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Volkswagen Golf Estate (2013 - 2020) 1.6 TDI SE 5d Owner Review

1.6 TDI SE 5d
VW Golf 1.6 TDI SE Nav 2017 facelift

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In their own words

The Golf is a very, very pleasant place to be, with a premium feel cabin (getting very close to Audi), class leading dashboard / console layout and ergonomics, well thought out practical features and a completely painless driving experience (save a slightly notch gear change). This version is quite slow, but nicely refined and smooth (unless pushing on urgently), and the media interface with DAB radio and bluetooth phone sync is a pleasure to use - Test Match Special has never sounded so good! I'm getting 55 mpg in a hilly area, which is very respectable for a decently roomy estate, tax is only £20 a year and resale values should be better than average The VW dealer has been a cut above other brands that I've owned for professionalism and attention to detail. It makes so much sense that it would be tempting to think that you don't have to look at any other cars for the rest of time. However, the 1.6 tdi engine is not at all lively or engaging. If I buy another, and I might well do so in a few years, then I would consider the 2.0 tdi, or the addition an Audi TT to take out at weekends!

How reliable do you find the car?

No faults but gear changes are a little notchy and it sometimes takes a few attempts to engage 1st gear. Not the only car in the world with those foibles but not expected from VW. Otherwise, completely painless.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

This is meant to be a sensible, mature, economical, but slow, car - and it is. Very easy to drive, very well thought out and executed. Hard to argue with, but not the most fun you'll ever have.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Meets Expectations: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Paul Tiernan recommends this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Diesel
  • When purchased July 2016
  • Condition when bought Used
  • Current Mileage 15,000 miles
  • Average MPG 55 mpg