2005 Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Those who need a sensible car, yet who also enjoy spirited driving will find the Volkswagen Golf does a good job of meeting these apparently conflicting needs.Even by Australian standards the Golf has grown in size with each new model, going from small to small-medium and finally to medium in overall dimensions. This is partly to provide the extra space needed for occupant crash protection though there is some more interior room as well.Aussies tend to regard them more as transport for a family with preteen children, but if you live in an inner city area in Melbourne of Sydney you may need nothing more than a Volkswagen Golf to fill all your motoring needs. In Europe, the VW Golf is often seen as a full-sized car and it's not unusual to see them carting four large adults about.Golf is chiefly sold as a three- or five-door door hatchback. A 'Golf' four-door sedan was called the Bora from 1999 until the launch of the fifth generation model in 2005, when it was renamed Jetta. Boot space in the sedans is substantially better than in the hatches and the four-door models are certainly worth consideration.VW Golf Cabriolet was sold until 2003. It has good roll-over protection for an open-top car and still offers a reasonable amount of space in the back seat. Access to the boot is difficult with the smallish boot lid sitting very low at the rear. The Cabriolet was replaced by the New Beetle Cabriolet, but in a surprise move, VW reintroduced the Golf Cabriolet in 2012.Engines come in various guises: petrol and diesel; with four-, five- and six-cylinder units. Four-cylinder petrol engines are the most common, coming in capacities of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres. The 1.6 will suit most drivers, but those who like to drive hard may find it a bit dull. The 1.4-litre is a brilliant, relatively recent, design and the little turbo unit provides performance with economy.Volkswagen in Australia started a big push in the diesel field several years ago and these engines are now far more common than in the past. With capacities of 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 litres they provide plenty of grunt and turbo lag isn't too bad. Those who enjoy a really good drive should consider the VW Golf GTi. A fun machine for the keen driver, it's rapidly becoming regarded as a classic in the Australian hot-hatch market.Then there's the Golf R range of extreme hotshots. These traditionally had a large V6 engine – 3.2 litres in a smallish car gives plenty of performance. These are tagged as Golf R32. The mk6 Golf R, launched in 2011, takes a different tack, going for 2.0 litres and a high-pressure turbo. Disguising the smaller size of the engine is the change of name to simply Golf R - somehow it wouldn't have been right to replace the R32 with an R20.Six-speed manuals arrived with the fifth-generation Golfs in 2004 and are popular on the used scene. The DSG gearbox, also launched in 2004, is a self-shifting manual gearbox. It provides far better performance than the old-style four-speed automatics used until 2004. However, in those early days the dual-clutch DSG was often slow and awkward at very slow speeds, making it a pain in tight parking situations. Later DSGs have been improved, but still aren't as good as conventional automatic transmissions.This VW is a relatively easy car to work on and spare parts are not overly expensive. The dealer network has expanded from a low point during the mid-1990s and nowadays we hear very few complaints about parts availability or servicing.Insurance charges are about average for an imported European vehicle on most Golf and Jetta models. The high-performance Golf GTi may attract higher premiums, the Golf R32 and Golf R almost certainly will cost you a lot more.WHAT TO LOOK FORRust isn't common in Golfs and is more likely to be the result of bad crash repairs than vehicle design. Have the car inspected professionally, or find another one. Older Golfs that have been kept in the open continuously may suffer from sun-dried dashboard tops and rear parcel shelves.Feel and look for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the front wheels. Engines should start quickly. Listen for untoward engine noises, especially when it's cold. Look for smoke from the exhaust when the engine is driven hard, particularly on long uphill runs. Make sure a manual gearbox doesn't crunch on fast downchanges.Check that dual-clutch transmissions are positive in their shifts and don't hesitate too much at very low speeds. Be sure the brakes pull the car up evenly. If ABS is fitted you should feel a pulsing through the pedal during hard stops.CAR BUYING TIPAn area to check early in the piece is the top of the rear bumper. Careless owners may have rested luggage on it while loading the car. And careless luggage packers may also be careless drivers, even careless about having servicing carried out according to schedule. 

