Overall Average Rating: 90.3%
Position in the Top 100 cars: 4th

The car of the people lives up to VW’s marketing hype, scoring a raft of solid if unexceptional scores.

What lets it down is its less than impressive reliability record and sub-standard build quality – areas VW would have us believe are core strengths. Let’s hope the MkVI can improve things in these two areas.

Manufacturer Verdict (Position: 16th)

It’s tough for high-volume makers to stay at the top here, yet VW has climbed one place. The MkVI Golf will be included in the 2010 poll, and bosses will hope it will lift the firm further ahead of its rivals.

Overall Average:
4.515
90.3%
5th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy a Volkswagen Golf again
4.1
82%
29th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy another Volkswagen Golf again
4.65
93%
37th in Driver Power 2010
Comfort:
4.46
89.2%
19th in Driver Power 2010
Practicality:
4.276
85.52%
45th in Driver Power 2010
Ride quality:
4.494
89.88%
8th in Driver Power 2010
Ease of driving:
4.655
93.1%
12th in Driver Power 2010
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Compared to the Mk4 golf of the same spec and level this one is horrible, although the interior is tasteful the quality of trim is lower in places - flimsy parcel shelf for one. Outside the peugeotesque looks let it down and the panels are flimsy and easy to dent! But as i like VW build and reliability I stuck with the same Golf model when I went from Mk4 to Mk5 at company car change time, but and this is where it is rubbish and horrible is the driving of it - ok at 70mph on long journey but ask it to respond and its very lacking, drop a gear to get it to respond and top of power band is achieved right away and no help, overtaking and driver engagement is lost, this car is just another car and if the Mk6 is the same then VW has lost the way on the Golf, at least the Mk4 still had some oomph and engagement with the road - cannot wait for lease to end so I can send this white elephant back to the boneyard! Oh and lastly, the function where you ask it to unlock on the fob and it only opens the drivers door on the first click and if you click again too quickly it doesnt open the passenger doors, proquo wife and daughter waiting (sometimes in the rain) for me to open all doors - is a real pain - ok in the Bronx or some less pleasant UK places only having the drivers door open on the click is useful - but for 99.9999999% of other times please let me open all doors on the first click -saves your wrapping your knuckles on the boot open too when youve clicked, it has remained locked - as you may have guessed I hate my VW Golf MK5 match with a passion, ok reliable and still a VW but not one of old and not one to remember with pride

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

I purchased my 2006 VW Golf GTI as I wanted a practical car that also delivered in terms of performance. I certainly have not been disappointed, it's a quick car and certainly very practical. What has surprised me is the overall quality of the vehicle, it's solid as a rock even three years on, the interior is superbly comfortable and well crafted and the DSG gearbox is an absolute delight. As an overall package it is virtually impossible to fault. My next car will be a Porsche Cayman S as I no longer need such a practical car, but if that was not the case I would undoubtedly hold on to the Golf GTI or possibly trade up to a newer model as it is such a complete package.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
52-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Very economical little machine. Being a 130BHP PD engine it's pretty punchy when asked for power and thrust. Mainly driven on motorways, returns 52 - 55 mpg (maybe as low as 48mpg in winter) is fairly quiet still considering its 142k miles, VERY comfortable to sit in as passenger and driver for literally hours - never been cramped. Reliability seems okay too, a few niggles but nothing serious which make it unusable as a car. Very pleased with it.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
02-reg , Owner for More than 5 years

Good quality vehicle, that is classless but of a good recognised strong brand (VW). My particular model (1.4E Estate) is not exciting but is practical. Functionality is straight forward and does what is says on the tin. Reliability is excellent and has never let me down during the 5 years of ownership. I therefore trust is start and operate if I was in a situation of dependance on it. If I was a bank robber, I would use a Golf.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

VW build quality not all it is cracked up to be (VW Golf Mk5). Too many rattles and noises, plastics are not good quality and air-con has failed three times in two years.
The suspension and ride quality is very good as is the overall fuel consumption. VW service not very good from all three of the approved VW dealers I have used and they seem unwilling to fix anything as "warranty".

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
2/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A good practical family car. Better design required with regards to water / rain as it diverts from windscreen and runs along front side windows. This means that the slightest bit of rain or similar and you cannot have your window even slightly open in the front of the car, without getting dripped on and wet. Would also be better if seats folded completely flat

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
51-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Considering my car has coilover suspension rather than the jelly like standard setup, it is still practical to be used daily and makes the driving experience much more sure footed and stable, giving confidence to press on in the bends. Resulting in the fact you can have fun on the way to work, but still be able to visit the shops or go camping at a car show.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Despite almost 170,000 miles on the clock, the Car has only had to go to the garage for services and routine wear and tear, I've found my mkIV Golf GTI Turbo to be an exceptional all rounder, Fun and fast yet practical and refined, One of the best cars I've driven and by far the best car I've owned, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Not as nice as an Audi, though it does ride better. No sense of it being anything 'special.' Too much power/ torque for the front wheels alone - awful torque stear if you accelerate raipidly in other than a straight line - makes overtaking (quick out and in ) very scary. Bought it after being seduced in the showroom - wish I hadn't

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It is an excellent car, though the build quality is not what i was expecting - probably down to the ultra-low profile tyres on our terrible road surfaces. It is comfortable & reasonably quiet, & the performance is excellent. It is very well equiped & comfortable on long-distance drives.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Mk6 Golf is a step up in all areas from the Mk5. Significant improvements in in-car technology are welcome, particularly proper iPod integration. Ride comfort with AAC is excellent. However, VW prices are approaching more prestige marques and its direct competitors are closing the gap.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

It's very reliable and has not let me down once. It can haul bags of cement in a good sized boot and folding seats or give it a wash and go to a wedding. Pretty basic inside but central locking and electric windows and sunroof make it comfortable. Good speakers.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Golf GTI Edition 30.

