Really reall not a fan of the Mk V Golf looks like a Seat

Which is EXACTLY why I prefer the car parked next to it, just out of shot. Guess what it is?

Not that Fiesta with the stripes

I've seen 5 of the new Golfs, but then I live very near a VW dealers.

My car was in for its first service today, and I got a new Golf 1.6 as a loaner. I now understand why the car isn't selling (at least here in NL it isn't). I already knew it was bland from the outside, but now I know that's it's bland from the inside and bland to drive too! The car made no impression on me at all, such was its complete and utter facelessness. It's redefined blandness on wheels.

I won't comment on the engine, as it shares it with the Octavia (but it was SLOW ), but I will say something about the handling, build quality and materials used.

First the handling: it shared the same character with the Opel Corsa I recently had as a loaner - no communication between car and driver, the steering felt absolutely numb. So no chance to actually feel whether that new independent rear suspension is any good...

Then the build quality: I know it was a loaner and they get treated badly, but this car was a very low-mileage car and it already had several rattles. The doors were tinny, especially the rear ones - my old Octavia feels more solid than the new Golf.

Finally, the materials: this is where VW are supposed to be showing why the price difference is justified. Well, they ain't. The interior is built from exactly the same stuff as Skoda uses, with some bits that are worse. I even saw several components that are also used in my Golf IV-platform car, so there's a lot of takeover from the old car too.

So unless you like the design of the new Golf over that of the new Octavia or are completely unaware of the fact that a thing such as the new Octavia exists, I see absolutely no reason why anyone should buy a Golf. It uses the same materials and technical parts as the Octavia, but the Octavia is clearly better built, has a bigger boot and is much, much cheaper.

So after this sensible review here's my utterly sensible verdict on the new Golf: a non-car...

So after this sensible review here's my utterly sensible verdict on the new Golf: a non-car...

So just like every Vauxhall/Opel and most fords then (at least in some departments). It seems as if bland is the order of the day.

So just like every Vauxhall/Opel and most fords then (at least in some departments). It seems as if bland is the order of the day.

That's the trouble isn't it? Most cars are put through so many consumer "clinics" and focus groups, to make sure everyone likes it -so you end up with the funky bits knocked off. Car manufacturers are generally so scared to come up with anything new (look at how Ford suffered when the Sierra first came out)

Phil

Never understood that with the sierra - side by side with a cortina with which it shared most mechanicals it was hardly a quantum leap was it!!

Personally I quite like the new Golf, it just seems way too pricey, but then so do fords.

In choosing the octy we had a choice between Golf 1.6, Focus 1.6 Ghia (both with rear seat belts) or Octavia 1.8T with climate, cc, parking sensors, edl... That was such a hard choice!!

My car was in for its first service today' date=' and I got a new Golf 1.6 as a loaner.

I won't comment on the engine, as it shares it with the Octavia (but it was SLOW )[/quote']

Stumbled on the car's rental receipt today - it was a 1.4 Povertyline! Now I understand why it was SLOW...