Volkswagen set the bar high with last year's seventh-generation Golf, combining a brilliant chassis, ergonomic efficiency and responsive turbo engines.

NEW - It was way back in the 1970s that the Golf GTi took over the hot-  hatch mantle from the Mini Cooper S, but VW has been able to do what   the Brits couldn't; keep it alive and thriving. Today's GTi is the hottest yet in a long line of hot hatches from the   German company. By any measure it's sizzling hot, and for many it's   the benchmark against which all others are measured.There can be no underestimating the fun of driving a GTi, and the   great thing is that it can be enjoyed day in and day out, on any   road, in any weather. Most people agree that there's no end to the   fun to be had with VW's great little hottie. For some the new model that lobbed here in 2005 was a case of   evolution rather than revolution, but why would you radically change   something that has worked so well.The GTi was readily distinguished from its more mundane brethren by   its lower stance, sportier front bumper, front foglights, distinct   grille, GTi badges and rear diffuser. When added up it comes to a   tough looking car. It came as a three-door and a five-door. In its three-door guise the   doors are a little longer and heavier, which means there's a bit of a   stretch back to the seat belt, but it also means easier access to the   rear seat.The engine is a bit of a fire-breather, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-  cylinder unit that delivers all the grunt you could want when presented with an open road free of other traffic, yet at the same time it's docile enough the handle the daily trundle to work without complaint. The gearbox choices were a six-speed manual and the much maligned,   but improved, DSG six-speeder that was offered up as a fun-filled auto.A new diff lock was fitted to the new GTi, which was designed to   improve traction and battle understeer, two things that tend to bring   hot front-drivers back to Earth.NOWMost GTi owners swear by their cars, they usually say they'd never   switch. But like any car they can give trouble. With any hot hatch it's important to search for signs of hard use,   look at the tyres, the brakes and anything else that could come under   extreme pressure when worked hard.Same with the turbo engine, lift the oil filler cap and inspect for   sludge, and check the service book for records of regular oil changes. Thoroughly test drive the DSG gearbox, put it to the sword under all   sorts of driving conditions, observing for any miss-shifts, rough   shifts, shuddering etc. The funky gearbox can be fun to drive, but it   can be a nightmare if its goes wrong and there are plenty of stories   of things going wrong.For most owners the thrill-a-minute driving experience is enough to   forgive any issues that crop up. One owner we spoke to had had a 2005 model for six years and covered   130,000 km without any trouble to speak of, even with the DSG.He felt the DSG was a bit slow on the uptake in city driving when in   Drive and found that driving in manual was smoother. Another owner we spoke to is on his third GTi and so far all is going swimmingly. The DSG in his previous car had a problem with shuddering, but that was sorted out under warranty. Service costs, he told us, are higher than some cars, but then so are all European cars!SMITHY SAYSA great driver sometimes brought undone by its technology.Volkswagen Golf GTi 2005-2010Price new: $40,790 to $42,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 147 kW/280 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, FWDEconomy: 8.1 L/100 km, PremiumBody: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatchVariants: GTiSafety: 5-star ANCAP  

