VW Golf GTI Mk6 (2009) new CAR review

As usual, sightly more power, slightly better handling, I'm just worried the Volkswagen might make it a little too refined and take all the fun out of the GTI completely. I know the GTI is meant to be the most grown up of the hot hatch brigade, but it still needs an element of hooligan in there somewhere.

As for the criticism that the MK6 is just a heavily facelifted Mk5, then of course it is, that's what happens if you update a model after 4 years rather than the usual 7-8. Manufacturing costs and production times were too high on the VW Golf mk5, and that needed changing, we would normally just have a mild facelift after 4 years with a change of bumper & interior if we were lucky.

Ho Ho, Father Christmas buys a watch.

It doesn't keep time.

Golf is neither new nor worthy

And in summer eat your porcupine.

 A word of warning to buyers. The incredibly cool looking xenon lights shown in most publicity shots are an option, not a standard feature. But they will not be available until June. So, if you order a new GTI now don't expect it to have them. Another reason to wait before buying is the possibility of a Government-backed tax incentive to trade in old cars for new. Once the novelty factor wears off a bit, and people get used to the idea that the new Golf is just a very good facelift rather than an all new model, dealers may also begin to offer discounts.  

All in all, I have to say that this is THE performance car to get at the moment. I agree that it strikes a perfect balance between fun and practical, sporty and economical. If you can't wait, useful discounts are possible through various brokers like Autobytel.