The Look

If like me you remember the Golf the first time round there will be no surprises in the looks department as seemingly very little has changed over the years – this is still recognisably a Golf. However, for those unfamiliar with the look it is one of understated elegance and design with the detailing of the headlamps and tail lights in particular blending in beautifully. Closing the doors gives the reassuring thud of a well-made car. In fact, everything you touch gives the impression of being very solid and well-made…

The Drive

The thing that stood out the most for me was being able to park in a tight parking space in a crowded car park in what seemed like one manouvre. There was no to-ing or fro-ing or straightening up, just straight in. Possibly it’s something to do with the speed-sensitive power-assisted electro-mechanical steering (to quote the blurb)! Either ~way, the whole thing’s very easy. With the engine letting off a healthy growl on acceleration and a heavier steering at speed it felt solid and safe. I found the gearbox a bit sticky and kept going into first instead of reverse. It was a comfortable ride: not too soft and it coped well with all the local speed bumps where some cars flounder. I did like the sensor indicating a visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption.

Space

There are all the usual useful cubby holes for drink bottles and the door bins in our model were lined with carpet and the glove box lined with velour. A nice touch! And mustn’t forget the all-important dedicated sunglass holder. There is also a foldaway cup holder for the back seat passengers. The moveable central armrest housed an Ipod ~connection, almost essential nowadays but amazing how many cars leave this out. The boot was big enough and there is a useful “ski hatch” between the boot and the rear passenger seats for carrying long items without having to fold down any seats, which in turn gives you easy access to the contents of the boot when sitting in the rear without having to resort to gymnastics trying to retrieve an item from the boot whilst on the move. Or you could always carry lots of skis, as we do in Kilburn.

The Interior

It all feels reassuringly, well, German. Well-made and high-quality with lots of attention to detail, which is probably what sets this car apart. No cheap tricks, no fancy styling, just simple elegance and efficiency. Air vents in the back are good . Height and reach-adjustable steering and the front seats benefit from height and lumbar adjustment. Lovely leather-trimmed steering wheel which feels just perfect, plus a leather gear-knob and handbrake grip.

Safety

Isofix child seat mounts for two outer rear seats, driver and front passenger front airbags with deactivation switch on the passenger’s airbag, head airbag system for front and rear passengers, including front side airbags. Here we go with the acronyms: ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, ESP including EDL and ASR. Should help keep you on the road…

Green

BlueMotion refers to the most fuel and CO2 efficient model in each of VW’s passenger car ranges. BlueMotion models use existing but modified diesel engines and feature changes to gearing, aerodynamics and tyres to produce low-cost vehicles that match or beat hybrids currently ~available in the UK market. All BlueMotion engines also have as standard an oxidation catalyst and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which reduce oxides of nitrogen and carbon particles almost to zero. CO2 emissions are a comparatively healthy 119 g/km and the combined MPG is 62.8. In essence this is an ordinary Golf which has had its mechanics and aerodynamics tweaked to offer ultimate efficiency rather than performance, although we should add that this car’s no slouch.

Cost

On the road this model comes in at £16,775.00 with a lot of creature comforts as standard fittings including automatic coming/leaving home lighting function, dusk sensor, automatic driving lights, rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, ‘Climatic’ air conditioning, cruise control, eight-speaker stereo with CD player and alloy wheels. Pretty competitive with the hybrid gang.

Who

Anyone who wants a classic, stylish well made car with a great image without going down the hybrid route.

I did wonder whether the dark rear windows were just asking for trouble, and as soon as I put the GTI into gear and pressed my right foot down on the shiny chrome accelerator pedal I knew that was precisely the case. Fast and furious – just like my heart-rate. I felt I was in a bumper car (thankfully without the bumps), zooming along, changing direction instantly. But I could never live with a car like this – it would end badly, and probably in court. I know my place: I’m just a Polo-type of girl despite aspirations to the contrary.

Now if the GTI is a boy-racer, then the GTI with the six speed DSG double-clutch is definitely for the ‘man-racer’ out there (5-door £24,905). Almost as much fun, but so effortless. Still fast, furious and thrilling and great for those who no longer feel the need to rev the engine for effect, but zoom on by in a blur of class, quality and style. Yet more money, of course.

The thing is, driving a speedy, beautifully made, high kerb-appeal vehicle just makes you feel so good. It’s very seductive. Perhaps that’s why there will always be those prepared to splash out for a Golf GTI.

I suppose the GTI is the ultimate for a driver of a certain age (I imagine late-twenties), but there are other Golfs of course, and the range offers something for everyone – if you have the cash.