Volkswagen Golf GT 2007 Review

We raved about the 2.0-litre diesel Golf a while back but it pales into insignificance compared with the just-released Golf GT Sport TDi.

Significant power boost for GT Sport TDi, up from 103kW to 125kW and torque jumps from 320 to 350Nm. Makes an already strong performer stronger. Roll-on acceleration borders sports car threshold and it ain't too shabby out of the blocks either, especially with the dynamic shift gearbox (DSG) a six-speed automatic by another name.

Covers the 0-100km/h sprint in a tad over eight seconds while sipping about 5.5 litres/100km. It is possible to dip under the magic 5.0 litres with careful driving.

Power boost comes from new injectors and other minor engine tweaks. DSG offers sequential change on the stick shift and levers on the back of the steering wheel.

Being a Sport brings firmer suspension, 17-inch BBS alloys with wide, low profile rubber, big brakes, racy looking front end treatmen, sports seats and steering wheel.

It's a great car to travel in, gobbling up long distances with ridiculous ease and capable of covering about 1000km on a single tank. It's smooth and quiet, if the road turns feral, the Sport TDi loves nothing better than to go into attack mode and pull on its sports car guernsey.

The interior is well equipped and good to look at. There's premium audio, climate control and all the trimmings. Passenger capacity is five and the boot is a reasonable size.

Space-saver spare is a disappointment. It is possible to confuse the DSG with on/off application of the accelerator or a heavy right foot off the mark. Too many sequential gear change options on wheel and stick shift lose one, cut the price. Test car was only a few hundred bucks under $40,000.

Not much to complain about at all a really impressive package and something you could live with for years and be happy with, especially as you drive past the servo again and again. Performance is excellent.