Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2013 - 2020) 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5d DSG (2013/13) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Having been used to better, bigger more prestigious cars, I find the image a bit dowdy.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Suprisingly, the reaction is good, but most are a little suprised I went mass market.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, definitely not. The boot is too small (cannot fit in two 25 Kg suitcases!) it is too unrefined, dealer service is poor, and the driving pleasure is exagerrated.
What are you likely to buy next?
I will probably go back to Mercedes. The A class is worth another look (at the moment I do not like the dash design) and I may look again at the GLA, or C class estate.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£23,500
When did you buy the car?
September 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Only an average deal. Got quite a lot of extras on the car,.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
A default choice, I was being sensible. I thought it would be a low risk choice, offering reliability, driving pleasure, and economy.
What was the dealer like?
Nice environment, friendly salesperson, but service has been poor, delivery was delayed (the car was damaged) and faults have not been fixed. Not a quality service culture.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Economy mode. This is unpleasant and boomy. Wallowy and slow. Normal mode. OK, especially in mixed driving. Sport mode. Good, but it will not engage gear 6 (and 5 is difficult) but at least handling and ride are better. The best option.
What's it like to park?
With Stop Start switched on, this is difficult, frequently switching off the engine mid- manoevre. The hill start function and automatic hand brake make parking tricky too, as restarting can be jerky. Not very nimble in contrast to rear wheel drive cars.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Rear drivers door seal damaged on delivery. Drivers door inner seal fell off. Unacceptable road noise from 60 mph, not fixed. Rattle from left front air vent.
What's most practical about your car?
Adaptive cruise control. I have radar and parking sensors and on motorway driving ACC is wonderful.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
I like the SD card on infotainment centre, and iPhone bluetooth works well. Good cupholders too.
