RE: VW Golf GTI: UK Review

[VeeDub Geezer]

Escort Si-130 said:

Rather see it in a saloon instead.

VeeDub Geezer said:

Here's hoping for a sporty estate with this engine.

There's a distinct lack of fast estates at this size.

Octavia vRS (arguably bigger) and Focus ST are the only two that comes to mind.

They offered the last Jetta model as a Sport 2.0 TFSI with the 197bhp Golf GTI engine. Not many sold though.

[Cotic]

aarondbs said:

^^This^^ I would certainly put money into one. My wife would really love one, and however hard I try to get her tempted by teh Megane or Ford ST she would plump for one of these everytime. For me I think the Renault would be a little harsh for her and the kids on a daily basis and reasons to go for a Focus ST have been diminished somewhat by the removal of the 5 cylinder differentiator. When the time comes, probably at the end of next year we will make that decision. Having said all of that of course, if I can find a review and a comparison test anywhere of anthing like a six cylinder, turbo charged, BMW hatch of some sort this may be a possible choice to make.

I'm in the same situation - want to change the wife's 1.8 Civic for something a little more involving. She hates the ST, and wouldn't like the Megane (no point even showing her), but the Golf is far more up her street and seems involving enough to hold my interest on the odd times I drive it. However, she has expressed an interest in a Giulietta Cloverleaf - for which 1-year-old prices are very tempting...?

[RobGT81]

Prefer the Scirocco to drive, by a long way. Slightly biased.

[epom]

0a said:

One of the least interesting cars on sale for that money.

Also going by the reports one of the best (slightly biased here btw I should point out)

[Level 7 Boss]

I'm a big GTI fan, even though I've never driven one. Was considering a GTI/R32 before I opted for my 350z.

I really think the Golf gets a bad rep, partly due to the price, which is a fair criticism, but I'm lead to believe that is a perfectly balanced package. Also benefits from a fairly large aftermarket community if that swings your boat.

Would be happy with an Edition 30 when I have to go down the practical route.

[Dazed & Confused]

PhantomPH said:

if I drive like a homo...

The 1970s called. They want their comment back.

[Reavenger]

Just a big off topic, but does the Golf R come with a diff of any kind or is the 4WD making up for it?

[stumpage]

VeeDub Geezer said:

Here's hoping for a sporty estate with this engine.

There's a distinct lack of fast estates at this size.

Octavia vRS (arguably bigger) and Focus ST are the only two that comes to mind.

Hope no more you've answered it already. The New Octavia VRs Estate TSi has that engine in it. (Sorry just realised that the Octavia doesn't get the extra 10hp of the performance pack)

Edited by stumpage on Wednesday 2nd October 12:44

[Shreddedmeat]

Reavenger said:

Just a big off topic, but does the Golf R come with a diff of any kind or is the 4WD making up for it?

Eh? If it's 4WD it has to have a diff

[Hub]

stumpage said:

VeeDub Geezer said:

Here's hoping for a sporty estate with this engine.

There's a distinct lack of fast estates at this size.

Octavia vRS (arguably bigger) and Focus ST are the only two that comes to mind.

Hope no more you've answered it already. The New Octavia VRs Estate TSi has that engine in it. (Sorry just realised that the Octavia doesn't get the extra 10hp of the performance pack)

I think there is a Leon estate coming. Whether they put the 2.0T petrol in it who knows. No-one seems to buy 'practical' cars with petrol engines these days!

As for the Golf - I don't really understand why it continues to be the car PH loves to hate, but I do agree that it looks dull in silver 5dr spec. I don't really mind that though!

[stumpage]

Hub said:

No-one seems to buy 'practical' cars with petrol engines these days!

Some do....

[TNH]

Hub said:

No-one seems to buy 'practical' cars with petrol engines these days!

I dont think Audi S/RS would do quite as well as they do if people didnt...

[ally_f]

Uncle John said:

VW - Check
Golf - Check
GTi - Check
Silver - Check
Tartan - Check
Boring - Check

Couldn't agree more. That interior looks only marginally different from the company boggo 'SE' spec at home, which is already disappointing dullsville in a 20 grand car (and I wonder if this one sqeaks as much too!)

[bga]

dry664 said:

No doubt these things are very quick point-to-point, especially in the hands of the less experienced driver. But at the same speeds theres thousands of other cars that get my pulse racing faster.

Is it because the GTI is too competent for its own good? Maybe

I've owned a fair number of good cars, all of them better than the GTI in various areas but none of them offering such a good all round package. If you don't need the practicality then I think you would be mad to go for one, however if you do they offer a great package.

[NGK210]

In Evo's recent group test, as a driver's car the GTI is rated 4.5 stars and comes 2nd to the 5-star Megane 265, and beats the Focus ST, AMG 45 and Audi S3, respectively.

However, as a private buyer's "ownership proposition" - yeesh, do I hate that phrase! - the GTI is placed 1st. (IIRC.)

[Buster73]

Just been out in the dragons Gti 35 ed.tonight , bugger me it's a very quick car.

[b0rk]

Reavenger said:

Just a big off topic, but does the Golf R come with a diff of any kind or is the 4WD making up for it?

Mark 5 Haldex system so centre dif together with front and rear difs all of active variety.

VAQ (GTI PP dif) is probably closely related to the Haldex front dif.

[Matt Bird]

toppstuff said:

I open up PH and read about a Golf.

Please please please bring back the M135i.

Anyway, let me make some predictions...

1. PH will get a GTI on the staff pool.

2. Someone will write about it every other day.

3. There will be an item about winter tyres.

4. Someone will compare the Golf to all the other hatchbacks.

5. The Golf will be thirstier than expected.

6. Some poor staffer will die a slow death trying to write about it without using the words and phrases such as "competent", "excellent", "all-rounder", "obvious choice" and "build quality"..

7. The Golf will create a lot of debate about its price. Many will say that PH should take a Skoda VRS instead.

There, thats PH copy sorted out for the winter period regarding the Golf. Given that it is that predictable, maybe PH can just skip to the end and not bother?

Lets have an argument about kit cars instead. It'll be a lot more interesting.

I've heard nothing yet! As you say, it probably would be rather predictable.

Also, to answer a few comments on here about the GTI being a bit staid, please go and drive one! This was my first Golf GTI experience and I loved it; not only is that when comparing it to the BMW and Merc, but also having spent time in the Megane 265 and Focus ST too. Ignoring all the boring day-to-day stuff, it's just a damn good car to drive. That it can put a massive grin on your face whilst being suitable everyday wheels is just part of the appeal IMO.

As for MPG, our test wasn't really representative of everyday driving... Let's just say 47mpg is very, very unlikely.

[davey68]

Rob can I ask why you prefer the way the scirocco drives over the golf?

[will261058]

Inside - better! Outside - not sure in that silver