Volkswagen Golf, a solid and sensible German car, is a major player in the European car market and in the last decade has made its mark in Australia as well.Those who need a practical car, but who enjoy driving will find the Golf goes a long way towards meeting each of these conflicting needs. Golf is a pleasant car to drive with good handing and sharp steering feel to let you get involved in what the car is doing, and with plenty of road grip even when pushed hard.These cars remain comfortable even on rough bush roads, though they are more at home in the suburbs than the far outback. These days Golf is a medium-sized car, having grown in size over the years, mainly to provide the extra space needed for occupant crash protection.There's some more interior room as well. In Europe, Golf is often seen as a full-sized car and it’s not unusual to see them carting four large adults about.Aussies tend to regard them more as transport for a family with preteen children, but if you live in an inner city area in Melbourne of Sydney you may need nothing more than a Volkswagen Golf to fill all your motoring needs.Golf is sold as a three- or five-door door hatchback. A ‘Golf’ four-door sedan was called the Bora from 1999 until the launch of the fifth generation model in 2005, when it was renamed Jetta. Boot space is substantially better than in the hatches and the four-door models are certainly worth consideration.VW Golf Cabriolet was sold until 2003. It has good roll-over protection for an open-top car and still offers a reasonable amount of space in the back seat. Access to the boot is difficult due to the odd location of the hinges. The Cabriolet was replaced by the New Beetle Cabriolet, but in a surprise move, VW reintroduced the Golf Cabriolet in 2012.Engines come in various guises: petrol and diesel; with four-, five- and six-cylinder units. Four-cylinder petrol engines are the most common, coming in capacities of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres. The 1.6 will suit most drivers, but those who like to drive hard may find it a bit dull. The 1.4-litre is a brilliant, relatively recent, design and the little turbo unit provides performance with economy.Volkswagen in Australia started a big push in the diesel field several years ago and these engines are now far more common than in the past. With capacities of 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 litres they provide plenty of grunt and turbo lag isn’t too bad.Those who enjoy a really good drive should consider the VW Golf GTi. A fun machine for the keen driver, it’s rapidly becoming regarded as a classic in the Australian hot-hatch market.Then there's the Golf R range of extreme hotshots. These traditionally had a large V6 engine – 3.2 litres in a smallish car gives plenty of performance. These are tagged as Golf R32. The latest model, launched in 2011, takes a different tack, going for 2.0 litres and a high-pressure turbo. Disguising the smaller size of the engine is the change of name to simply Golf R.Six-speed manuals arrived with the fifth-generation Golfs in 2004 and are popular on the used scene. The DSG gearbox, also launched in 2004, is a self-shifting manual gearbox. It provides far better performance than the old-style four-speed automatics used until 2004.This VW is a relatively easy car to work on and spare parts are not overly expensive. The dealer network has expanded from a low point during the mid-1990s and nowadays we hear very few complaints about parts availability or servicing.Insurance charges are about average for an imported European vehicle on most Golf and Jetta models. The high-performance Golf GTi may attract higher premiums, the Golf R32 and Golf R almost certainly will.Interiors generally stand up well, but some older Golfs that have been kept in the open continuously may suffer from sun-dried dashboard tops. Feel and look for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the front wheels.Look for scrapes on the bottom edges of the front mudflaps, they will often drag on the ground if the car has been cornered hard. New mudflaps could be a suspicious sign. Engines should start quickly. Listen for untoward engine noises, especially when it’s cold.Look for smoke from the exhaust when the engine is driven hard, particularly on long uphill runs. Make sure a manual gearbox doesn’t crunch on fast downchanges.Check that dual-clutch transmissions are positive in their shifts and don't hesitate too much at very low speeds. Be sure the brakes pull the car up evenly. If ABS is fitted you should feel a pulsing through the pedal during hard stops.Rust isn’t common in Golfs and is more likely to be the result of bad crash repairs than vehicle design. If you do come across any have the car inspected professionally or pass it up for another one.If there’s a problem in a used car get it fixed before you buy it. Don’t fall for the sales persons’ trick of saying you can bring it back later and everything will be sorted out then. It can be a lot harder then...

