During testing, the Golf shrugged off the DSG system’s extra 35kg with an excellent 8.2sec 0-60mph run, comfortably eclipsing VW’s 9.3sec claim for the manual. The 127mph maximum we recorded is also 1mph quicker than the manual’s best effort. And 24.4sec from 0-100mph is superb for a diesel hatchback.
With a leggy 32.1mph/1000rpm in top, the Golf makes a relaxed cruiser. At speed the familiar pumpe düse clatter becomes muted, but there is some wind noise and significant tyre roar. The 288mm ventilated front and 255mm rear disc brakes have massive bite, stopping from 70mph in 51.8m, and offer a more progressive pedal action than the Audi A3’s.
With a bodyshell that is 80 per cent stiffer than that of the Mk4 Golf, and with the new multi-link rear suspension, the GT is now a genuinely entertaining drive. The 205/55 Bridgestones grip well and the Golf no longer pitches into understeer at the earliest opportunity. It can also be adjusted on the throttle more easily than its predecessor. The GT’s sports suspension sets it 15mm lower and the ride is always firm, but never uncomfortable, and responds to imperfections in the road surface with the authority of a much larger car.
The transmission’s manual function allows you to knock the lever forward and back to swap ratios instantly. On full throttle in Sport mode, changes are barely noticeable, but in normal use they can be jerky and it’s best to stick to Drive, and opt for manual changes via the stubby gearlever for a favourite road. Criticisms are few: the preferable wheel-mounted paddle-shift available on DSG-equipped Audi A3s won’t be offered as an option until later this year, and though upchanges are always perfect, the gearbox can get confused when dropping down the gears to use engine braking for corners. The inability to hold it in gear also frustrates, as does the electrically assisted steering, which is direct enough but over-light and lacks involvement.