Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2013 - 2020) 2.0 TDI GTD 5d (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It’s classy and understated but still impressive and looks like a premium car as evidenced by a recent comment I got “Nice motor mate. You can tell you’re single!” I took that as a thinly veiled insult to me but a compliment to the car! I responded with “Thanks, your wife likes it too”. Well, I would have done if it didn't take me 3 days to think of a reply.

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

Without exception, everyone is impressed. It is understated compared to many hot hatches but it has enough about it to draw compliments even from people who are totally disinterested in cars.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I’d definitely buy another premium Golf. A GTI or maybe an R would be a lot of fun but the GTD has the irresistible draw of decent fuel economy/cheap tax (£20 p.a.) to offset against the lack of speed. The standard specification is incredible on top end VWs. This is just as well because the best options are north of a grand each (19” alloys, leather seats, DSG and sat nav). The GTD though has almost everything: looks, comfort, practicality, fun, toys galore and economy. What’s more, it has all that for an affordable price. Knock a second off the 0-60 and it would be the perfect car. Oh wait, that’s the GTI….

What are you likely to buy next?

Pound for pound, this is the best car in its class for me. The value for money is exceptional – you get so much car for your cash. I’d rather not have the exact same car twice but I’m hooked on VW and, If I could afford it, I’d go for a Golf/Scirocco R next. If I need more practicality, I might go for an Octavia VRS estate – it’s still got VW trousers on underneath after all.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£27,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

I leased the car and got a special offer – it went up by £50 per month by the time I’d taken delivery. Because lease prices are based on depreciation, this is a great car to lease. It holds its value very well so you pay less. Plus the cost was the same for a 2 or 3 year lease (I went for 3).

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something more practical and economical than my last car (BMW Z4 3.0) but didn’t want to compromise too much on the fun factor.

What was the dealer like?

Pretty poor. The price was good but it took 6 months to deliver which is far too long for a Golf and they messed me around with the delivery date then lied to me when I complained!

What's it like to drive?

You have to drive ridiculously carefully to get anywhere near to the official MPG figures. I average around 53mpg (official avg. 67) and I rarely go above 70mph on the motorway and often stick to 60. If you forget about that though, it’s good fun. Not particularly fast but good enough to overtake and it handles well – you can really feel the XDS diff pulling you in through tight bends/roundabouts. An adept cruiser too – very comfortable day to day.

What's it like to park?

Easiest car I’ve ever had to park! The front and rear sensors are excellent and allow you to squeeze into tight spaces then get out of the car, stand back and say “Like a glove!” in an Ace Ventura voice. I have the optional reverse parking camera which is fun and impresses people but it’s not really necessary as the sensors are so good. It’s a cheap option though and worth it, even if it’s only to watch the neighbour’s cat/dog/child run away when you’re backing out of your drive! I wish I’d gone for the auto park system too – total gimmick but cheap and looks really cool!

Have you had any problems with the car?

The driver’s side electric window has an intermittent fault – the one touch open/close function doesn’t work once every 60 or 70 times. I suspect VW would tell me they can't replicate it if I took it in and it doesn't bother me enough to justify the effort.

What's most practical about your car?

Although you can’t fit a mattress in the boot(!) there is a decent amount of space for heavy trips to IKEA/the tip.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Tough question because there’s soooo much standard kit! I love all the automation features (handbrake/lights/wipers/keyless entry) but the adaptive cruise control is amazing!