NEW - If the BMW 3-Series was once the way of buying European prestige without breaking the bank that particular baton has been passed to the VW Golf.The Golf has become a popular choice for buyers wanting something more than the Japanese and Koreans can deliver, particularly in terms of driving excitement. Like all Europeans the Golf has exceptional road manners, it feels safe and solid with responsive steering, agile handling and comfortable ride.Available as a five-door hatch it's a fine all-rounder for anyone living within the confines of our traffic-choked cities. Its external dimensions are compact, but there's still decent room inside for four.Five is a squeeze, but then few of us ever drive with a full complement of passengers on board anyway. Behind the seating lies a good-sized boot for carrying whatever it is we need to haul around with us.There' s a good choice of engines, both petrol and diesel, including an economical 1.6-litre petrol four, a spirited 2.0-litre petrol four, and 1.9 and 2.0-litre turbo-diesels. It needs to be noted that the petrol engines require premium unleaded and there's no shortcutting that requirement without risking serious internal damage to the engine.VW also offered a wide choice of transmissions, with five and six-  speed manuals, a six-speed auto with tiptronic shifting, and a six-  speed DSG auto-shifting manual. With a five-star rating from ANCAP the Golf is right on the mark for safety, boasting a full complement of front, head and side airbags, with ABS braking, emergency brake assist and traction control.NOWVW enjoyed an extended honeymoon period after the company re-entered the market in its own right a few years ago. I t was an affordable way of buying European prestige, but the love affair has struck trouble in more recent times.The German carmaker has invested heavily in technology and its cars bristle with the latest engineering advancements, but it seems its advanced technology focus has brought with it a few issues that have caused owners considerable angst.The DSG gearbox, a wonderful gearbox when it's working properly, has been one subject of regular complaint here at Carsguide and owners have regularly complained that they have had difficulty in getting their issues resolved.Complaints about the DSG gearbox have typically been rough shifting, erratic shifting where it seems the wrong gear has been chosen, selecting neutral at the most inappropriate times. We have been given a copy of a technical bulletin issued to dealers advising them of a problem with oil fouling the wiring loom controlling the gearbox, which appears to be the cause of the shifting problems.When driving a DSG-equipped Golf it's vital that you conduct a thorough assessment of the gearbox looking for the above problems. There have been reports also of engine issues with owners having to replace engines at relatively low kilometers. VW claims the failures were due to owners using the incorrect fuel, but the jury is still out on that being the real cause.When considering a VW it's important to note that you must run the fuel specified by VW and that could mean higher running costs. Cutting corners could lead to even greater expense down the road.Window regulators have been known to fail, so make sure you check the operation of all windows, front and back. While the failures have been spectacular the build quality of the Golf is generally good.Before buying a used Golf find a good independent service specialist and you'll save heaps on servicing and repairs. It's also worth having a VW specialist go over any potential purchase to give you an independent report of the condition of the car.SMITHY SAYSA good driving car let down by some fairly serious mechanical flaws. Must be approached with caution, can be very expensive when things go wrong.VW Golf 2004-2009Price new: $27,990 to $35,290Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 75 kW/148 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 110 kW/200 Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed DSG, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 8.2 L/100 km (1.6), 8.5 L/100 km (2.0), 5.8 L/100 km (1.9 TD), 5.7 L/100 km (2.0 TD)Body: 5-door hatchVariants: Comfortline, Trendline, SportlineSafety: 5-star ANCAP

The soaring price of petrol in the past year or so has had motorists looking at every possible alternative, including diesels that might save them a few bucks at the pump. If LPG has become the champion of used car buyers, the diesel has become one of the most popular alternatives for new car buyers.Increased sales of new diesels, like the VW Golf TDi, in recent times means that there are more used diesels coming on the market. The diesel is now a used buy worth considering by anyone wanting to save on their fuel bills.MODEL WATCHDiesel sales have soared in Europe in recent years as motorists have been slugged with higher fuel prices. The ugly phenomenon has recently reached Australian shores as local motorists have copped a similar whack at the pump. VW is a leader in diesel engine technology in Europe, boasting a range of diesel engines right across its entire model range from humble Polo to the prestigious Passat. In the middle