2000 Volkswagen Golf GTi Turbo 3 door 1.8 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Classiest hot hatch available
Faults:
Driver seat lifter come off in my hand!
Passenger seat lifter paint is coming off.
Alarm interior sensor not working.
Strange noise from the left rear suspension, when turning left.
The brakes are a bit noisy.
I plan to have these minor things sorted under the warranty.
General Comments:
I've had this Golf, my first VW, for only one month. It's a million miles better than any of my previous cars. I've always owned Fords before.
For a hot hatch, it has understated looks, which give it a classy look and feel.
It is fast, but in the current warm weather the engine sounds a bit strained at times. However when you are out in the evening, the car sounds and goes much better. Do turbo cars all suffer from weaker performance in warmer temperatures?
Blue illumination looks smart too.
Even the key/remote is cool!
I originally planned to get an Audi A3, but the Audi interior isn't as nice as the Golf, I think.
The local dealer has been okay so far, but I'm dreading my first service. I'm paranoid about dodgy dealers who may rip me off. I'll have to see...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd June, 2001
27th Jun 2001, 13:45
Is the Golf 1.8T GTI worth the extra money when compared with the Astra 1.8 SRI? I will soon have to replace my 1995 1.8 Cavalier, which has been faultless in the five years I have owned it & am wary over changing manufacturers. Reliability is a strong point for me.
14th Aug 2001, 05:11
It does have an intercooler - but it's a bit on the small side - by comparison the Audi TT 225 has two of the same intercoolers - one on each side.
29th Aug 2001, 09:30
Just another thought - are you using the climate control / air-con in the hot weather? This will make a noticeable difference to performance too, although the comments about the intercooler are quite right as well.
5th Sep 2006, 10:58
What dose the red I mean.
22nd Jun 2001, 02:48
Good comments on the car...
The turbo problems you have experienced are a result of VW not incorporating an intercooler with the turbo. As engines function better on cool/damp air (more combustible) having an intercooler chilling the air before entry into the cylinders will produce a bigger bang = more POWER!!
One solution to the problem would be to fit a performance air filter such as a K&N, Jetex etc.. this would increase cold air flow to the engine and eliminate the need for a cumber-some air intake filtration system. This will also give a deep throaty growl to the engine when acceleration occurs...
The other solution will be to fit an intercooler...
Hope this helps.