Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.4 TSI 160 GT 5dr

My car

MY '11 bought late '10. Fantastic car let down by reliability and build quality issues. All four doors needed realignment at delivery which didn't really fix the rattles coming from B pillar/rear driver side door. Also rattles behind the dashboard. Started exhibiting the 2nd gear shudder dsg issue at around 3000 miles on the clock. Not as quiet at high speeds as some reviewers would have you believe. EXCESSIVE wind noise at three digit speeds, I was actually shocked the first time because the car is very quiet and incredibly refined at legal highway speeds. Sold the car with 7K miles on the clock as the 2nd gear shudder got worse and I didn't want to go through the clutch/gearbox/whatever replacement, even under warranty. Aside from the nags I listed, I only have praise for this car. It's very comfortable, nimble, refined, sure footed, and incredibly stable at high speeds with brakes to match. A joy to drive. If this car didn't have the rattles, DSG issues and the wind noise at high (illegal) speeds, it would be the epitome of "the perfect transport". It's THAT good, and this is coming from someone who owns and drives a BMW 750, Mercedes E350 and a MINI Countryman S. If VW would address these issues and improve on the car's aesthetics (it's boring inside and out) in the next golf, I'll be first in line.

My car

Had this car since May 2009 and covered 13500 miles. Generally very happy with the car and love the DSG box. Had a breakdown last month which could not be sorted by the AA. Got a tow back to VW dealer where the car sat for a month whilst they tried to work out what the problem was! Finally received the car back exactly 4 weeks after the AA tow and was told that the engine problem could not be resolved so a new engine had been fitted. Fingers crossed there are no more issues - have to say the car feels so smooth after slumming it in VW courtesy cars (mainly diesel ones...).

My car

Previous car was an A3 TDi 170. This car is certainly an improvement on the old golf in terms of build quality but I can't agree with those that say its better than the ageing A3.

Things I like:-

Engine - now it's not quick until you get up and over 4k rpm - in low revs it's average. You might think this is dissapointing but when you consider its only 1400cc then you have to respect the technology and the ability of the various chargers and turbos. It's quick enough not to be marooned behind the most legal of drivers but it's not a GT - and doesn't feel like it has 158BHP unless you hammer in low gears at high revs.

Space is good - especially in the back - not cramped and nautical like the A3. Seats - excellent - comfy but supportive. Looks - it looks great in Black with the 18inch alloys.

Things I like less:-

Gearbox - crunches every time in reverse - thought it was me but others are having same issues. Stereo - average Stupid gear change indicator...can't find any way of turning it off - so now I just go from say 3rd to 6th to annoy it. It doesn't handle like the audi and feels slightly wallowy if you dip into corners quite sharply - its not bad - but not great. MPG - 45 - you're joking. I pushed it a mile the other with engine off and still only did 35 MPG The heater/Air con - rubbish - takes around a day to cough out some warm air. Can't isolate front and rear sensors....argh!

Very decent - but certainly no cigar