Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T Review

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Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T
3.9 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.9 out of 5

From 14 ratings and 15 reviews

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danrcsmith's Review of Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T

4th Nov 2003

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Practicality
    5 stars
  • Performance
    4.5 stars
  • Reliability
    5 stars
Good Points

Looks, quality, fuel consumption, low down torque from Turbo and upper rev power from the 20 valve head. Re sale value. It's a Golf GTi.


Bad Points

Needs uprated anti roll bar fitted, brake fade when really pushing it hard.


General Comments

I've had my 3 dr dark metallic blue VW Golf GTI 1.8T for 2.5 years, and I have never once thought about changing it for anything else. I'm just waiting for the Mk5 to come out.

It is pretty quick, 2nd and 3rd gear performance is great, just let the Turbo take care of the low down stuff, then keep your foot hard in until the 20 valves take over at 4500 rpm. And if you are feeling sad, put the drivers window down a tad and listen to the Turbo whistling away, that'll cheer you up.

Even after 40,000 miles the interior is still classy, well built and always looks fresh and modern. Mine is one of the last GTi Turbo's fitted with the Recaro trim, and these seats are just 'spot on' for lateral support and driver comfort.

Yesterday I had a go in a Saab 9-3 Vector, and I was just bloomin glad to get back into the Golf, it is quicker, better built and more nimble trough the twistiy stuff.

Can you tell I like it!!

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Members' Comments ondanrcsmith's Review

  • emdubble Rank: Lance Corporal on 19th Sep 2006

    I've just bought a Golf Gti Turbo on a 'W' plate, and after some initial concerns with an electrical problem caused by an incorrectly fitted car kit, I have to say I love this car. Compared to the Peugeot 206 XS I owned prior to this, it is simply on another level as a motor vehicle, and I shiver to think what the R32's and new MK5's must be like. Yes, my Peugeot was fun, and yes, it was easy to maintain, but here I have a turbo charged car with a bigger engine that has equal fuel consumption and better performance, build quality, innovation, handling and looks. Given the choice, I know what I'd choose.