GTI 2.0 TSI 5dr Hatchback

Superb all rounder

My Golf GTI was purchased used from a main dealer when it was two years old. After owning two very unreliable (yet brand new) MINI's and a BMW 120d which had electrical gremlins, it has been a pleasure to own the Golf, which has been faultless.

It is extremely light and easy to drive around town, which is important to me. (My previous E90 320d and 120d had a heavier clutch and steering). The engine and manual gearbox combination make for very smooth progress, and the steering is excellent.

There was a bit too much road noise when I first collected the car. This noise was quickly traced to the worn rear tyres. A set of four new Continental Sport Contact 5's completely fixed the problem.

Unlike a current shape Focus I tried, the Golf has a tight turning circle. Together with front and rear parking sensors and compact external dimensions, it is the perfect car to own in the city centre. The only issue has been that the eye catching 18" alloys are prone to kerbing.

It has a lovely high quality feel and the interior still looks like new. No trim squeaks or rattles either (unlike the MINIs and the 120d). Only the fuel consumption lets it down in city driving (25-28mpg). This is only to be expected for a 2.0T, but it is very smooth and I prefer it to my two recent diesel cars.

On a longer journey, it is a great companion; it was well worth fitting the cruise control. It gets 40-42mpg on trips to the Scottish Highlands.

The car feels very light and docile in low speed driving, but there is real oomph available when the revs climb, together with a rasping exhaust note. Great for overtaking and very entertaining on the right road. Overall, the car has a great feel good factor.

My main criticism of the ownership experience was that the VW dealer in Darlington who sold me the car made no attempt to clean or present it to an acceptable standard. The local dealer has been good, however.

I have no intention of selling and can't imagine a better all-round car for my needs.

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