I wanted to express a couple of bug bears of mine about Golfs generally and Australian-specified GTIs in particular:

1. The Leather option for Golfs is second rate, given it costs $2,990 in Mark V Golfs (and $3,300 in the Mk VI).

For $3k, is it unreasonable to expect leather (not vinyl) on the centre armrest, if not the doors as well? The steering wheel and gear shift are already in leather in most models.

2. At $40k, the GTI should have an 8-way (ie tilt AND height) adjustable driver's seat.

Motorising the lumbar support has little utility when compared with a tilt function. And I would gladly trade a motorised lumbar adjustment (and/or heated seats) for a tilt function.

But in any event, an 8-way adjustable seat should be standard in GTIs (if not Comfortlines too), and motorised when leather is specified.

Indeed, the GTI pictured in the report in the SMH (4/4/2009) has an 8-way power driver's seat. Why not in Australian GTIs too? The current Tiguan has an 8-way power seat a well. And Mk V GTIs in the US (~$USD22,000) have an 8-way driver's seat.

If you're thinking of acquiring a Mk VI GTI, you might want to lobby VGA to ensure Australian cars are specified with an 8-way seat.