1.6tdi S

Stodgy base spec model

This is my wife's car. She liked it because she had owned several previous Golfs and knew where all the controls were. It's just being sold (Oct 14) with 59,000 on the clock.

On the plus side, it has been very reliable and reasonably economical. It has had no repairs other than routine servicing, tyres, brake pads & discs. It is simple to drive, reasonably comfortable, and has sufficient space for 4 adults plus a weeks luggage.

On the minus side, "S" model is real poverty spec. No electric rear windows, and even more stingy, no rear speakers! Whilst the hand winding windows were tolerable, the lack of rear speakers is annoying and results in deafening the front passengers so that the rear ones can hear. Being the basic 90bhp diesel it is quite stodgy to drive. The engine has to be revved more than other diesels to make it go. It feels flat and rough below 1800 rpm which means that it's also difficult to get anywhere near the manufacturers mpg figures. In real life expect 52-55mpg in mixed driving. Also, the 5 speed gearbox and long gearing means that you are often in 3rd gear at 30mph and can't really use 5th below 45mph. That said, 70mph is about 2,000 rpm so it's quite relaxed on the motorway.

The thing that has really put us off this car, however, is the number of rattles and knocks. I'm not sure where VW's build quality went but it was heading South with this car. Despite several attempts, we have been unable to eliminate all of the rattles and the dealer quoted us £96 just to even take a look. Eventually, we just got fed up with the cacophony of assorted noises.

Overall I can't recommend the tdi 90 S and would suggest going for the 2.0tdi instead.

Report as offensive