USED Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (09 - )

My car

This is my second 1.4 TSI MK6, the previous car being the SE which I part ex changed having covered 32000 faultless miles, not even a set of tyres and all with an average return of 46MPG. The Match has a few new toys, the parking sensors are a bit of a gimmick that I could manage without, but the bluetooth connectivity, touch screen stereo, and leather steering wheel are welcome additions. Still a fantastic car to own and drive, having driven various hire cars I have yet to come across anything that does everything quite as well as my 1.4 TSI Golf.

My car

After having my VW Polo for 5 years I made the switch to the VW Golf Twist and I’m quite pleased with it so far. The car feels quality all round, build quality is excellent and the dash layout is simple yet classy. Despite being the cheapest model it had 16” alloys, upgraded stereo and speaker system, iPod connectivity and front armrest so it actually looks much better and pricier than it actually is, even against the slightly more expensive and less equipped S models!

The ride is refined and comfortable, genuinely an excellent road cruiser and puts my BMW to shame despite costing half as much! It actually drives more planted round the twisty roads too, something my previous VW Polo could ever dream of! The 1.4 (80ps) engine is a bit weak though, shame on the Twist you can't configure the engines as it really does feel out of its depth when you want to get along quickly (motorways), or going up hills in mid gear! Though after 3000 miles the car has started to open up slightly and accelerates more better than it did initially (maybe the recent diet of high octane fuel helped it slightly) but we see as time goes by. Fuel economy is mixed, on average I get around 40 MPG with mixed city and open road driving though I was disappointed I can only max out an average of 49 MPG with gentle cruising (60 mph) on the motorway!

Despite the minor flaws the Golf Twist is great value for what it is and a great car to drive - overall its classy, practical and comfortable.

My car

We bought this Golf nearly-new, a month ago, to replace our Corolla as a general family runabout. We were looking for a bit more performance, and this model certainly brings a smile to your face, the way it pulls away so easily, especially uphill. Effortless out of town, although not as relaxing to be in as a medium-size family car. Probably the shorter wheelbase showing through, although each individual wheel of the Golf certainly rides bumps extremely well. It all feels very taut and well put together, and is particularly easy to drive within speed limits around town, due to the precise feel to the controls and the accelerator pedal.

The VW dealer in Sevenoaks was a pleasure to deal with, and was noticeably keener on price and extra goodies than other VW franchises we had explored. They had several very well-priced S trim TSI petrol models, but we went for the much better feel of the Match trim, albeit at a huge price difference. I guess the Road Tax rate was an incentive to go for a higher-price diesel model. We look forward to 60mpg and a good residual value, hopefully.

Gripes: The left-offset handbrake position next to the passenger seat is annoying: A large-ish passenger covers the lever with their thigh. The diesel engine is not as flexible as the petrol, so an auto box would help if you go diesel. The rear seats are uncomfortably short for adults on longer journeys, although of course that goes with the size of car, and at least rear door access is very good.

My car

71.8 mpg from York to Manchester A/port,at a steady 65. Engine a bit gutless at low revs. The indicator stalk too close to the s/wheel,for my liking. Otherwise a class leader. The stupid obligatory (av.mpg )isn't functioning,so can't put in 64 mpg as per computer.