Whilst my Volvo S80 is in the dealer for a faulty valve within the auto box they've given me a Golf GT TDi 1.9 150 as a loan car.
On first viewing I thought it looked ok, a bit bland but ok. The interior is typically german in design, i.e. bland but very functional. My only little gripe is that the climate control buttons are right at the bottom of the centre console and the gearstick gets in the way. Rear space is very cramped as you'd expect, hence the kiddies don't like it at all. I do like the nice blue and red lights emmiting from the controls and clocks however.
Driving it - it does pull very well being the 150ps, but the front lifts and dives on acceleration and braking respectively, and the suspension feels to pitch and roll too much for my liking, but that could be because I'm used to the Astra Coupe which handles like a dream. The gearchange is sweet as a nut however and much better than the notchy Vx ones. The engine seemed to be very revvy as well and there was massive (and I do mean massive) turbo lag. The VX CDTi's are more petrol like to drive which is what I really like, but this VAG unit is deffo a diesel by no mistake. It's noisy and you soon find yourself changing up and down a lot in traffic.
Verdict - would I buy one? Not a chance! I know it's a 2002 model and VW have made a lot of improvements since, but the car is simply too bland and the drive is hard work.
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