VW Golf GTi Hatchback 1981-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Well built car. Very pleasant engine. Good all rounder.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The top end engine doesn't jack up costs too much.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not bad for its vintage.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Aggresive acceleration, which feels quicker than it really is. First time at full throttle brings a grin to the face of anyone with a boy-racer gene buried somewhere.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    If well cared for, then it doesn't (often) let you down.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The original (well, Mk II of the original) and best.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Well made upholstery and quality plastics. Electric windows are nice - when they work.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Best not to leave the sunroof open... and fit an immobiliser.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Warranty etc long, long gone by the time I got my hands on this car.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Collant tank lid melt-down.

    Other

    Front shocks got fed up with London's sleeping policeman taken at speed. Distributor went at 80k miles.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes