Autocar - News and reviews from the original car experts

Road Test

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GT TDI

Test Date 08 June 2004  Price When New £18,687

---

---

Verdict

Despite the GT tag, this Golf feels more junior executive saloon than warm hatch, but it is genuinely fast and a mostly satisfying drive, and there’s little doubt that the combination of the Golf’s best engine and the VW Group’s finest transmission has created the pick of the range. But we can’t recommend it wholeheartedly for one reason: price. Even in standard form the Golf GT TDi costs a hefty £18,530, but add DSG and typical premium hatch options such as leather trim and sat-nav, and it leaps to £22,930 – big money for a humble family car. Clearly Volkswagen is pitching the Golf further upmarket and doubtless the people who buy one will fool themselves into believing the product, or more likely the image it projects, justifies the price. We have yet to be convinced.

Your Say

Start the discussion

Previous page  |  Car reviews home  |  Next page

---