The Versatile Mk 6 GTI.

[Titanium]

Just ticked over 2000kms in my GTI today. Talk about a versatile machine. Today I went for a fang through some twisties, appreciating the torque of this amazing engine. ACC in sport mode and the steering weights up beautifully, the vehicle feeling more pointy and agile. I then got to my destination and unloaded my mountain bike from inside the car (rear seats were folded). Went for a good ride on the Westlink M7. Got back after a great morning ride but a little bit tired. Put ACC in Normal mode, cruised back home, getting 7litres per 100km, and appreciated the superb seats. Dynaudio playing some nice tunes.
Got home and soon after loaded wife and 3 (young) kids in the car and off to a family lunch. No complaints from anybody about being cramped.
Then this afternoon daughter number 1's (7 yrs old) bike fitted in the boot with the parcel tray removed and we were off to the park to practice her cycling.
That's what I find so brilliant about this car. My last 3 cars have been an MX-5, RX-8 and a Mercedes C Class (wife's current car). The 6MT is not MX-5 or even RX-8 good but it's not far off. It's quicker in a straight line than either of the Mazda's and although FWD handling is different to the RWD's up to 8 tenths it is superb, and above this still fun. When I want to relax, it's not Mercedes quiet but it's certainly alot more refined than either of the Mazda's and infinitely more versatile.
This is the most capable all-round vehicle I have owned. I really can't think of anything in any price range with such a mixture of fun and versatility.
Just thought I'd share my experience. I know I read a magazine article somewhere (I think it was Top Gear magazine) stating if you could only have one car the GTI would serve multiple roles and happily be the one.
I have no hesitation in saying this is the best vehicle I have owned.

[hooba]

Quoted from another thread.

Going from a practical 5 door hatch to a golf gti 5 door hatch and the best part is so damn practical the gti is as an everyday drive, picking up dropping off kids, we have two baby seats in the back and all the kid related stuff fits in the boot never an issue. That the golf has the performance it has and yet is so damn practical is why I bought it and love it so much.

I agree with both and would add how good it is when it comes to sticking into tight parking spots, it really is the perfect all rounder.

[booya]

I used to have a Accord Euro and we have an SUV now with the GTI.

The GTI is great for dropping my kids off at school, both are v young so still need to park and walk them in but my great smile is on when in the school car park and all the spots are filled with over sized SUVs or big sedans.

Ever try to get a little kid out of their kid seat in a cramped side to side car park? No problems with GTI, just zoom in - loads of space to open doors between the two SUVs on either side. Drop kid off in class, get in car, activate rear camera (to look for other kiddies running at the back of car) and ZOOOOOOOM OFF, leaving all the soccer mums struggling to extract (and reverse) their SUVs out of the crampy car park.

[MkVIGTI]

And love the fuel economy when you're just cruising along...

[AdamD]

I know I read a magazine article somewhere (I think it was Top Gear magazine) stating if you could only have one car the GTI would serve multiple roles and happily be the one.

Georg Kacher wrote a comment to that effect in a First Drive article for Motor magazine around March/April 2009, in the context of the car he'd personally choose to own if he could have but one. This is high praise indeed from one of the world's most respected motoring journalists, who drives the cream of the crop for a living. When I read that article I was sold on the GTI - it was so glowing it almost read like a VW promo piece!

[Tux]

Nice to read good things about the GTI. I must say that I enjoy mine the more I drive it. We have a car seat in ours now as we mind our Grandson and it still has plenty of room in the back...

[Super]

Talk about a versatile machine.
I really can't think of anything in any price range with such a mixture of fun and versatility.
if you could only have one car the GTI would serve multiple roles and happily be the one.

Couldnt agree more.

For me the point about versatility is not just the fact that it can be used to transport a mountain bike or a family of 5 - its the fact that it does everything well.

If you drive it calmly its refined, comfortable and doesnt use alot of fuel.If you want to drive it fast, the standard suspension, throttle and steering setup is certainly capable of a spirited drive. Plus you can spec it up to make it luxurious, or if you're after performance you can modify it and make some decent gains. It does everything..

[Titanium]

Quite right AdamD. It was Georg Kacher in Motor and not Top Gear. Incidentally how does that guy fit into most cars.....he looks ridiculously tall next to almost any vehicle he tests.

Georg Kacher wrote a comment to that effect in a First Drive article for Motor magazine around March/April 2009, in the context of the car he'd personally choose to own if he could have but one. This is high praise indeed from one of the world's most respected motoring journalists, who drives the cream of the crop for a living. When I read that article I was sold on the GTI - it was so glowing it almost read like a VW promo piece!

[MkVIGTI]

This all round ability of the GTI along with its affordability is reiterated in the BFYB section in the latest edition of Motor magazine.