Faults:

Leaking washer bottle

Intermittent fault with nearside indicator quitting for several seconds at a time.

Several dash warning lights sometimes come on dimly when reverse gear is engaged with the headlights on. Needless to say never when the dealer looks at it.

One of the heater vents has gone "floppy" and won't stay in position.

Central locking doesn't work properly - rear door sometimes unlocks instead of the drivers door.

Trim around the C-pillars and the centre console squeaks like a demented mouse.

Engine consumes oil at the rate of a litre every 1,000 miles

Ignition coil burned out leaving me stranded.

General Comments:

I was so disgusted with this car and with VW that after several letters back and forth to VW, the dealer service manager, and my solicitor, a deal was agreed for the car to be taken off my hands, less 11,000 miles worth of depreciation. I still wait to hear about being compensated for my inconvenience.

This is my fourth new-purchased Golf (two mk2's and a mk3) and all have been faultless, but this mk4 was a joke. It's a lovely car to drive, but what has happened to VW's build quality? How do they dare continue to charge their traditional premium prices when their products have, on this evidence, degraded into such junk?

I now drive a Ford Focus, with which I am delighted so far. The same outlay bought a bigger 1.8 litre engine and a higher specification. Moreover after 3 months it has not had a single thing go wrong with it which immediately puts it in my good graces. Whether I choose to stick with Ford for my next car remains to be seen, but I will certainly never buy another VW.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

First of all you notice the acceleration. This is mainly because it doesn't feel or sound like a diesel. It reminds me of a V6 engine! The only really problematical area is the massive surge that comes around 2000 revs when you are accelerating gently. If you are not careful, the car hurtles forward much faster than anticipated.

Handling is much better than the 110 or 130 models I have driven, as the suspension seems much firmer. That, combined with 16" wheels, has reduced the body roll, particularly the diving front end going into corners. It does feel hard on rougher surfaces and skittish at the rear when thrown round sharp corners.

The ride position is my first criticism. I find the sports seats hard - typical VW - and the steering wheel slightly offset to the left. This means a straight left arm when driving and and bent right one! Bizarre. Of course you then want to rest your left arm on the non-existent arm rest.

The 6 speed gearbox is very slick and easy, and produces fuel consumption of 50-55 MPG on a gentle run. Of course what you really want to do is overtake everything you come across, because the turbo boost is so good. If you do so, you will get around 45 MPG. Not bad for a real performance car.

The only other criticism I have is that it is badged as a GTI (with a red I). This can cause boy racers in baseball caps to try to race you...

Finally go to www.drivethedeal.com for your car. Mine was £15,700 - an absolute bargain. They arrange a local dealer, in this case Sidlow, who were great. The car was ready in 10 days.