What Car? Q and A - Will a red Golf GTI fade?

Q: I want to buy a new Golf GTI in Tornado red, but a friend has told me this colour fades quickly. Is this true and what colour should I go for?
Tony Westgarth

A: It’s true that the VW colour Tornado red did have a reputation for fading prematurely due to oxidation caused by the formula of the paint used. Audi and Seat also used the same colour, as all three brands are part of the same company.

However, the composition of the paint has been changed and a clear top-coat of lacquer applied to stop colour fade. You shouldn’t have a problem with a new VW Golf supplied in this colour.

The Golf GTI is available in 16 colours, including Tornado red, which is not an additional cost option. If you stick to the standard colours of red, black and blue, you shouldn’t suffer any resale problems. The GTI is one of the few cars that can be ordered in white, without it having a huge impact on residual values when it’s time to sell.