• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I'm not sure. It looks like it cost a lot more than it did.

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

    My gran loves it and she doesn't really like any cars. Suppose that says a lot.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, unless something goes badly wrong, but I can't see that happening

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Same again, maybe the new shape Golf. It's a way off yet though if this runs like I hope it will.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £12,500

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes, because I'm from Yorkshire!

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Drives like a Golf, but with a huge boot and there are far fewer of them on the road.

    What was the dealer like?

    Fantastic, very professional, everything you'd expected from VW.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    The 1.4 TSI is amazing. Quiet and refined, then makes a roar when you floor it. The sport setting on the auto/DSG gearbox means it doesn't change gear until 6000 revs and is great for overtaking. Motorway cruising is relaxed and 6th gear means low revs and better fuel consumption. Corners like a dream. Only fault would be that you can feel a few pot holes as the suspension is a bit stiffer than the Golf....

    What's it like to park?

    With parking sensors...a doddle. Without- kind of tricky- especially if you've been used to a hatchback for years. Steering is light though and turning circle is good.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The drivers chair started squeaking and the heated wing mirror cracked when it warmed up on a cold morning. The dealership sorted it under warranty- first time they'd seen it apparently!!

    What's most practical about your car?

    Boot is vast (500 l) and saloon tailgate isn't a problem- button on key fob open the lid from a distance- very handy when you've got shopping.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Auto headlights, auto wipers, dimming rear view mirror, folding mirrors, heated mirrors. Get the parking sensors fitted- the boot is quite high up, should be about £150 to get done.