of the range sits the ever-popular Golf, and it’s the Golf that VW has used to power its push into the growing oil-burner market here.The company hit the ground running in 2004 with the release of the 1.9 TDi in two trim levels — the Comfortline and the Trendline — and a 2.0-litre TDi Comfortline. Outwardly the diesel Golfs look like any other Generation 5 Golf. It’s only the TDi badges that distinguish them from their petrol cousins.Modern diesels shouldn’t be confused with the oil-burners of old, which were noisy, smelly, usually followed by clouds of thick black smoke, and generally holding up the traffic. The only time they came into their own was when they rattled past a servo as their petrol-powered cousins stopped to replenish their tanks.Today’s diesels are quiet, don’t smell or belch out clouds of black smoke, and aren’t left standing when the lights go green. Even better news is that they are still economical. The 1.9-litre TDi engine was a single overhead camshaft four cylinder turbo diesel that delivered 77 kW and 250 Nm — compare that to 75 kW and 148 Nm for the 1.6-litre petrol Golf model — while the 2.0-litre TDi was a more modern double overhead camshaft four cylinder turbo diesel that punched out 103 kW and 320 Nm at its peak. Compare the latter to the 2.0-litre FSi engine VW also offered that gave 110 kW and 200 Nm.The key to the diesel performance, and achieving the best fuel economy, is the massive torque that it offers. Drive to make best use of the torque and you will not only realise its potential to save fuel, but you will also realise its performance potential. Both diesels were available with VW’s DSG six-speed auto and a six-speed manual gearbox.On the road the diesel’s low-end and mid-range performance was easily able to account for its petrol equivalent. It was really only the petrol car’s top-end performance that out-gunned the diesel.IN THE SHOPVW build quality is generally high, as high as any other brand and higher than some. That said they can still have issues with build quality, but with VW handling the local distribution now those problems that do occur seem to be handled more effectively than they might have been in the past. Make sure your used car choice has a good service record with regular oil changes.IN A CRASHThe diesel Golfs have the same array of airbags as their petrol cousins so the crash rating is the same. An agile chassis and powerful braking provide plenty of active safety in avoiding a crash.AT THE PUMPThe diesel Golf will return fuel economy numbers in the region of 6.0 L/100 km. That’s about 20 per cent less than you would see from an equivalent petrol engine. The fuel economy equation gets a little tricky here because diesel is usually a little more expensive than regular unleaded, but the gap varies so it’s a moving target. At the time of writing diesel was three cents per litre more expensive than regular unleaded, but 10 cents per litre less expensive than 98-octane premium unleaded.Compared to a car running on regular unleaded it would take almost 90,000 km before the lower economy of the diesel would bring you to a break even point, but if you compare it to a car running on 98-octane unleaded you would gobble up the diesel’s average purchase premium in around 65,000 km.OWNERS’ VIEWSKeith Sanders and his wife tested the diesel Golf soon after its release and were quickly convinced it was for them. They chose the 1.9 TDi Comfortline with DSG gearbox because it was a willing performer and adequate for their needs. Now, after four years and 62,000 km they say it was a great choice. They have had a few issues with a faulty cruise control switch and a water leak through the windscreen, which have been fixed under warranty, but overall they’re happy with the diesel Golf and would buy another one without hesitation. Typically they get 6.3 L/100 km in average daily driving and low to mid-fives on the highway.Roland Nicholson drives a 12-month-old Golf TDi GT Sport with DSG, leather and sunroof. He was looking for better fuel economy when he bought it, but still wanted to have a sporty feel. He says it’s satisfying to see the trip computer showing 4.9 L/100 km on the freeway, and still have the quick acceleration when needed. The downsides to owning a diesel, he says, are the high price of diesel fuel and the lack of decent, clean refueling facilities at some service stations. His only complaint is that off the line the diesel/DSG combination is a bit hesitant and jerky. The vehicle itself is excellent, he says, the finish is very good and things like heated front seats are a great option.Nick Smithwick bought a 2006 2.0-litre TDi Comfortline brand new and loves it. He acknowledges that diesel is more expensive than petrol, but says 85 per cent of his driving is in traffic and around the city and he still gets over 850 km to the tank. On the highway he gets more than 1100 km.Stephanie Harris owns a 2007 2.0-litre TDi Golf and says its fuel economy is really good. She is not happy with the price of diesel, but on a trip she can get between 1100 and 1200 km and 900 km around town. She adds that it is very comfortable and has plenty of get up and go when needed.LOOK FOR• Good Golf build quality• Fuel economy savings• Higher purchase price a downer• Good performance• Ace drivability• Dirty refueling facilitiesTHE BOTTOM LINE• Diesels drive and perform well, but their higher purchase price has to be covered before any economy benefits can be enjoyed and that can rule them out.RATING• 85/100

