2015 Volkswagen Golf SE 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Disappointing

Faults:

Adaptive cruise control and radar keep going wrong, causing the car to brake excessively and sometimes stop all of a sudden at lower speeds.

Windows do not work properly, sometimes unresponsive and will not move.

Radio keeps losing its preset stations.

Internal air vents are very poor quality and two have fallen apart.

Storage drawers under the front seats have seized shut.

Bluetooth connection temperamental; often have to pull over and switch the ignition on and off to reconnect.

General Comments:

Uncomfortable.

Slow and unresponsive in mid range gears.

Suspension too bouncy on bumpy B roads.

Boot too small.

Internal storage not adequate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th November, 2016

26th Nov 2016, 20:18

80,000 miles in a year! Wow.

I don't own a Golf now, but have done in the past and I thought the boot space was great for the size of car and couldn't call it bouncy in the slightest. I thought it was rather a good car to be honest. Obviously I can't comment on your car's reliability though. Sounds like you've marked it quite harsh in my mind.

26th Nov 2016, 21:55

I'd get this Golf looked at while it's still under warranty, especially the cruise and the windows. Unacceptable on a 2015 car (unless it's been seriously abused in some way over the last year or so).

As for your other points, to be fair if the car was that unlikeable a 10 minute test drive should have brought such things to your attention.

5th Mar 2017, 18:06

He surely meant 8000 miles. It seems VW has its cars designed by just fresh graduates. Except perhaps for the engineer who has designed those bad window mechanisms for the past 20 years now.

In reply to 5th Mar 2017, 18:06

1st Apr 2019, 20:32

My Golf has window issues too. On 17k miles 2016 car. It’s also now developed an oil leak on the 1.6 TDI - disappointing having these problems so early.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI SE 2.0 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Fantastic car, looking to buy a second one!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Awesome car, best I've ever owned. The performance and mileage are outstanding. The fact that VW is handing me piles of cash only makes it that much better. Like 99% of the people who buy diesels in the USA, I bought it for mileage. The other 1% are lying. Getting 41 MPG average in mixed driving, well above the EPA estimate of 36 MPG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2016

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

All the car you could ever want

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Bought new as a 2015 run-out model a few months ago. I've always wanted a black Golf GTi, ever since I saw a Mk1 Campaign model parked outside my parents' house in the early 80s.

I've always liked turbo cars, and I'd recommend the Golf to anyone who's used to driving a Saab, but doesn't know what to buy now they've gone bust (thanks, GM; did you EVER not screw up a car company you took over??). It has the same sharp turbo performance and the same quality feel to it.

Low end pick up is excellent; floor it in pretty much any gear and turbo lag is minimal to non-existent. I have the six speed manual (I HATE autos), and the shift action is rifle bolt precise. The only niggle I have with it is that it's very easy to inadvertently select reverse when trying to engage first. The car cruises silently at 110kmh, and even in sixth gear it overtakes without any effort at all; just put your foot down and go.

The dynamic chassis control is a bit of a gimmick; I'd have preferred to pay less and simply not have this, but VW Australia decided to make it standard (like they made 5 doors standard. Come on VW Australia; not everyone wants a bloody 5 door, and not everyone has kids). Same with the slow and obsolete sat nav. The touchscreen is OK but a bit 'laggy', though I believe the bigger screen for the 2016 Golfs is better.

Interior is tip top, very good quality with lots of nice details & touches like the soft linings to the door pockets, and the carbon fibre effect dash.

It's been said before, but the Golf GTi really is all the car anyone could need. It's fast, fun, reliable, safe, well made, roomy, practical, and economical (I don't drive like a hooligan or like a pensioner, and I'm getting an average of 7.7 litres per 100km). The only thing to beat it is a Golf R. Guess what my next car's going to be?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2016

14th Sep 2018, 00:33

I'm on my second Golf as a S(l)aab replacement. Just bought a new (US Spec) TSI SE. I don't feel like I gave up much since Saab ate it. In fact, I like them more.

8th Jan 2020, 13:34

I've had three Golfs; a TDI, Rabbit(US spec) and now an '18 TSI. The Saabs I've owned paled in comparison. Even if Saab weren't defunct, I'd never go back. I want to marry the '18. Just have to figure how to jam her into a wedding dress.

10th Jun 2021, 15:22

These engines have tensioner and timing chain stretching problems. $$$$ repairs. Check it out on YouTube.

29th Jan 2023, 18:59

Is that the 2.0 TSI? We didn't get it in the Jetta/Gold line-up, but it was offered in the Audi Q5. The mother of all engines at high revs, even in the heavy Audi SUV. Really sporty. Actually, we had the Audi stolen, surely the thieves did install the engine into a Golf or Jetta.

2015 Volkswagen Golf SEL TDI turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Excellent value, comfortable for a large person, good build quality

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong this vehicle for the month or so I have owned it.

General Comments:

I am thrilled with this vehicle. I looked at all different makes/models. I looked at much more expensive vehicles and nothing came close to the Golf TDI SEL. Nothing else on the market could compare to the fuel mileage and overall value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2015

2nd Mar 2015, 18:35

Hi, please continue to keep us updated on your car. Not many of these in the reviews. They've been out in Europe for 2 years now, and so far there haven't been any major problems observed, which is a good sign.

Does your car have automatic stop-start in traffic? If it does, does it not cut in at the wrong time, say at a stop sign or roundabout (rotunda) just as you are trying to accelerate?

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