabbed hard - the gearbox won't not change down quickly enough for any overtaking manoeuvre you had planned.

This is where the steering-mounted paddle shifts come in.

According to VW, the Golf 1.4 TSI consumes 7.7 litres per 100 km under the EC urban cycle, or 13 km per litre. Under the extra-urban or highway cycle, the figure is just 4.9 l/100 km, while a combined cycle comes in at 5.9 l/100 km. Whichever way you look at it, this has to be fuel economy at its most fun.

Read also:
Volkswagen Golf TSI: Automatic choice

This article was first published in The Business Times on Nov 15th 2008.