VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Pricey and in hindsight I should have gone for the Seat Leon.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Okay. Just like any other GTi.

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Suspension soft compared to other GTIs. Floaty over uneven surfaces.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fairly quick.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Broken down three times in a year. Fault list as long as your arm.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Looks better with the spoiler that should come as standard.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Okay, but the rattles drive me mad...

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    The alarm failed when the rear washer pipe split and flooded the tailgate.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    VW UK Customer Services are hopeless. Dealer is okay, though, but not supported by the parent company.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Three faulty coil packs causing three separate breakdowns!

    Other

    CD Player, rattles galore, rear washer, heated seat, cup holder, creaky doors, etc, etc...

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No