Anything to talk it up before you hit the road. Move over, it's my turn.The Volkswagen Golf GTI is deceiving in its appearance. From the outside, it looks like an innocent hatchback just waiting for its twentysomething owner who cares more about fitting into tight spots than becoming acquainted with g-force.But, inside, it's a different story – and that's before the engine revs up. GTI, like WRX, were previously just letters to me. Letters to dress up a car and make it sound sporty.Oh, how naive I was. GTI actually stands for Gran Turismo Injection. Whatever, in my language it's fast.After weaving my way through the city traffic, it's time to test this baby out on the open road.With my hands wrapped comfortably around the leather-clad steering wheel, I prepare for the "g-force".Foot to the alloy pedal, off I go – zero to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, the cheat sheet tells me. Whoa, this hatchback has attitude.A big screen in the centre tells me everything I need to know, without having to strain the eyes to read. A quick shift to the six-stacker CD function and the tunes come on, although the mellow Missy Higgins is much better suited to my other role as the "wagon girl" (for first-time readers of this column, I am the one the motoring editor turns to when he gets a wagon to test).The centre console looks something like a plane's cockpit, there are plenty of buttons and it looks fancy, but sometimes it's just easier to keep it simple.But that's not to say a girl doesn't want a bit of luxury and it can be just the little added touches that go a long way. Enter seat warmers. Almost as cosy as an open fire (OK, I am getting carried away). A warm butt makes the drive even more enjoyable. Of course, heading into summer this function may not excite – but it's there if you need it.Alas, as I boast of this function to my back-seaters, they shoot back a cold reply: "We don't have them". What are they complaining about, there is plenty of room for them. No problem with cramp back there.About the only thing missing with this car is the trademark gerbera flower – I know it's reserved for the VDub Beetle but surely they could bend the rules?LOVE IT LEAVE ITVolkswagen Golf GTI DSGPrice: $42,290LOVE ITSeat warmers. It gives you a head start when the weather is a bit nippy.Leather upholstery is so much better than vinyl.Power.LEAVE ITToo many buttons. It looks impressive but trying to decide what goes with what while driving can be tricky.No flower: come on, it just sings out for a cute gerbera.Out of my price range.

Mix the red body with the right look and you've got the perfect car. After all, boys, it is about the look – and pulling power.Why else do women spend so much time getting ready?Well, girls, I have some great news which may save you some of that time.The Golf is made by the same people who make Audis. Those in the know tell me it is built on the same platform as the gorgeous A3. Audi experts will tell you there is no comparison between the cars but the Golf comes a lot cheaper and has plenty of style.The hip little hatch also came as a relief.After all, the only memories I had of Golfs were terrible. Just picture laborious drives in a hippie mate's clapped-out, lardy-bodied diesel Golf in northern New South Wales in the 1980s. Would I need the stereo blaring to drown the engine noise?Driving south to the beach, noise wasn't a factor – it was smooth driving, with Jack Johnson on the CD and a mid-winter breeze coming through the sunroof.Lucky enough to time it right to get the quirky one-way expressway south, the six-speed compact got a workout on the drive to Port Willunga.The big hill wasn't a problem but, to be honest, I wasn't concentrating on performance.The fifth-generation Golf FSI is an IT car.The IT factor comes in the form of a cute curvy body, three-spoke sporty steering wheel, plenty of zip and such designer fashion touches as cute little VW insignias in the twin headlights and the mag wheels.We all know every gal loves the designer thang.The FSI also boasts brushed-silver interior trimmings, comfy high-back seats with adjustable headrests, fold-out cup holders behind the console for rear-seat passengers, and those dinky little lights blinking under the rear-view mirrors when you're indicating to turn.But, best of all, the red made a statement: fast and fun.LOVE IT LEAVE ITVW Golf FSI$29,990LOVE ITZippy and stylishVW insignias in lights and magsSporty steering wheelBlinking lights on rear-view mirrorsLEAVE ITChiming to put on seatbelt

