Faults:

CD player was jumping - some packing missing from the gap between the stereo and storage container. Has been replaced with cardboard filler while packing comes from Germany.

General Comments:

So many WRX's around here in AUS. The GTi is a welcome and individual car and the only way to explain it is to hand a buddy the keys. It has not yet once failed to impress the driver.

The seats are Recaro (not hard, all sports seats are firm) and the dash lights are wild. I have owned many different cars and the GTi is by far the best balance of comfort and kick out there. The boffins at VW should get a pat on the back. Can't wait to see if they drop in a twin turbo like in the TT - it's the only reason I would upgrade right now. Bravo!

Faults:

I have had no faults with my Golf.

General Comments:

The first time I test drove the GOLF I knew it was the perfect car!

I test drove Astra's, Pugs - both 206 & 306, and also some Japanese models.

I found the Golf had heaps of power and the quality was superb! Compared with the Astra & Pugs.

I traded in a 1996 model BMW 318i and have found that the Golf has about the same power, but the fuel economy is very economical.

The seats are very comfortable, especially with the 3 head rests in the back.

I bought the Golf because I was looking for a small, sporty, luxury, good quality, powerful but economical car, and the Golf was the perfect choice.

The standard steel wheels don't look too good so I recommend fitting alloy wheels.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is fantastic. In Australia there is only one choice for the GTI, 1.8T 5 door. This suits me fine although a V6 4motion might get the performance marks to 10/10. Although Golf 4motions are not available down under. Damn.

GTI features are pretty good compared to its competition. Recaro seats look and feel great. Blue dash lights are a hoot. Sunroof as a standard feature is welcome, if unexpected in this class.

Resale and build quality are very high. The fit and finish of the car is first class. The car just feels so safe and smooth. Have bettered the claimed top speed by 4km/h to achieve 220km/h and was concentrating too much to notice much else! However at a more sedate 160km/h, or 100mp/h, the car feels so quiet and smooth, and with cruise control it is well suited to highway driving.

Performance from a standing start could be better. However if that was all I wanted I would have bought a WRX like everybody else in Australia! Compared to a WRX the GTI is better built, has higher standards of safety, resale is slightly higher, about 75% cheaper to insure, and GTIs are far more unique.