Golf GTI: Still a bit of a rebel?
Sitting in LUO this morning looking at the odometer I’m trying to work out where last month’s 2,500 miles actually went. I must admit that I have been using it for a lot of various PH duties, but the miles seem to have certainly crept up. But this in a way sums up the VW Golf GTI Edition 30 – it is so capable and easy to live with you barely notice how much time you are spending in it. There’s loads of room in the five-door Golf, a decent boot, and it is easy to throw around in town. Couple this with an ability to eat miles on the motorway and you start to realise what a good all-rounder the Golf is.
Loving the golf ball gear knob
But it is on B-Roads that this Tornado Red GTI feels most at home. The Golf revs easily and once the turbo is spooled up the car has plenty of punch, making this a very quick hatch. In the wet the car can get a bit lairy and it is not uncommon to see the traction control light flashing as the front wheels scrabble to contain the 226 horses as you exit a roundabout. There is good steering feel and, on smooth roads at least, the car feels composed and pointy giving you plenty of confidence.
The only thing I have noticed recently is quite how hard the ride is and things can get a little bouncy at times. Whereas the slightly stiffer and lower suspension makes the Edition 30 great fun on the right twisties the car is undoubtedly better suited to smoother surfaces. I love the little old school touches such as the golf ball gearknob and the chequered seats, and the whole thing feels well bolted together.
Built-in bottle opener an odd addition
The sat nav works much better than other units I have tried and the touch-screen control panel is a joy to use.
I must admit I’m still not getting the sound of the engine, which I can honestly say seems to split opinion right down the middle. Garlick, for example, thinks it sounds good, as do other internet users after I Googled it, but for me it just sounds a bit flat. Sure there’s a grumble, but it doesn’t inspire me, the same as it doesn’t for a few of you that commented after my last report. Having said that, rev it hard enough and the turbo whistle makes up for it.
Fuel consumption is usually around the 22mpg mark, but this is mostly driving around London. Overall the VW has been a great car to drive and when you take into account the Golf’s practicality and quality it is a incredibly well-rounded package. Perhaps the Edition 30 colour-coded bodykit does make it a bit too subtle, but in my eyes it is a classy looking car that seems to have most bases covered. There’s not much else I can say, in a way I was hoping something might fall off so I could give the Golf a bit of a kicking, but it didn’t. Maybe it will next month, I’ll keep you posted…