Discussion
Gladly give you some feedback. I have a 2006 3 door in Tornado Red with 18inch Monza 2 wheels, 24k miles.
A Great car to look at and to drive, rides very well indeed, very quiet on the road, great bump absorption and body control considering its weight. Nicely weighted steering, good brakes, accurate if a little light 6 speed box (not DSG on mine).
Its a big car and very roomy inside, much more so than a Mk4 Golf.
Interior is a nice place to be, well laid out, well equipped, brilliant seats & one of the best steering wheels ive ever seen.
The engine has got some “rave” reviews, its okay but I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly charismatic or exciting engine, its quiet, smooth linear power delivery, plenty of torque low down which makes for fast progress, would be even better with a + 40bhp remap (loads of companies doing this from £300) . As standard it “feels” like about 7secs 0-60, quick enough for most people. Mine has averaged 34mpg over 5000miles.
Few minus points... build quality isnt what it used to be with Mk2 and 3s, thin body panels can easily dent, the paint is thin and chips easily, the 18inch wheels mark and corrode very easily because they’re highly polished and lacquered, there can be numerous rattles and squeaks from the interior (particularly the centre aircon vent, which can be DIY fixed, refer to forums on the web or ask me) and at the moment my ABS and traction control is broken and waiting repair. Check out the used reviews on www.whatcar.com.
Overall it’s a really nice car to own and to drive (looks much nicer with optional body coloured bumpers and the 18inch wheels), its fun and fast and the excellent reviews are probably justified, personally I just wish there were fewer niggles as stated above.
Cheers.
A Great car to look at and to drive, rides very well indeed, very quiet on the road, great bump absorption and body control considering its weight. Nicely weighted steering, good brakes, accurate if a little light 6 speed box (not DSG on mine).
Its a big car and very roomy inside, much more so than a Mk4 Golf.
Interior is a nice place to be, well laid out, well equipped, brilliant seats & one of the best steering wheels ive ever seen.
The engine has got some “rave” reviews, its okay but I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly charismatic or exciting engine, its quiet, smooth linear power delivery, plenty of torque low down which makes for fast progress, would be even better with a + 40bhp remap (loads of companies doing this from £300) . As standard it “feels” like about 7secs 0-60, quick enough for most people. Mine has averaged 34mpg over 5000miles.
Few minus points... build quality isnt what it used to be with Mk2 and 3s, thin body panels can easily dent, the paint is thin and chips easily, the 18inch wheels mark and corrode very easily because they’re highly polished and lacquered, there can be numerous rattles and squeaks from the interior (particularly the centre aircon vent, which can be DIY fixed, refer to forums on the web or ask me) and at the moment my ABS and traction control is broken and waiting repair. Check out the used reviews on www.whatcar.com.
Overall it’s a really nice car to own and to drive (looks much nicer with optional body coloured bumpers and the 18inch wheels), its fun and fast and the excellent reviews are probably justified, personally I just wish there were fewer niggles as stated above.
Cheers.
Just got (a new) one. 5dr 17" also in Red. Averaging about 30mpg, once got upto nearly 40mpg trundling along the M25 (M1->M3)in 6th at about 60mph. Performance is, as Rolls used to say, adequate. 
You do however then see the mpg fall. Comfort is nice - 08 spec has leather as standard, although they skimp on the sides of the seats 
I don't think you can get a GTI diesel, but you can in the slightly different the GT spec. I tried a few A3s before I got the Golf. The 140 diesel redline was at 4500rpm, which compares to the petrol at 6500rpm. I found although it went well, one was always hitting the rev limit, so another gear change required. In the GTI one can nearly use any of the 6 gears. Decided that diesel wasn't for me. They also do a 170PS diesel! I also tried the new 1.8T petrol in a S line A3 on 18" wheels. Thought ride was terrible, so went for the golf.
You do however then see the mpg fall. Comfort is nice - 08 spec has leather as standard, although they skimp on the sides of the seats I don't think you can get a GTI diesel, but you can in the slightly different the GT spec. I tried a few A3s before I got the Golf. The 140 diesel redline was at 4500rpm, which compares to the petrol at 6500rpm. I found although it went well, one was always hitting the rev limit, so another gear change required. In the GTI one can nearly use any of the 6 gears. Decided that diesel wasn't for me. They also do a 170PS diesel! I also tried the new 1.8T petrol in a S line A3 on 18" wheels. Thought ride was terrible, so went for the golf.
bought a mk5 gti from new in may 2006. 42k miles later, no problems whatsoever. trip computer states ave mpg for time of ownership is 28mpg.
have high spec car - dsg, sat nav, leather, 18" monza 5 door, metallic black. nothing gone wrong at all. services fine etc etc.
only downside, road noise from tyres on harsher road surfaces.
no regrets. get one!
have high spec car - dsg, sat nav, leather, 18" monza 5 door, metallic black. nothing gone wrong at all. services fine etc etc.
only downside, road noise from tyres on harsher road surfaces.
no regrets. get one!
We've got a black 5dr DSG GTI with all the toys and it is brilliant - fast, smooth and surprisingly roomy; does everything very well. Wheels are a bit prone to kerbing and we swapped the CD changer for an ipod adaptor which isn;t brilliant in terms of functionality but works. Fantastic car - get one. I got ours from Euro Imports which was great value and got great service.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff