What is it like inside?
The elephant in the room here is obviously the infotainment system. By modern standards, it is almost non-existent. There isn’t an option even for Bluetooth connectivity which shows how outdated the infotainment system is.
We chose to swap it out for the Kenwood DNX518VDABS, which brings Garmin satnav, Bluetooth connecting, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay to the car. This completely changes the experience in the car, to be bang up-to-date.
Apart from the infotainment system though, the interior of the 2009 Golf GTI is quite the charming place to be in. All the original upholstery and the seat materials are of very high quality. Another wise decision taken by VW back then was to avoid a glitzy approach to the design and that has aged very well. Seats on old cars can be an eyesore but the ones on this car are still quite easy on the eyes while also being satisfactorily comfy.
The view from the inside is quite good and visibility was never an issue. Legroom and headroom are adequate but getting into the rear seats wasn’t the easiest as we have the three-door model.
There were some signs of ageing on the inside as well but everything was intact and nothing seemed to be falling apart or about to do so any time soon. For a hatchback, the storage space is also pretty good.
Overview
The Volkswagen Golf GTI launched the trend for hot hatches in the late 1970s and has grown from a cult car, to to a great all-round fast family hatchback. The Golf GTI Mk6 was effectively a thorough re-working of the previous version, itself a superb performance hatch. Volkswagen, therefore, had a strong base upon which to develop this car.
It came with a more powerful 2.0-litre TFSI engine and focused on sharp handling, without compromising on comfort. And while it provides most of the thrills that more powerful rivals can offer, it is utterly painless to use as everyday transport for a family.
Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) 2015–2021 (North America)
The MK7 GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 162 kW (220 PS). In the GTI Performance version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW (230 PS). Both GTI models develop 350 N⋅m of torque. The standard GTI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The GTI Performance has a top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Despite its performance, it is in insurance group 29E, five groups lower than its predecessor. Both versions of the GTI are equipped with a start-stop system and fulfil 2014 Euro 6 emissions standards. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 47.1 mpg‑imp (6.00 l/100 km) (CO2 emissions of 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 44.1 mpg‑imp (6.41 l/100 km) (equivalent to 148 g/km CO2 for the standard GTI and 149 g/km CO2 for the GTI Performance). Buyers who purchase the £980 Performance pack not only gain 7 kW, but also gain upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential. The front differential is a new development, dubbed VAQ. This provides more neutral and agile driving behaviour and allows higher speeds to be carried through curves. The system consists of a multi-plate coupler between the differential cage and right driveshaft, which controls locking torque electro-hydraulically. Visually, vehicles with the Performance Pack are distinguished by ‘GTI’ lettering on the front brake caliper, larger vented brake discs front and rear (the same as fitted to the ‘R’ version), and red GTI badges on the front and rear although some cars still retained their silver badging despite being fitted with the Performance Pack. As well as high performance, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard in the Golf GTI. On top of high passive safety levels—thanks in part to a passenger cell made from high- and ultra-high strength steels—active safety features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the vehicle brakes after an accident to reduce the chances of a second impact; the pre-crash system, which tensions seatbelts and closes windows and the sunroof if an accident is likely to improve the effectiveness of the airbags; front assist, which warns the driver in the event of coming too close to the vehicle in front, can prime the brakes, and operates at speeds of up to 160 km/h; city emergency braking, which can automatically brake the vehicle at speeds below 30 km/h; automatic distance control, a radar-operated cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; and seven airbags as standard, including one for the driver’s knees.
Price Ranges
$20,000+ is almost solely Golf R territory. You might find a super-nice Mk6 GTI at the low end of this range, but that seller should know that pristine Mk7 GTIs are now readily available for similar coin. Realistically, you shouldn’t be spending this much on a Mk6 unless your heart is set on a Golf R.
$14,000-$20,000 buys you, believe it or not, a cream-of-the-crop, accident-free, late-build Mk6 GTI with very low mileage (under 30k). It’s so much car for the money. Many owners will tell you that a GTI is an Audi without the badge, and given the Mk6’s solid reliability reputation on owner forums, it’s also potentially an Audi without the headaches.
$9000-$14,000 opens up all sorts of Mk6 Golf options, from perfectly serviceable GTIs, including occasional low-mileage bargains between $12-$14k, to excellent TDI examples with relatively low miles (under 50k), to top-shelf Golfs with the five-cylinder engine, where $9-$12k nets you one of the best specimens in the country.
$9,000 or less gets you into a well-kept five-cylinder Golf with plenty of years and miles to go. For a car that Car and Driver calls a “mini-Mercedes,” that’s just a silly value. You can also find higher-mileage TDIs and GTIs in this range. Find one with an excellent maintenance history, and it should also be a good bet.
What’s it like to drive?
A 210bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine was used in the Mk6 GTI, but although it’s new, maximum pulling power is the same as the previous version of the GTI. However, it kicks in at 100rpm lower than before (1,700rpm instead of 1,800rpm) and the car feels a little livelier at lower revs than the fifth-generation model. This substantial pulling power remains until 5,200rpm making the GTI responsive on the move and keen when overtaking.
It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, which feels slick and precise in typical Volkswagen fashion. The alternative is an optional six-speed DSG (a quick-shifting manual that can be used as an automatic) with steering wheel-mounted paddles allowing you to change gears manually.
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Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6 cornering
The experience
Buying used VW cars can be a hit or a miss. You can end up with an awesome car or something that just keeps demanding attention in the form of repairs. The 2009 Golf GTI falls under the former category. Even after 10 years, this peppy little car packs in enough thrills to make any drive enjoyable while being practical enough to serve as your everyday car.
With a few upgrades and this car will be indistinguishable from a modern hatchback which is a great deal to have. Apart from a few chips and scratches, this car has held up quite well. It also has plenty of room for improvement which means that the excitement can only increase from here.
What is the 2009 Golf GTI MK6 about?
By 2009 the Golf GTI had seen plenty of refinement to be one of the top contenders in the hatchback segment as the car’s sixth iteration.
The MK6 2009 Golf GTI was supposed to be sportier both in its looks and the way it drove while also being more dependable in the long run. Driving this car ten years down the line is an excellent test of both these claims.
This is a ten-year-old car which meant that we should have eased up just a bit with the level of scrutiny but we didn’t. Even then, the MK6 Golf GTI has stood the test of time quite well when it comes to the exterior.
There are no obvious signs of this car’s age. The styling looks quite contemporary and the smooth-flowing curves are still in fashion. There are, however, clues to its age on closer examination and one of them is the taillamps.
There are no LEDs on this car. But pretty much the rest of the car belies its age. From the front, the car looks quite poised and the Golf R wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tyres look pretty great. Overall, the 2009 Golf GTI looks at home even in 2019.
The interior though is a slightly different story. One look and you will know that this car is from a different era. That is not necessarily a bad thing.
Everything important still works and the seats and upholstery have held up great to the test of time. It is a lot simpler on the inside compared to modern cars and that allows you to focus on things that matter like the driving experience.
The 2009 Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Straight 4 engine that produces 207.5 bhp at 5300 RPM and 280 Nm of torque. These are very respectable numbers and as the car weighs just 1,339 kg, it is quite an exciting car. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic DSG gearbox with a dual-clutch system.
The car was built to do 0-62 Mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 148 mph in its day. The fuel economy figures listed for this car were 38.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 173 g/km. All these figures, however, were for a brand new car, and after 10 years the 2009 Golf GTI might not give the same performance numbers but it hasn’t deteriorated in any noticeable manner from what we can tell.
How does it drive?
The GTI version of the Golf has always been the car tuned for performance and the 2009 Golf GTI is no different. However, it is a performance-oriented hatchback with a twist. Unlike most hot hatchbacks that place a premium on cornering stability, the 2009 Golf GTI is equally interested in straight-line performance.
This does not mean that it is a slouch around corners, infact the car feels good, and as well as having a lot of grip, it is enjoyable when the road gets twisty. This is a front-wheel driven car which means that there will always be plenty of grip to play with even though most of the time you might struggle to use all of it.
Take the 2009 Golf GTI on the A-road though and it immediately comes to life. The stability at high speeds is quite mind-blowing for a little hatch and going on long drives on the A-roads is actually fun as opposed to harrowing. This highlights the practical aspect of the car as well.
The gearbox works quite well and makes life quite easy. The suspension is also quite good and finds the right balance between sporty and comfortable, considering it is a GTI.
It didn’t sacrifice too much of the feedback and handling while being still quite comfortable for a long drive.
The brakes in conjunction with the Bridgestone Potenza tyres (our review) have loads of stopping power available at all times provided the tyres are warm enough.
The car managed to stop quickly under harder braking which is quite cool for a 10-year-old car and the lack of tyre squeal under full-throttle use was also impressive in the dry.
Overall, the 2009 Golf GTI is a pretty solid hatchback even by today’s standards. It might seem a bit down on power when compared to modern hatchbacks but it is still quite fun to drive and exciting which is what separates a good hatchback from a great one.
To be able to do so after 10 years of use is quite a testament to its build quality and the engineering that went behind it. Just like every great hatchback, the 2009 Golf GTI is fun to drive, is practical, and comfortable both in ride quality as well as price.
Unique Attributes
Over the standard Golf on which it is based, the GTI features unique ‘Interlagos’ chequered cloth, harking back to the days of the Mk. 1 Golf GTI. Also, the grill is different to the Golf’s — it is a black honeycomb affair, with a black centre bar for the number plate and a red strip around the top section — again, a retrospective take on the Mk. 1 GTI. Other external treatments include the deeper spoilers and side skirts, along with a rear wing and a chromed exhaust.
