It would appear (to me at least) that VW have taken steps backward in the design of my 2015 Golf TDI. I compare it to our 2013 Jetta wagen (also Diesel powered) The new Golf has smaller side mirrors, smaller dash display digits and very inadequate back up lights. They have gone for looks over functionality....most unusual for German design.

The door hinges and stop mechanism are downsized and not as positive on the new Golf. It is easy for the door to swing open and hit a car next to you in the parking lot. The parcel shelf in the rear is very "toy town" and will not stand up to the traditional use of a hatchback....mine is already gouged on the underside from a cardboard box! The drivers seat creaks and groans from the backrest area when cornering....this is not like VW.

I bought from a VW Dealer with a little over 1700 miles showing so it was "used". The performance is similar to the Jetta despite a 10bhp advantage. The economy so far is better than the Jetta returning over 50 mpg on my daily commute. The Golf is a manual so this maybe helps. Speaking of which, the gear selector advisory on the dash display seems pretty pointless on this car. I bought the manual so I could choose when to shift gears and not when dictated to by a piece of electronic equipment. This new engine is gruffer sounding than the outgoing model....not intrusive or annoying though....relaxing in fact! I hope this DEF emission system and engine will carry on providing reliable and cost efficient service for many miles. I also hope that VW will see this post and address deficiencies in the new Golf.