My 1.8 n/a is a major disappointment. Costs a lot in fuel for rubbish performance - the engine is pretty dull, doesnt involve you at all, and neither does the handling. Wish I'd gone for an Alfa 156 really.
They're not particularly renowned for handling & performance, either (unless they do a GTA in that model?? 
). I think they'll even more unreliable than a Mk4, though!! 
The N/A Golfs are pretty gutless, TBH. The MPG is so sh*te because you have to rag the fook out of 'em to get anywhere, lol! (Forced induction in either the good stuff or diesel, is the way to go, IMO). 
They have nice free-revving engines and the handling is at least involving unlike the Golf which feels like I'm driving a living room sofa around most of the time. Honestly, just when for another drive half an hour ago along some country roads, the steering is so dull, too light and slow, I get no feel for the road at all and the engine just bumbles along like it doesnt give a sh!t. Think I'm going to have to sell it pretty soon, after I've spend a few hundred getting suspension parts replaced and new tyres...
