USED Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (09 - )

My car

The VW Golf Twist is very quiet on the road with no road noise. It soaks up every bump on the road feeling like a luxury car. Performance feels much better than the advertised figures. Don't be put off by the 1.4 engine.

Running costs are fairly low thanks to low depreciation from new. £130 road tax puts it in the super mini bracket and I have tested mpg every week getting 45mpg not bad from petrol engine. Recently though a downside has been air conditioning faliure. Had to have a new condensor fitted wasn't covered by warranty due to stone damage. Was quoted £590 later lowerd to £373 after negotiation with VW and dealer. Don't know if this is a common problem on MkV1 Golf. Nothing else has gone wrong though in 15 months.

The cabin has a premium quality feel with soft touch plastics and easy to use buttons. Very simple to operate all buttons and easy to read dials. Twist model comes with electric heated mirrors, aircon and usb in the arm rest. Large boot and easy to fold down seats and plenty of rear leg room. Even back seat passengers get air vents. Front seats slide forward to allow easy access for passengers getting into back. Four door would make more sense if used by family of four on a regular basis.

Overall I have enjoyed owning this car from new and would recommend as used buy. Low running costs due to light depreciation and good mpg make this a sensible buy. Hopefully the recent air conditioning faliure is just bad luck and not something which could reoccur.

My car

I have owned a 1.4tsi petrol for 2 years, and am VERY satisfied. Get past the utilitarian looks, and it lives up to its name as the best small family car you can buy. There is an emphasis on 'small', though - this car is only just a 5-seater, and once your children get past 10, you will want to go larger. Interior quality is excellent. The sound proofing and quiet engine means that it's the quietest care I've ever owned - very relaxing. Good sound system too. The engine is a pearler - so responsive and smooth. Overall a super car. Petrol consumption is, though, about 20% less than VW claims ! Hence not 5 star from me - only 4.75.

My car

This is the 3rd Golf I have taken ownership of. I previously had a GTI Mk V so I knew I would be taking a hit on power but the enhanced frugality of the diesel seemed to make sense. In the first 1000 miles or so, it was driven quite gently. I am now getting about 58-60 mpg on average and that is doing about 70 mph on motorways and driving through the Highlands. The car is great to look at, very comfortable and the compatibility with iPhone means it does everything I need it to. It is not as quick off the mark as the GTI but in terms of overtaking, it still feels as powerful in the 40-60 mph range. The finish inside is very sporty. My only criticism is that it should have a cruise control. There is a notable difference in road noise from the MkV to the MkVI, even for the diesel. I wouldn't have any other model.

My car

I bought the Golf GTI new in August 2011, added a load of spec which should have been standard, inc, xenon, parking sensors, better hifi, bluetooth, 18" alloys. The dealer managed a discount and free servicing plan, so far so good. The car to be fair has been excellent, great performance and great to drive, ultimately a bit easy to drive quickly which for me takes the fun out of it. Although comfortable on long journeys and yes it is diluted fun when the roads get twisty, good feel throught the steering wheel as well. Also for a Petrol iv'e managed on ave. 40mpg+ on mixed runs the most so far was 46.7mpg on the computer! outstanding. The percieved quality and engineering of the car is okay but on closer inspection I found my last Honda to be better. The paint is peeling on the front bumper, bits of dirt in under the laquer, badly fitted doors & bonnet, & the windscreeen has now gone milky at the edges, door trims rattle with hifi when turned up, the gearbox is getting noisey in second, dust and dirt collects everywhere - under the doors, around the back windows & tailgate, and other places - bad design in my opinion. Not really what i was expecting. The first service is due next week as well as the warranty replacement windscreen, if there are further problems i will probably sell it, It is overall a great all round car to own and its so practical and fits my children no problem. The dealer has been very good so far with everything.