Build Quality

[TASH1]

Batracing dont worry!

Yes some of the plastics are not as pleasing as in the mk4 like the stereo surround but all in all the cars are well built.

[RedRobin]

The Mk5 GTI doesn't have the build quality of an Audi or BMW but it's still pretty good by modern standards. Some days are squeakier than others but any interior cabin squeaks are soon forgotten as you enjoy driving her!

Because she's worth it!......

[phil1101]

Agreed, build quality overall is only marginally different to the Audi A3 I previously ran, main difference I think is the quality of the materials, rather than the way it is assembled. Still, I work at a Nissan/Citroen
set up and VW make both of those look shabby (plus Citroen have improved a massive amount)!!

[NORTHERNER]

My previous car was a Skoda Fabia vRS, which had (IMHO) excellent build quality... solid, no squeaks, good fittings... felt very "VW"... more so than the VW Polo and the Seat Ibiza... but not quite in the same league as the Audi A2!
Similarly, the Golf is solid and well-built... ok, the number of soft touch plastics has decreased from the Mrk4... but it still feels "solid"... not up there with an A3... but then again, Audi do interiors VERY well...
All in all I am happy with the build quality... and coming from the Fabia vRS my learning curve with the switchgear...etc is reduced which is another bonus!

[Cass]

My last three cars have been Audi (A4 T Sport and TT Coupe) and Porsche (Boxster). All were subperb build with quality materials.

No squeaks/rattles with the A4, a couple with the TT (seats and tailgate) and a few with the Boxster (hood up). Nothing at all with the GTI after 9 months of ownership The build quality is pretty good IMO but the quality of some of the build (plastics and thickness of body panels) is a bit sub-standard, no doubt to reduce weight and production costs. Although it's mass produced, I was surprised to find so much flex in the roof, bonnet and lower door panels in particular. Still a great drive though

Cass

[Russ.C]

As far as golfs go, I've had two MK4's, a 1.9TDI & R32, and in my opinion the MK5 build quality is better, both my MK4's squeaked and rattled (especially the R) from new, but my new GTI is very solid and sqeak free!  Also I had issues with the dash coming apart in the R32 (the bit from handbrake to ashtray area). The MK5 materials in this area are far superior - much more solid feeling 

[Emeye]

If you're worried about squeeks and rattles, don't go and buy a Focus ST - my bro has one and all he does is moan about the dodgy noises - but atleast the engine noise compensates! I test drove a 54 plate gti last week and it was crappy noise free.

My BMW 2002 325ti Sport had stiff suspension but was amazingly solid and squeek/rattle free, unlike the mini cooper I swapped it in for, for the missus.

I hate rattling cars - drives me mad - My 51 plate Leon Cupra was noise free too, but that included the engine note too.....

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I personally don't think the build quality is too bad, particularly when you compare it with its' comparables from say Ford, Vauxhall, Honda, Renault, etc.

What I did notice, was after spending a solid month on my RS4 (when I did my "european tour" back in May), and then getting home and jumping in the Golf, was that the Audi was a much "nicer" place to be.  Some of the switchgear in the Golf, particularly the indicators/wipers and electric windows just didn't feel "quality" in the same way that Audi make them.

However, what was/is perfectly clear, is the "major mechanicals", ie, the structural rigidity of the chassis, the quality of the suspension (ride and handling), the engine (refinement and advanced technology), and the DSG 'box - these are far, far better than any of the competition above.

I think everyone agrees that some of the interior plastics on the Mk5 are no better, indeed, maybe even a step backwards, compared to the Mk4s.  However, the chassis engineering on the Mk5 is a quantum leap better than the Mk4, as is much of the general technology.