Volkswagen Golf GTI MK V (2005 - To Date)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
No hot hatch carries with it as great a pedigree as Volkswagens Golf GTI. This is the car that popularised the whole pocket rocket phenomenon and counting the number of models that ripped off Volkswagens GTI badge will run you almost into treble figures. The thing is, the original hasnt always been the best. The MkI car was great and the 16v version of the MkII GTI wasnt half bad but in the intervening years, the GTI lost its way.
With the MK V car, it was back at the top of its game and demand has been frenzied. Heres how to track down a decent used example.
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The black grille surround also looks less like an oversized Honda badge than the metallic finishes worn by other Golfs. The interior kept the Golf at the top of the family hatch tree. It uses a fascia design reminiscent of the Phaeton luxury saloon although the centre console is lifted from the Touran mini-MPV. With the possible exception of its pricier Volkswagen Group cousin, the Audi A3, the cabin has the beating of any hatchback out there as regards ambience.
The interior features soft-feel slush-moulded plastics, subtle use of chrome, fabric-covered A-pillars plus blue instrument backlighting with red needles, a signature of the fourth generation model. Some of the lower dash plastics and minor switches feel a little cheap but when balanced against the huge improvements in interior space, its not too big a price to pay. The MKV Golf also set new standards by introducing 2Zone climate control and four-way lumbar support within the line-up. In addition, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), no fewer than six airbags as well as anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard.
Big car features such as automatic activation of headlamps and wipers are built into the cars electronics.
The £500 difference from new between three-door and five-door GTI models has now been largely absorbed by the used markets so both three and five-door variants cost much the same. Opening price for a typically average mileage GTI on a 54 plate is around £15,000 with some higher mileage cars (not uncommon for a model that has been popular with fleet car user/choosers) coming in at just over £14,000. Insurance for the GTI doesnt come cheap, the car being rated at Group 17.
Only one real issue has yet arisen and thats an oil pump bolt fault on early GTIs that has now been fixed under recall. Other than that, theres little to report. Keep a look out for cars that have been flogged by corporate users and ensure that servicing has been attended to diligently. Otherwise the MkV GTI has a strong reputation for reliability.
If the car has been equipped with the optional DSG paddle-shift gearchange, check that all ratios engage smoothly and cleanly, especially reverse. DSG problems are a very costly fix. Corrosion is rare on a Golf, which speaks volumes for Volkswagen's rustproofing methods and the quality of the steel it uses. A GTI with rust should scream "badly repaired accident damage" at you. Steer well clear, as a warped chassis will likely have caused misaligned panels and the subsequent corrosion. As strong as the Golfs allure is, its also worth checking out related Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon models which may offer better value for a given budget. Dont stretch to a tired GTI over these cars as theyre also very talented.
(approx based on a 2004 Golf 2.0TFSI GTI ex Vat) A clutch assembly will be around £145 and an alternator should be close to £195. Brake pads front and rear are about £65 and £55 respectively.
The sole powerplant on offer is no asthmatic wheezer. The engine powering the GTI is a turbocharged version of VWs 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine, fettled to produce a hefty 200PS around 197bhp in old money. Drive is directed to the front wheels in classic GTI style, and theres a six-speed manual as standard or the excellent DSG twin-clutch transmission available as an option.
Owners can expect to accomplish the sprint to 60mph in around 6.5 seconds in a DSG-equipped car and look forward to a top speed that knocks on the door of 150mph. A combined fuel economy figure of around 36mpg means that the Golf wont cost a fortune to run either. Its not noticeably cheap to buy used, however, although residuals look set to remain healthy for the foreseeable future.
The DSG box is a real piece of work. First seen in the Audi TT 3.2 V6 coupe, its based around a sequential manual transmission but utilises an ingenious twin clutch system to ensure creamy smoothness. Engage first gear and the gearbox will pre-engage second gear in advance, the second clutch engaging as soon as you flick up to slot instantly into second gear.
This means a seamless flow of power. The electronics predict what gear youre about to engage, depending on whether youre accelerating or braking and the result is astonishing, making every other gearbox feel distinctly clunky. The other option is to slip it into D and drive it like a normal automatic. Even in this mode its butter smooth and makes other attempts at sequential manual systems such as Ferraris F1 and BMWs SMG appear decidedly yester-tech.
The GTIs engine is special too. Fuel Stratified Injection is a system that promises the twin benefits of more power and better economy. A high-pressure fuel line mounted on the side of the cylinder head, often dubbed the common rail, injects fuel straight into the combustion chamber. The shape of the pistons and the clever working of a set of valves make the air tumble, thus creating more efficient combustion.
One criticism levelled at the two previous generation Golfs was that although the cars offered a ride and refinement package that was hard to beat, they never really offered the sort of infectious handling that many rivals could boast. The fifth generation car adopts a pragmatic tactic in benchmarking the suspension of the Ford Focus - and it works a treat. The body is eighty per cent stiffer than its predecessor and the electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control are leagues ahead. As a result, Volkswagen have been able to build a hot hatch version that enthusiasts will again want to drive.
Once again, with the MKV Golf, Wolfsburg could claim to make the definitive GTI.
Used prices have remained firmer than a Tory home secretary although there wont be many GTI owners who have regretted their purchase. Theres not too far you can go wrong as long as you track down a well looked after car. Ill have a three-door with DSG. In white please.
