Other Volkswagen Golf (2004 - 2009) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Shows you like a bit of fun but have a slightly sensible side having a diesel. Which is very obvious when you fire it up.

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

    Most like the looks. Not many like the fact it's 3 door when they're trying to squeeze in the back.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No because this is a company car and I change it every 3 years. I like to go for something different.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Either a BMW or a Audi.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    June 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    The car is on a 3 years company car lease.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    What was the dealer like?

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It's a very easy car to drive. 1st gear is too short but once you're into 2nd it's very easy and smooth, unless you put your foot down. If driven briskly it can be quite noisy but at normal speeds it's very quiet.

    What's it like to park?

    It's very easy to park thanks to been a hatchback and all the mirrors being quiet large. You just have to be careful of the bonnet as you can't see where it ends by about a foot, once you're used to it it's easy.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Quite a few small issues started appearing after a couple of weeks. The heat shield under the engine bay was missing a couple of bolts, so it rattled. The steering column buzzed due to some missing padding. The windscreen washer jets are underpowered, which are yet to be fixed. The drivers seat has the most annoying squeek when you go around a left hand bend, which cannot be fixed.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The fuel consumption for a sports car (well almost) is very good. I've done about 8,000 which are mainly twist B roads in Derbyshire and I've averaged 49mpg. Take it on the motorway and you'll be looking at late 50's. Mine is the 140 version, you'll get no where near that in the 170.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Heated seats have got to be one of the best inventions to a modern car. On a cold winters morning they are a god send. The auto dimming mirror is also very handy, if only it was a little quicker as dimming.