Fine looking and great handling. Slow speed ride and comfort poor on uneven roads. Tyre roar and wind noise not nice, not a relaxing car to drive. A bit to hardcore day to day, maybe okay on smooth European roads. 7/10.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

it a hot hatch for a young man. basically what i want. its great on the motorway and great on the work run and ride comfort for both me and passengers is great. what you expect from a golf gti 210. economy easily passes 40 mpg on a run also.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I have the Golf Gti Edt 30 which is a great hot hatch with a practical day to day usability. It is just as happy on a long distance run as tearing down a twisty B road. The cabin is well designed and comfortable and it ticks all the boxes.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Fabulous family sports car. Great perfomance, handling and steering feel. The chassis has clearly been optimised for UK roads. Ride is a little hard and comfort and durability particularly of the leather seats could be better.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

This is the first volkwagen I have personally owned. However I have driven a number of company owned Volkswagen's. I love the build quality, ride and comfort. I cannot get my wife out of the car she just loves it.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Overall very happy with the car. Some minor things starting to go wrong here and there owing to the age of the car. The electrical issue was a result of an aftermarket alarm installed by previous owner.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Its a great all rounder and the interior is really top quality. Its my second Golf GTI - I had the first one for 12 years and 120,000 miles and this one for ten years and 100,000 so far.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I have had excellent use from my car, the car is an automatic as i couldn't get a manual at the time and the only downside is fuel efficiency could be better. i love my car!

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
R-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I like my car but as ut get older I need to change it. I never had big issues with this car, only the old age usure. I do not regret to bought it. It still a good car.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very reliable with many little touches in the design that make it that much more of a pleasure to own and to drive. Very quiet at speed and comfortable to ride in.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Too sensible and practical family car - a car you buy with your head rather than heart. Ageing 1.9 Tdi engine is noisy and lacking power.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

good ride, never gone wrong and a pleasure to drive.

quite nippy and turbo adds nicely when pulling away or speeding up.

its a great car

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
05-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Superb performance and very practical when required ,overall the VW Golf MK V GTi is best car in this sector (my opinion of course).

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Love it: solid, shape drive, merc quality feel, lethargic 1.6 engine, comfy seats, snooty dealer service. Will love another.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Cabriolet, great build quality! MPG not that great. Not practical but I knew that when buying it! Happy with purchase

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
2/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I love it - I just wish they's kept this design and not changed it as it has a huge boot which the new model doesn't.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Good all rounder, however being a cabriolet is not that great for large items. But the best shape cabriolet around!

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
2/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

My car is the best car I have owned, it is well made and spacious and gets me from A to B quickly and comfortably.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

IT DOES EVERYTHING A GOLF SHOULD DO BUT WITH MORE REFINEMENT AND STYLE THAN THE MKV. CAN'T WAIT TO SE THE MKVII!!

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Good all rounder, bit old now and a bit thirsty but good fun to drive when roads allow, practical and well built.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Golf GTI's are reliable, fast, comfortable have incredible street credibility. Practical for small families too.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Excellent car but totally boring to look at. Next car must have style/design as well as the Golf's attributes.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

One of the best cars i have owned although i guess there might be some that are better out there somewhere!

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A sterotype VW really. Well built, reliable and comfortable but - dare I say it? - just a little dull.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great car, but is a 1600 FSi and likes to drink fuel, I will replace it with a diesel or 1400 TSI

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Does everything that is expected of it. Not the most amazing car of all time, but very practical.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
53-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

comfortable ride, dealers' service charges outrageous and would work against buying VW again

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
59-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent car all round, only losing a bit on practicality. Very comfortable and refined

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Very good all rounder, practical and economical, yet well built and reasonably stylish.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

basic middle of the road car. poor ride in rear, underpowered, a little old fashioned

Comfort:
2/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
Other-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

it's lasted a lot longer than we thought it would, it's a great car that keeps going.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
04-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very reliable,comfortable,economical and quite quick. Very happy with it.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Good car but not sure it's worth the extra money over an Octavia or Leon

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
Y-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

functional, looks good, very reliable, comfortable drive, spacious boot,

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
51-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Reliable, love the heated seats, handles well, economical, comfortable.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Nothing flashy but a good all rounder and very well screwed together

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

great allround ability and comfort better than my previous audi a3

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Golf GTI is a great car for family, commuting and as a hot hatch.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Very competent all round. Doesn't really excel anywhere though.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

A practical car which is stylish, economical and good looking.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very good mix of performance and practicality in my Golf GTI

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
X-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Solid, generally reliable and safe practical family car.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
T-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

best car i have ever owned in 30+ years of driving

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

sensible, comfortable, easy, dependable, faithful.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

very practical and well built, no faults in 4 yrs

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Dull in many ways but safe and comfortable.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Best car I've ever had..................

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Quality product and quality after-sales

Comfort:
2/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

practical and very easy to live with

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
3/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
W-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Nice, but not as nice as my old car

Comfort:
2/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Its has been brilliant owning it.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
59-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Very well built comfortable car

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Solid, practical, well-built

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
58-reg , Owner for Less than a year

practically and fun to drive

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent value for money.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
57-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

smart comfortable reliable

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
52-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

powerful and comfortable,

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
R-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Comfy, practical and fun!

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
05-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Practical and reliable

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

a falp on the manifold

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

really pleased with it

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Good all round

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
2/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
53-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I love it

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5