If there is one car that deserves the ‘GT’ moniker, this is it. The latest Golf is an absolute delight to drive enthusiastically, with performance from a 1390cc engine that is nothing short of astonishing.
By bolting both a turbocharger and a supercharger on to the engine, VW has produced a car that will accelerate to well over 70mph with a caravan on the back yet trundle along at 60mph at just 2400rpm in top (6th) gear. Best of all, it still pulls when you put your foot down! I didn’t detect any instability at speed, and any hint of wheelspin on take-off was kept in check by the traction control system.
The VW was only narrowly beaten into second place in its class by the Mazda6 Estate – which is certainly a more practical car for the average caravanner’s needs. The VW would not accommodate our typical load without sacrificing one of the seats.
| Make/Model |
Caravan weight |
Drive |
Cyls/CC |
bhp/lb ft@rpm |
Price |
Tested |
| VW Golf GT TSi |
1,278kg |
FWD |
4/1390 |
170/177@1750-4750 |
£18,808 |
2007 |
VW Golf GT TSi