The engine itself is unique to the GTI, along with the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the ‘Denver’ or ‘Monza’ alloy wheels, available in 17- and 18-inch sizes, respectively.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6 2010–2014 (North America)
The VW Golf GTI Edition 35
Golf GTI Edition 35
Following Volkswagen’s 30th anniversary edition GTI, the 35th anniversary was celebrated with the GTI Edition 35. Its engine was an updated version of the Mk5 GTI engine (also used in the Mk6 Golf R), with 232 bhp (compared to 266 for the R). Acceleration from 0-62mph is in 6.6 seconds.
Golf GTI
In the United States and Canada, the car was sold as the Volkswagen Golf when it arrived in showrooms in October 2009, dropping the «Rabbit» badge that was used for the Golf Mk5. The wagon, a restyled version of the Mk5 and the only Golf model made in Mexico, is sold in Canada as «Golf Wagon», but in the United States retains the «Jetta SportWagen» designation (while wearing Golf front sheetmetal). North American Golfs will carry over the same engines as the Mk5 (the same 2.5L five-cylinder from the Mk5, the 2.0TDI and the 2.0T) and, while the GTI and TDI continue to offer the six-speed manual transmission, the 2.5 L will re-use the five-speed manual (automatic will be a six-speed tiptronic). The new Golf is also available in Mexico but for the time being only in the wagon configuration that is marketed as Golf SportWagen that became available in early October replacing the Bora Sportwagen with the new Golf’s front end. The Australian public got their first taste of the new Mk6 at the Melbourne International Motor Show, which began on 27 February 2009. The new Golf was launched around the country at the same time. The Mk6 GTI went on sale from 30 October 2009. On 19 January 2010 the Golf was awarded the 2009 Wheels Car of the Year title, which is acknowledged as the country’s most prestigious car award. It was the first time the Golf had been awarded the title since 1976. VW Australia launched the new base model golf with 1.2-litre engine same as the new Polo in September 2010 and went on sale in 2011. In China, the Golf Mk6 was made by FAW-VW commencing production for the 2009 model year, succeeding the Mk4 Golf and China-exclusive Bora HS as the Mk5 variant was not produced in China. The sixth generation GTI began to be built locally for first time in March 2010 and used a different engine compared to Golf GTI model sold internationally, where a 2 litre TSI unit producing 149 kW (200 hp) was available as standard, 7.5 kW (10 hp) less than the original one. This engine is also used by the VW Magotan. Other engines include a 1.4 TSI and a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine producing 112 kW (150 hp) and 82 kW (110 hp), respectively. The 5 speed manual and 7 speed dual clutch gearbox was standard on TSI models while the 1.6 litre units were paired to a 5 speed manual and 6 speed automatic gearbox. Pricing for the 1.4 TSI ranged between 135,800 and 166,800 yuan with three trims ($20,820 to $25,575 US — April 2021 exchange rate), 118,800 yuan to 156,800 yuan with five trims for the 1.6 ($18,215 to $24,040 US — April 2021 exchange rate) and 235,800 yuan ($36,154 US — April 2021 exchange rate) for the Golf GTI model. Production for this generation ended in 2013, where it was replaced the Golf Mk7.
Facts about Volkswagen Golf / GTI Mk6 (2010-2014) Buyer’s Guide:
- The Volkswagen Golf Mk6 hatchback was produced from 2010 to 2014, and it was the final Golf model built in Germany before VW shifted to a more global product strategy.
- The Mk6 Golf is a versatile car that can easily fit in compact spaces, accelerate and handle well, accommodate four adults and their luggage, and deliver over 30 mpg fuel economy.
- Buyers should look for the newest Mk6 Golf they can afford, as Volkswagen made key improvements to the model over time, especially for the GTI version, which had a recall due to a tendency to wear out water pumps.
- Buyers must choose between the efficiency of the diesel (TDI) variant, the fun and sportiness of the GTI, or the remarkable level of quality and refinement for an entry-level car of the base five-cylinder Golf.
- The Mk6 Golf engines include the base Golf’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder, TDI’s 2.0-liter diesel, and the GTI’s direct-injected 2.0-liter turbo four.
- Both the TDI and the GTI come with VW’s excellent “DSG” dual-clutch automated manual transmission, while the base Golf has a refined six-speed automatic, which pairs nicely with the torque-rich five-cylinder.
- The GTI comes standard with the iconic “Tartan” plaid upholstery, and two higher-priced trim levels offer leather seats, a sunroof, and a Dynaudio stereo system.
- The GTI and Golf R engines can suffer from internal carbon buildup due to their use of direct fuel injection, while a small percentage of GTI owners have reported failures of the 2.0T engine’s timing chain tensioner.
