Other Volkswagen Golf (2009 - 2016) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I like a nice quality car, with lots of economy.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They like it, practical, economical, looks nice.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes - It's exceeded my expectations (except in fuel economy - avg is stated as 74mpg, but I get pretty close with 65-69mpg - and it's still only done a few thousand miles so maybe running in).

    What are you likely to buy next?

    The 2013 BMW M3 - in about 5 years time! Until then, I'm more than happy to run this around, and I might just keep it long term, it will pay for itself over time so why not?

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £13,000

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes - managed to get £700 off the marked price.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Economy

    What was the dealer like?

    Open to bargaining, patient with my demands - I can't say anything bad about the experience since they gave me a good deal.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    I really like it. I have just stepped down from a BMW M3 (because of the costs of running it) so I was really expecting a big dissapointment, but I must say (despite what others have said) this 1.6 tdi is a punchy little unit. It's not "powerful" but it's feisty and can hold it's own on the road. You do need to change your gearing habits as it has longer ratios, but factoring that in, there's plenty of usable power and it's quite and smooth. The handling is sharp, and although you can't corner flat with complete grip like the beemer it's pretty decent handling wise. And I bet it'll be much easier on ice etc.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    No (not yet!).

    What's most practical about your car?

    Economy (not quite what's advertised, but then that's on a rolling road) Space - excellent small family hatch Clear dash layout and design - self explanatory styling.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Basic trim level, hence no bells/whistles If I had the choice, I'd get multi-function steering wheel and central arm-rest added.