2009 Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Nothing!

Occasionally a warning light comes on, but the light relates to something not fitted to this specification vehicle! After restarting, the light goes out again. So far, this is not a problem.

Wife's car. Owned for 2.5 years.

Base spec 90 BHP 1.6 diesel. Performance is adequate and the car can be hustled along nicely if needs be. Acceleration is adequate for normal everyday use, and it can overtake happily.

The 1.6 TDI is rough below 1500 RPM, and you need to make use of the gearbox to get the best out of it. A 5 speed box is fitted, but top is very high, and a 6 speed box would be an improvement.

The seats are comfortable and the dials are clear.

Control layout is very logical and easy to use.

Chunky gear change, but the brakes are a bit too light for my tastes.

Poverty spec 'S' model misses out on electric rear windows.

Also VW penny pinching means that it has no speakers in the rear doors. This means that radio has to be uncomfortably loud for front occupants for rear passengers to hear spoken words clearly. This is one of my main criticisms of the car.

Fuel economy is excellent, never dropping below 50 MPG, and with 65 MPG on a long motorway trip 4 up plus luggage at 70mph. A light right foot means that 60 MPG is readily achievable on any decent journey, and even my wife averages in the mid-50s MPG.

Next time, would go for a higher specification.

Faults when received:-

Passenger vanity mirror light would not go off - FIXED

Sat nav was in german - FIXED.

Bonnet misaligned - FIXED.

Faults since then:-

Rain sensor action for wipers very erratic - supposedly fixed, just waiting on more rain, but so far so good.

Blow N/S rear and O/S front speakers - waiting to be fixed.

Supercharger's clutch will rarely make a constant and very loud clicking sound when attempting to engage, followed by the car jerking a little - replaced water pump (clutch on water pump), STILL DOES IT - awaiting further action.

Wat an amazing little car, faults aside I'm in love. The 1.4 supercharged and turbocharged engine is an absolute treat, heaps of power off the line, and right through to revving its t**s off.

The engine doesn't sound buzzy or tinny like most small fours. In fact it's very refined, more so than some larger cars/engines. The supercharger sounds great, and the turbo has a very loud whoosh normally only experienced on diesel cars. Definitely full of character.

Gearbox and clutch do take a bit of getting used to however, seeming a little delayed in action, and can still catch you off guard some 5 months later with a jerky action when shifting.

Handling is fantastic, however ride quality slightly suffers... I highly recommend the adaptive chassis control and regret not getting it. Large bumps don't filter through into the cabin though, as noise suppression and suspension dampening is very good. Though coarse chips roads do send a bit of road noise through in the rear.

Interior is of the highest standard in its class, and beats quite a lot in the class above. I cannot stress how nice the inside of this car is, specially with leather.

This car is seriously packed out with kit though, and an absolutely fantastic drive... The problems don't bother me a great deal, I will certainly buy another... just wish VW would bring out more supercharged and turbo charged engines.