- Used Golf Mk6 prices range from $9,000 or less for a well-kept five-cylinder Golf with high mileage to over $20,000 for a Golf R with very low mileage.
- The Mk6 Golf offers an exemplary ride-and-handling balance, capable performance, and a solid reliability reputation on owner forums, making it an excellent value now in the used car market.
Introduction
Available with either two or four doors, the Mk6 Golf hatchback was not a particularly long-lived model, covering a spread of five years (2010-2014) from start to finish. Our primary recommendation is to buy the newest example you can afford.
That’s because Volkswagen made some key improvements to the Mk6 over time; for instance, the GTI’s turbocharged engine initially had a tendency to wear out water pumps, which led to a recall for 2011 and earlier versions. Owners report that the post-recall years (2012-2014) are safer bets thanks to revisions in the part’s design.
In terms of features and options, the Mk6 Golf didn’t change a whole lot during its run — perhaps the most notable alteration was the removal of the two-door variant for 2014 — so your task is simply to find the newest and best-maintained car at a reasonable price.
You’ll also need to make a selection between efficiency, fun, and value.
We love the diesel (or “TDI”) variant of the Mk6 Golf. They’re a bit rarer than gasoline versions and so can be harder to find, but it’s worth the effort if you appreciate their truly impressive (40+ mpg highway) fuel economy.
Spin the dial towards performance, and the GTI is the clear winner. With its powerful turbo engine and sportier suspension, it adds tons of fun to the Golf’s otherwise practical package.
Meanwhile, the “base” five-cylinder Golf, which is typically thousands less than a TDI or GTI, still offers a remarkable level of quality and refinement for an entry-level car.
GTI MK6 Verdict
If you are strapped for cash but still want to own one of the better hot hatchbacks then the MK6 Golf GTI is a great option. It is also one of those cars that do not depreciate rapidly which means that once you are done with it, you can sell it off without losing a ton of money (hopefully).
In my experience, giving the car a good detail and replacing a few worn components can get the car back in good shape and should be good fun to own.
MK6 Golf GTI Specs
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre Straight 4
- Power: 207 bhp
- Torque: 280 Nm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Atuomatic DSG
- 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
- Top speed: 148 mph
- Weight: 1,339 kg
- Economy combined: 38.2 mpg
- CO2: 173 g/km
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk8) 2019–present
The Golf GTI is a high-performance petrol (gasoline) model. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) producing 245 PS (180 kW; 241 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft). The bodywork is nearly identical to the GTE, however the GTI is equipped with different wheels, badges, and red grille accents. The rear bumper has dual exit exhausts. Vehicle Dynamics Manager allows for more adjustability of the adaptive suspension dampers, while an Individual setting joins the other driving modes. The suspension is lowered by 15mm (0.6 in). Inside, plaid upholstery is standard, with additional red accents on the seats and steering wheel. 17-inch wheels will be standard in Europe, with optional 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.
Comfort
High performance versions of family cars often make occupants suffer over poor road surfaces with stiff suspension creating a harsh ride. However, the Golf GTI offers a far more supple ride than might be expected in a hot hatchback. The suspension is lower than the standard Golf, but seems to lose little of the standard car’s ride comfort. It also uses electronics to help improve drive out of slower corners.
A system called XDS – which is more sophisticated than traction control – allows smoother acceleration with less wheelspin. It’s an enjoyable car to drive on challenging roads, with engaging steering, which is neither too light nor too heavy, and remains composed when cornering. If there is a criticism, it’s that the Mk6 GTI makes driving hard feel far less dramatic than it perhaps should.
There is an optional ‘adaptive chassis control’ system, which allows the driver to tailor the car’s behaviour according to road conditions. The ‘normal’ setting is similar to that of a standard GTI, but there are additional ‘comfort’ and ‘sport’ modes. Selecting ‘sport’ also makes the steering feel sharper.
The Bottom Line
The Mk6 Golf gives up nothing to today’s new economy cars in terms of refinement, solidity or passenger space — indeed, it tends to be better on all counts — and yet you can pick one up for half the price or even less. So make the move and join the Mk6 club. It’s the rare compact car that doesn’t feel like a downgrade in any way except price.
In fact, this Golf only seems dated when you look at its infotainment offerings, which peaked with a rudimentary touchscreen toward the end of its run. As long as you don’t absolutely need to have the latest whiz-bang graphics and electronics, the Mk6 will reward you with an exemplary ride-and-handling balance, capable performance and the lingering sense that remarkably few compromises were made in the course of its design and construction.
That makes the Mk6 Golf easily one of the best values now in the used car market.
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen, Wikimedia Commons, and the author
See also
- Volkswagen Golf
- Volkswagen Rabbit
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