In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback (2013-2020): owner reviews

“The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the original hot hatchback and recent improvements mean it still stands up well against increasingly capable rivals”

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by Richard Ingram

13 Feb 2020

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Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.6 out of 5

Price

£30,470 — £30,470

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Review 1 of 8

Tell us what you think about your car?

I've used this car for 2 years every day for both long and short drives. It always has a boot full of kit and I drive the car hard when conditions and roads allowed. I'm changing it in three weeks and I will miss it. If you enjoy driving and still a boy racer at heart (im 53), this car is for you. It has great performance and pulls really well through the gears. The ride is comfortable for a hot hatch and sports seats are comfortable even after a 4 hour commute. The fuel consumption was okay considering I drive it hard and carry gear all the time. The only issue I'm experiencing is that the infotainment system is playing up (I have never liked the touchscreen, I'd rather have dials or buttons) and the stop start button doesn't activate on first push. I'm about to get an Audi A5 sportback for a couple of years of sedate driving, but no doubt will return for another GTI in the future, maybe the R if I can slow down a bit!!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is all the car you need. The seats are comfy, almost as good as our XC60. The performance will put a smile on your face. Handling is "foolproof " and it doesn't guzzle down fuel.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Nearly perfect, lovely to drive, performance puts licence at risk. But… engine stop/start is too willing to stop at the wrong time; the boot is too small compared with my last Honda Civics which were cavernous in comparison; the satnav is dreadful, the worst I've ever used with awkward postcode entry, poor turn indications and awful voice that cannot even pronounce Oxford; and dust and muck get sucked up on the rear of the car and into the boot opening. The powerful brakes have saved me twice. I'm not sure if it was my reactions or the automatic breaking that prevented an accident. Both times were at high speed on fast roads, the driver in the inside lane pulled out immediately in front of my car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Absolutely superb car for everyday use with a great engine for town or motorway .

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is a brilliant all round car for both short or long trips. Mine is the 5-door, it has a decent sized boot, has been reliable, is well built and offers reasonable fuel economy. It has more than enough performance as well as superb handling and grip with the limited slip differential. The ride quality is surprisingly good but there is a touch too much road noise, in my opinion. The manual gearbox is excellent allied to a really good clutch. The digital instrument panel is especially good, too.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Coming from a Mini Cooper, this car was up my alley, it's comfortable, fast, and very practical. A bit expansive, and the brakes can get grabby, but in general a very excellent drive, it can get boring at times, so if you wanna save money, maybe get the regular Golf.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The best car I have ever owned

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant road holding ability as well as acceleration. An overall very well balanced vehicle that offer superb practicality and a myriad of uses. I have used it on a race track and it is MORE than thrilling, then turn it back to Normal (from SPORTS mode) and the car is a beautiful everyday driver 5 STARS

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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