Hi everyone,

First time VW owner here, after being carless for the last 5 years. After switching jobs I now need to commute a long distance every day and it was time to get some wheels again. I've always loved the idea of Alltracks/Allroads/Scouts, getting that added versatility without sacrificing decent handling. My previous job involved a lot of driving around regional NSW and you realise how many unsealed roads are still out there. I am looking to do more touring and I like owning a vehicle that shines on road but still has that capability to handle any type of road. A little more ground clearance like an Outback would be nice but I'll trade the Volksy's much better handling off against that.

I evaluated quite a few models for a secondhand purchase but kept coming back to either a Passat or a Golf Alltrack, for that all-around ability. In the end a Golf came up at the right time and so I went with that, a MY17 132TSI Premium which I bought last April. I did a bit of customisation on it - replaced the cheaper and damaged tinting with new ceramic tint, not overly dark; paint correction and ceramic protection; and the biggest thing was replacing the wheels and tyres. I had read the ride on the 18s was a little harsh on our cruddy roads, and I discovered that for myself on the long drive home from Ballarat where I bought it. Given I also wanted to do some driving on gravel roads, I thought I would step down to the base 17s which would give some additional protection on dirt. The guy at JAX told me there was an interim size offered in some OS markets, 225/50R17 and I went with those. Wider tyres always look good ..... wheels are SSW Blades in Hyper Black.

I am very happy with the car although nothing is prefect. I have read hundreds of reviews of DSG-equipped cars and was eager to try for myself. On this model I do agree with the opinion that it's a bit lurchy at low speed, and clunky from a standing start. The combo of DSG and stop-start almost saw me T-boned at the large roundabout leaving work, but you do get used to it. Other than that the DSG is awesome once you're up and rolling. I do wish VeeDub would fit solid covers for the sunroof rather than the fine mesh version, and getting used to the LHD ergonomics and stalks takes a while.

But the 1.8L engine is a rorty unit, far better than the 2.5L naturally aspirated units I was looking at in cars like the Forester. I put the boot in regularly and am getting low 7s consumption on the work run, mostly M5/M7. The LED headlights are fantastic in our big country. I didn't leave Ballarat until after lunch on the day I picked it up and stayed in Tumut overnight on the way home, there was nothing available in Gundagai. I turned onto the Snowy Mountains Hwy quite late, it was 50km of very dark road, bad weather, potholes from all the rain, and I only saw 3 cars come the other way and none my way. I still remember the first time I flicked on high beam, very nice indeed! That sort of active safety is great. It feels nice and semi-premium in that way that VW specialise in, so very happy.

Anyway, I've bored you long enough, thanks for reading.