Reliability

I bought the car in Cairns (whilst on my babymoon, long story); it was a garage queen but unfortunately sat for almost 12 months. 3,500km journey down to Sydney on a truck; I was excited but ready with the money and an unbelievably reputable workshop in my corner.

What’s been repaired so far (I’ve had it 8 months): PCV valve was the first to go, but while we’re in there, all gaskets and AUX belts were replaced. The thermostat and leaky driveshafts are next to be tended to.

There are other small things such as a Mk6 head unit upgrade where Bluetooth doesn’t seem to exist, no way to connect. Finally, the shocks are gone, but Bilstein coilovers are on the purchase list.

How it drives

I fell in love with the MK4 R32 in my early teens. Finally, with a MK5 to fulfil this dream I can say… it’s good, not great

What’s great is this drivetrain, medium confidence on national park roads, highway ‘autobahn’ like torque. It lacks due to its weight, brakes certainly feel it (BBK will see the car early 2027).

Mate Rimac and I both have the same daily (his car has since been written off), and he said “someone should restomod this”. I agree, not to ‘Singer’ levels, but with a refreshed handling package, tyres, brakes, and carbon bucket seats, I can’t think of a hatch I’d want more due to the listening experience. It’s a 20-year-old philosophy where only 25% needs refreshing to 2026 standards.

You point it into a tight corner, and the centre of mass feels quite high, the front end can get ‘light’ and unnerving.

It sounds brilliant; everyone recommends an exhaust, but I’m not sure it needs it. It’s a daily, not a GT4 RS.

It’s thirsty; I love this, a nod to lunatic German engineers responsible for V10 Touaregs, W12 Golf GTI concepts and ultimately the Veyron.

As you’re driving, other VAG enthusiasts smile and give you the thumbs up; this is nice to feel while driving.

Conclusion: 5/10 compared to greater hot hatches based on lap time. But can be an 8/10 with the right modifications, and should be modified in such a manner. This car needs to be celebrated more.

Ownership experience

As expected on the side of bills, plenty of parts from OEM and aftermarket, costs aren’t insane depending on what you’re repairing. You can’t flog this car, it’ll destroy your bank balance, respect it, like a German great uncle named Gunther.

Features and practicality

Features: not much; this is preferred. All your usual mid-2000s comforts. Power windows, power mirrors, heated seats, no sensors or reverse camera.

The boot is small, very small, a sacrifice for AWD that is necessary. If I wanted practicality, the Volkswagen R36 Passat estate exists.

Any other thoughts?

V6 hot hatches are long gone, well over 15-16 years ago; they made little sense, and that’s what’s perfect about these cars. Character and thrill.

Side note: there are folks removing EA888 and even DAZA Audi 5-cyl from their TTRSs and Golf Rs and building a 1,000-1,400hp turbocharged VR6 to swap in. HGP, TurboElite and HPA motorsports are the big guys in this space.

It begs the question why? Maybe Mate Rimac is onto something as well.

MORE: Check out our other Volkswagen reviews

MORE Check out our Volkswagen Golf GTI MK5 review