What Car? Q&A - Does less mean more for my new Golf?

Q: I'm about to trade in my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI automatic for a new 1.4 TSI GT automatic. The salesman tells me this will be far more responsive than the trade-in car, which is sluggish. This is especially true on inclines and when trying to overtake quickly, which usually means reverting to Tiptronic mode. Is this correct, or is it salesman talk? So far, the dealer has not had an available model to try.
Kathy Regan

Salesmen always talk up their products - it's their job - so we'd always advise driving any car before you buy it. It's a major purchase, so you really need to give it a go before parting with all that money.

Having said that, the salesman isn't wrong on this occasion. The new GT uses the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic, which is a lot more efficient and responsive than the conventional automatic used on the 1.6-litre model.

You should find the 1.4 GT far better on inclines and when overtaking, although some people find they have to get used to the way it pulls away slowly.

You should find fuel consumption is far better with the DSG, and this is also helped by the new 1.4-litre engine, which uses a supercharger and turbocharger to improve efficiency. The 1.4-litre isn't the smoothest of engines, however, so that's another good reason to give it a go before you buy.

As far as price goes, our mystery shoppers reckon you should get 5.5% off the list price of any Golf, including options such as the DSG, so don't accept any discount smaller than this - aim to do better.