‘I don’t have a bad word to say about it’

4 reasons owner John Lomas favours GTI over Golf R

1 I’d have another one in a heartbeat

‘I’ve run two Mk7.5 GTIs [the midlife facelift introduced in 2017] on finance deals. I do a lot of miles a year and I’ve run them all the way into their mileage-limit buffers. I don’t have a bad word to say about the GTI: the two cars I ran were supremely comfortable, roomy, deceptively fast and didn’t miss a beat. I’m now running a BMW M140i and can’t stand it in comparison.’

2 Get the Performance Pack

‘Both cars I’ve run were equipped with the Performance Pack [mechanical limited-slip differential, beefier brakes and a 10bhp power hike – initially an option but during 2019 this became the only UK Mk7.5 GTI spec]. The diff is fantastic – it really transforms the handling. If you’re buying secondhand, I’d recommend seeking out a GTI Performance over a regular Golf GTI.’

3 It’s no poor relation to the Golf R

‘I ended up in a GTI because a Golf R wasn’t available. I had an R previously and wanted another but delays in availability meant I went for a GTI instead. The acceleration doesn’t knock your socks off like the R but in almost every other way I prefer it. The all-wheel-drive R is almost like a computer game: grip, grip, grip. The front-drive GTI is more adjustable.

‘I don’t consider myself an expert driver by any means but you can drive it on the throttle, adjusting its angle with your right foot. It reminds me of my old Peugeot 205 GTI. I prefer the Golf GTI’s interior to the R too. Tartan seats – what’s not to like?’

4 It’s all things to all people

‘It’s a cliche but it really is a class-less car. People don’t think you’re being flash and showing off. An enthusiast might give you a knowing nod, and yet you can give an elderly relative a lift and they’ll be comfortable.

‘The build quality is great, too. Okay, some of the plastics used in the back of the cabin feel cheaper but the overall effect is of a comfortable, premium car.’