Volkswagen Golf IV 1.6

What can be said about the Golf that hasn’t been said countless times already in thousands of motoring reviews? Well plenty. Have you noticed how so many reviews in car magazines, TV programs and newspapers are written by motoring journalists or ex-racing drivers. Don’t you find it frustrating that they all insist on throwing the cars around racetracks, pushing them to their limits and giving you pointless information on the history of the manufacturer. When was the last time you based your choice of car on how well it corners on a wet racetrack with the traction control off? Yes, what a hoot ... more

While on holiday in France, in the middle of a supermarket car park, I remember the day I first clapped eyes on this new generation of 'golf'. It was cold and very wet that day, yet there was one thing that was particularly striking - its eyes. It just looked at you, longing to be driven. I vividly remember being totally awe-struck as to how VW had managed to put the indicator, sidelights and headlights all into one glass 'dome'. I was just learning to drive at the time, coincidently, so this was definitely the car to have. Well, to be honest, it took quite a while to get saving a deposit and ... more

I was torn between buying a brand new Ford Focus for around the £9,000 - £10,000 mark or paying a little bit extra for a second hand VW Golf. After test driving the two cars I was impressed by both but several things ensured that my decision to buy the Golf was the right one. Resale value, build quality and prestige. The Focus just looked a little too plasticky and there is not the same kudos as being seen in a Jazz Blue - drop dead gorgeous - VW After owning it for 6 months I have found the build of the Golf to be fantastic. The panel fit and instrument switchgear are flawless. There are ... more

Last year I ordered a brand new VW Golf (1.6SE), my first ever VW, I eagerly awaited for it to arrive on the 7th Jan 2000. Fantastic I thought - great car, great quality, good reputation... little did I realise the problems I would have over the year... within a week I found that, even though the pre-delivery inspection had everything ticked, the headlights were out of alignment, the windscreen wipers hit the door when operating, washer jets were pointing to the sky, the drivers side internal door handle was set about half an inch in more that the passenger side, the bonnet wouldn't close, the ... more

I bought a new manual 1.6l Golf at the beginning of 2001, my first car. So far it has been a charm, a great drive with sufficient power (86kw) and very direct handling. This is combined with 'chunky' looks on the outside to make it a great car for getting around the country as well as city. The 1.6l engine is quite efficient in the mid and high range but sometimes lacks when accelerating from a start, especially with the air conditioning on. This being said the gears are well placed and the stubby lever along with the small steering wheel makes you feel like a racing driver whilst being much ... more