Volkswagen Golf GTI MK6 hatchback 2009 - 2012 review - CarBuyer

The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI is a lesson to other hot hatch makers in design, build quality and image. Factor in impressive performance and genuine day-to-day practicality, and it's no wonder the famous GTI badge still proves so popular. It's available as a three or five-door hatchback, and is based on the standard Golf. The GTI has recently faced tough competition in the form of the Renaultsport Megane 265 and Ford Focus ST. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has 207bhp in standard guise, while the limited-run Edition 35 comes with 232bhp, although that's not as much power as the Megane or Focus. Performance is strong and the handling sporty, but it's more comfortable than its rivals and boasts a high-quality interior.

[farhan]

never judge a GTI with stock power. The .2.0 tsi engine in the GTi is severely under tuned and just requires a 600 dollar ecu flash to tune it to an additional 50hp and 75Ib/ft of torque. Then it will keep pace with a focus st and also have the much better interior and ride quality.

[MitchFellingham]

am i the only one who love flat bottom steering wheel

[QullVideo]

That's a very nice summery of the Golf GTI at the end (including the current mk7). Yes you can get hot hatches with more power for the same amount of money (if not less). Yes the Golf looks bland compared to its rivals. But the point of the Golf GTI is that it has all the power you need for every day use. It can be quiet and comfortable if you drive it slow around town. But if you take it to a A or B road then it has all the power you need to put a smile on your face around the bends and overtake with ease.
Really you only need the extra power from a Ford ST or Civic Type R if you're on a track. In the real world you won't be able to go much faster than the GTI and you're be paying a lot more for petrol for it.

[seanedwards]

I bought a 2010 GTI new and I don't think I'll ever sell it.

[QullVideo]

If there's one thing I've learned about fast Vauxhalls, it is that although they come with very powerful engines that propel them at high speeds, everything else on the car makes them pretty much undriveable. No thanks, the GTI is the car to go for.

[mynameisjeff]

I’m 13 and I want this as my first car

[Nameschino]

I drive a 2011 mk6 gti 6 speed manual love this little hatch

[EngineerGuy]

Sometimes it's what you don't do that stands out. The Golf/GTI doesn't drastically change its design with each model. It's a car you look at from a distance and you immediately know what it is. It's beautiful in that it stands out without trying to stand out. Very few cars are that distinguishable without making outlandish designs. It's a mature looking car with a great history and is still top of its class by sticking to its roots.

[MetikalMan]

Matt you are uncannily good at car reviews. In my top three with Chris Harris and of course Clarkson, in no particular order. You all have something unique to bring to the viewer!

[BigRLH]

I love the golf its amazing car to drive, its not about hitting 0-62 mph in warp speed what most people buy cars for, its about the driving experience+build quality!

[davsarg]

I am 49 years old and I have A DSG GTI Edition 35 and every single milimetre of it is excellent. Although I must admit I don't like the rims in Matt's review car. The 18" Watkins Glenn alloys on my car look much more grown up than the 19" Glendales on display here

[carbuyer]

Sorry this isn't the MK7. That's not out until next year and we filmed this a few months back seeing as so many people had asked for it. I thought this would tide you over until I get my hands on the MK7... and when I do I'll ensure I get the model with the performance pack and therefore the LSD. Until then.... go to the autoexpress YT channel to see my report on the new MK7 from the Paris Motor Show. Speak soon - Mat ;-)

[cristianpop]

Very good review. All the information that you need in a short video.👍

[kfr]

Love the style of the this Mk6. I honestly think it's difficult to really justify spending the extra cash getting the new Mk7 when it comes out. Any extra power to be desired, or even a mechanical LSD, can be had in the aftermarket.

[zzzzero]

I own a GTI Edition 35, only mine is red. Love it!

[theant]

they are good, I own own one. but the big bumper mk2 gti was the cream of the crop. by far.

[roblanger]

Love mine and I luckily have those rims on it. Brilliant car.

[robhines]

I have a Mk5 classic styling the only downside is 32mpg premium unleaded but it is a GTI

[kimdals]

Could have been interesting to compare the VW Scirocco vs. Golf GTI.

[Rivaboyz]

Mk5 r32 mk6 gti & the golf r 7.5 best golf’s ever made had all of em in the past and I’m now looking for another mk6 gti asi missed it that much