I was never a fan of FWD cars, so I'd always discounted the GTI. Then I hooked up with my girlfriend, who had a FWD car. Despite it being a 1.4l NA engine, I actually had quite a bit of fun zipping around the city - and I found I could drive it faster than my RWD roadster in the wet. So FWD was back on the menu.
A couple of years ago, on a whim, I test drove a few cars:
First, the Mazda 3 MPS - the power was amazing, but it torque steered to hell and the build quality wasn't great. Next, I hopped into a WRX. Power and handling was great, but I felt like I was sitting in a $15,000 car. Then I drove the MK5 GTI DSG. Loved the transmission, the power, the sound, everything. I put down an ambitious offer, even though I couldn't really afford it. The salesman knocked me back, so I ended up buying a cab chassis ute to help with my house renovation.
Fast forward to mid last year. We were in the market for a new car, but we wanted something with space for a dog, luggage and maybe a kid down the track. So we focused on small 4WD's and wagons.
First the Forester XS manual: what a gutless, tinny piece of crap. Next.
This was followed by the manual Mazda 6 diesel wagon. I really liked it. The torque was fantastic, the claimed fuel economy excellent and the build quality, while not great, was good enough. The main problem was that there were NO options available. Nothing. No stereo upgrade, no factory sunroof, no sat nav. You could on other Mazda 6 models, but not on the diesel wagon. Ridiculous policy considering the dash is identical. Still, not a deal breaker.
Then we drove an auto Tiguan 125TSI. We didn't particularly like the auto, so I arranged a test drive in a manual. In the meantime, I test drove a 118TSI. Considering the engine size, it goes like stink and the build quality is absolutely brilliant. I opened the boot and sized it up. I questioned the dealer about bringing my dog (a boxer) down to see if he fit. Long story short, he did - comfortably - and I decided there and then that the Golf was on.
Based on the MK5 GTI, and the overseas reviews of the MK6, I decided I didn't need to wait until Aus release before ordering one. When a fully spec'ed model became available, I put my name down and paid almost full price.
GTI MKVI Candy White | 5 door | DSG | ACC | 18" Detroits | Leather | Electric Seat | Sunroof | RNS510 | Dynaudio | Park Assist | RVC | MDI
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