The name, or a derivative, can be found on little cigarette tins like the Proton Satria, on a Mitsubishi Verada, various Subarus, Ford and Holden muscle cars, Alfa Romeos, some brilliant Porsches and, of course, Italian heroes from the hallowed stables of Ferrari and Maserati.Gran Turismo, one and all? We don't think so. Without being too literal, or pedantic, about the GT moniker, the arrival of the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI (the "I" means (fuel) Injection in this case or, from earlier times, International) has got us thinking about what it all means.Should the G also signify Greatness? Genius? Just as some of the cars we've listed meet these criteria, others — including previous iterations of the Golf — have instead relied on the combination of a spirited engine, stiffer springs, a sticker on the backside and a hard-working marketing machine.Enter the fifth generation. In a marked contrast to all other Golf GTIs sold in Australia — the 1976 original, heralded as the world's first hot-hatch, didn't make it here — this one has what it takes.In terms of design, driver controls, driveline and chassis, right across the board Volkswagen seems to have at last understood what "GTI" should stand for. It has executed its GTI in brilliant fashion and has introduced the car to Australia for less than $40,000.For this, a turbocharged and intercooled version of the Volkswagen group's 2.0-litre direct-injection FSI engine is one of the main attractions.It delivers 147kW of power at 5100rpm and 280Nm of torque from a low 1800rpm to 5000rpm, has a high 10.5:1 compression ratio, and when combined with the six-speed twin-clutch DSG (direct shift gearbox), it is claimed to be able to send the car from rest to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds — three-tenths quicker than the standard six-slot manual.These fall short of best-in-class times, and wheelspin and violent shuddering of the front wheels can be issues to contend with from standing-start take-offs (especially when the ESP is turned off). However, the manner in which the engine and gearbox combine across a variety driving conditions is outstanding.Power is delivered in such a smooth, linear and, above all, muscular fashion that turbo lag or other negative thoughts never enter the driver's mind. Instead, thoughts tend to focus on the burbling exhaust, the faint whistle of the turbo, the beautiful responsiveness throughout the rev range and the smoothness, seamlessness, quickness and damn cleverness of DSG.Smart enough to preselect gear ratios, DSG feels more like a computer-controlled manual than a normal automatic and will not suit those who value the ultimate control of a conventional DIY gearbox.Gears can be changed via steering wheel paddles or the centre console gearlever, but the electronic brain will still refuse downshift requests that could send engine revs near redline and will upshift without asking at around 7000rpm. So, stick to the rules, and hover in the aggressive Sport mode (which holds gears at surprisingly high revs) whenever the mood takes, and the Golf feels great. Just like a GTI should.These impressions extend into other areas as well. Some serious work on the chassis has seen the car lowered 15mm and firmer springs and dampers and a stiffer rear stabiliser bar introduced with the multi-link rear suspension. The electro-mechanical steering has been reprogrammed for a quicker response and meatier feel, and the disc brake diameters have increased to 312mm front, 286mm rear.Out on the road, in demanding conditions, the brakes prove to be responsive, powerful and able to withstand a hammering. The steering, conducted via a beaut thick-rimmed multi-function tiller, is communicative, direct and free from torque steer or that other front-drive annoyance: steering kickback across rough corners.And the handling is about as involving as it gets in front-drive hatches.It darts between turns, maintains excellent balance and control, sits flat and, shod with low-profile 225/45 R17 Continentals, sucks hard on the bitumen in corners. The ESP, recalibrated to suit enthusiastic driving, stays unobtrusive while the inherent firmness in the ride never becomes tiresome or harsh. All this is enjoyed from a fabulous driving position, which has a full range of steering and seat adjustment (including lumbar) to suit all preferences and sizes. The front seats, covered in $2990 leather on our test car and with "GTI" embossed on the anti-whiplash head restraints, offer high levels of comfort and excellent support under the ribcage and thighs.The DSG shifter and dash controls are well-designed and close to hand, and the main instrument gauges are set out in a conventional format (turning blue at night, and with a speedo running to 300km/h) ahead of the driver.The cabin has dark tones interspersed with aluminium highlights, and overall fit and finish — which we've found to be a hit-and-miss affair with VWs of late — is good in the South African-built machine. The one disappointment is the use of hard plastics on lower-dash, centre console and door trims.Room and amenities in the rear seat and cargo area are acceptable, although a space-saver spare wheel is included. Effective dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, a thumping 10-speaker six-CD stereo, trip computer (showing an excellent 9.5 litres per 100km for our test), cruise control, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear foglights and an alarm are all onboard.Greatness? Genius? Golf GTI? The answer should now be obvious.

