1.9 TDI S 5dr Estate

Great choice for a small business

I bought it as a 30.000 miles VW certified used car. Being a former demo car, featuring dual-climate, 16 inch alloys incl. alloy spare, factory alarm etc.

As I am an entrepreneur, running a small business consulting company, I was in need of a decent priced vehicle, able to cope with long countrywide trips, while maintaining practicality and reasonable running costs, especially fuel economy.

Until I had this car, I was against estates, as I have always considered that sedans / saloons have a superior business image. However, my vision changed while I've been able to use its large bootspace for various cargos, both private and business. ( I have even carried a 2-seat leather sofa, with my trunkdoor closed, without any problems).

I have driven, by myself, another 100.000 miles, until current day and it had no technical problems, despite the stigma, carried by the car, being assembled in Mexico. Fuel economy is as expected, from a 1.9 TDI PD...which really matters, nowadays.
Also, the pulling power is decent and I have no issues into keeping pace with stronger engines (maybe it is also my sporty driving style).

The handling is more than decent, for an estate and much better than many competitors, feeling really "sporty", for such a car type. Best mached with summertime low profile tires, for an improved grip and low rolling resistance (I'd try not to mention tire brands, keeping this review non-commercial).

What I dislike? Actually, using this car for business, it does have quite an "average" image. It looks better thant the basic Golf, due to its chromed front grille and more impressive dimensions (some even confuse it with a Passat Estate, as not many are used with this design).
However, if compared to many rivals, you really get a car with an image of robustness but, nothing more. You can't impose that classy look of an Avant or a C-class estate. I met people being a little bit confused, while admiring it...they couldn't settle down with the idea that this is a Golf, not some other VW model, as Touran. Being actually based on the Jetta, it has the same visual problem: it is just a strange intermediate between the Golf and the Passat. You either like it (never love it) or just ignore it (as it is not so bad, to hate it).


Another fact is the price. I personally had a very good deal but, I would not pay the new car price for such a short list of features.

I know that VW focuses on reliability+conservative design, instead of a plethora of equipment+doubtful quality but, we are no longer in the 90s. I would find it normal to get all the goodies like rain+light sensors, mp3 stereo, keyless entry etc, as basic equipment, for such a budget, as other manufacturers can provide, at much lower prices.

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