Thinking of buying a new vRS - any advice?

[TimS996]

I finally have to give in and sell my 13 year old Golf Gti - best car I've ever owned and has never let me down. However I need a bit more space in the back for my son, decent luggage space and good performance. As the wife has a Passat estate I don't need something enormous tho.

After trawling the web, I've come down to this and a couple of others. Would like a Golf R32, but too small. Audi's too dear. BMW's too estate agent.

So I'm looking at a 09 facelifted vRS.

Are there any owners out there with any thoughts on the reliability, quality and particularly the performance and handling?

I've always enjoyed the way the Gti went and want a modern equivalent without the in-your-face of other brands.

[evilCdw]

I tested a vRS Tdi (pre-facelift) a few weeks ago and was very impressed. The handling was very good without being harsh but the engine impressed the most, it was really quick and had amazing throttle response for an oil burner.
Unfortunately, as we were to buy a car for the wife we settled for a 2.0ltr tdi elegance that we got at a great deal. (logic outweighed passion). I will however, try to tighten up the suspension to match the vRS.

Clive

[dezzabarks]

Hi,

I've just done exactly that from a previous 2004 MK5 golf 2.0FSI- diesel 07 VRS estate. First impressions are it's a full of torque, a fast accelerating monster with good grip and sporty chassis, mega comfort and roomy, and also does 45-50 MPG unless really pushed!
Coming from the Golf its home from home controls and MFD, a little less solid without compromising build (the golf seemed a little over-engineered such as door rubber trim, Skoda just seems to have it right.)
Anything else you want to know just ask.