The automatic transmission system is so sophisticated it changes gears quicker than a driver can in a conventional manual.However, unlike many sequential manuals, it still gives the driver a high degree of input before it will override the choice made.Both the 1.9 and 2-litre diesel engines, offered in the Golf range, have the option of the all-new direct shift gearbox. The range-topping GTi also has this option.Even with the benchmark automatic, VW still offers the choice of a manual variant on all models.While the Golf automatic uses the same technology in the gearboxes and driveline as the Audi A3, the two cars maintain their individuality and the Golf's starting price is $11,000 cheaper.The 2.0-litre Sportine FSI model tested was equipped with the 6-speed tiptronic automatic. FSI stands for Fuel Stratified Injection. This means that the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber is controlled by a volume valve ensuring only the necessary amount of fuel is supplied to create the required pressure.According to VW, the FSI engines achieve low consumption levels by regulating the fuel mixture in the low and medium speed ranges where the engine operates with an increased air intake.In these conditions the mixture is concentrated around the spark plugs positioned centrally in the combustion chamber and the outer areas contain only pure air.It has three settings: a full automatic mode, a sports mode with more aggressive up and down changes for that twisty bit of road, or a tiptronic-style manual mode.Unlike some other tiptronic-style manuals, the Golf's box in manual mode allows it to be held right up to redline (about 6500rpm) before the system will override and change.Going back down the gears, again, it will kick in, but only if an over zealous gear change is attempted. In full-automatic mode it changes about 3500rpm but will go higher if the right foot is over active.In sport-mode gear changes are also held but it is easy to see that this mode is suited best to a fast, but twisty, section of open road. Gear changes are not really suited to stop-start city driving. The Golf Sportline is comfortable on the road. The traction control system is not overly intrusive (and is switchable) and the sports suspension handles well without compromising the ride.The backlit red lighting on the dash is easy to read and the steering wheel and stalk controls for the radio, trip computer and cruise control reduces the amount of time your eyes are off the road.The seats are comfortable, and while the seat adjustment controls are not electric, it is not hard to find a good position with the manual height and lumbar adjustment.The leather steering wheel is height and reach adjustable.There are plenty of little hidey holes for the spare change, mobile and sunnies.Boot space in this small car is generous and shopping bag hooks are also in the mix.Safety features in the Golf include driver and front passenger side airbags, curtain airbags front and rear, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), hydraulic braking assistant and active front head restraints, height adjustable rear head restraints, front height adjustable with pre-tensioners and seatbelt force limiters.Standard features on the Sportline include 16-inch alloys, cruise control, fog lights, Halogen twin headlights, power-heated mirrors with LED turn indicators integrated in, two-zone climate control airconditioning with dust and pollen filter, titanium inserts in dashboard, centre console and doors.The multi-function trip computer calculates trip time, trip length, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, distance to empty and outside temperature.