GT TDi (150bhp) & GTi (200bhp) (VW Golf MK5)

Member Name: JimLane1985

Product:	VW Golf MK5
Date:	28/02/07 (1420 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliability, Comfort

Disadvantages: More expensive than it's rivals (But worth it)

Speaking from experience, recent golfs have always been good, but not brilliant, sure they have always been reliable and solidly built, and the MK5 is no exception, but they've always been a bit lacking in their appeal.

This lack of appeal stops, however, with the MK5 Having owned the new GTi (200bhp) for the past two months, and also having driven the GT TDi (150 bhp) for over a month, I must say I think the golf has really upped it's game.

The GT TDi, was a comfortable, sporty, well-built, machine, which was more than capable of holding it's own among cars costing considerably more. From the moment you slide into the drivers seat and turn the key, there is a sense of quality. Yes the interior is simple and some may say dull, but that has always been one of volkswagens strong points, simple interiors work, they are easy to use, well thought-out, and I can honestly say I do not have one complaint about either of the MK5 golfs I have driven. The diesel was powerful, quiet, smooth, and handled like a dream. If you want a medium sized car with a good engine, impeccable reliability, great looks that is oozing with class and charisma, buy a golf, no but's about it.

Onto the GTi, and for those of you looking at the GTi you've probably considered at some point, it's main rivals, (the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR). Think carefully about the decision you are about to make. You are going to be spending (NEW) between 17 and 20k, this IS NOT a purchase you want to be having second thoughts about.

Now, you're probably thinking, owns a GTi, will sing it's praises and say it's better than the VXR and ST. No, I won't say it's the best car since I bought it, I bought it BECAUSE it's the best car.

The VXR is certainly the fastest, and if you want a mental rocket ship of a hot hatch, buy one, you won't be disappointed.

If you want performance at an reasonable price, by all means, buy a focus ST, (you must also expect only 'reasonable' quality in return though).

Yes, I have driven all three, and I'm glad I did, because it showed me that all three are amazing pieces of engineering, but the quality difference is noticeable between all three, the plastics used in the ST are definately not of the highest quality, and a friends ST is already beginning to squeak and rattle. The VXR is again, awesome, but when driving it to it's full potential, feels a little unsteady. (Good fun though)

I can compare test driving these cars, to having a go on a friends mini moto, or GP go-kart, Great fun, but at the end of the day, you've had a bit of fun, given it back and you know you won't have to take it on the long journey to and from work the next day.

The GTi was a different story, get in to the recaro seats (complete with original style golf gti cloth), turn the key and 'start her up', okay you think, very quiet, no real rumble, must be boring..... WRONG, get this thing on the open road, put your foot down, and you will be gripping tightly, with white knuckles, to the flat bottomed thick rimmed leather steering wheel. Put it through bends and it holds the road like nothing I have ever felt. Any gear, any revs, put your foot down even slightly and there is a satisfying surge of power accompanied by a clear, throaty exhaust note.

Then, when you're done with the fun, change up a gear or two, lay off the loud pedal, and once again, the GTi becomes a quiet, comfortable, roomy hatchback to eat up the miles.

Park this car up next to the VXR and ST and smile as it does nothing, while the other two sit, depreciating.

As with the original golf GTi, this is legendary and will, in years to come, be a timeless classic, which looks right at home in any situation.

Summary: A work of sheer brilliance

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