First UK Shore review http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/volkswagen/golf-gti/first-drives/volkswagen-golf-gti-uk-first-drive-review
Predictable as ever, is it just me or do any negative points just mean it could do with being a bit worse, then it would be better 
Exactly my thoughts. If the car has a few minor faults then they say its not quite perfect and they are disappointed. If those faults are gone then its not "raw" enough, or its somehow less "fun" or "detached". Basically they want a car engineered to perfection... yet its also got to be as basic as the original mk1. You can't win.
I also think (rightly or wrongly) the GTI gets held to a higher standard than almost any other car and therefore is criticised much more. Part of this might be the price tag of course. However, if the Focus ST or Astra have problems (say torque steer) then they are let off because its part of the "fun". If the GTI has no torque steer then its "disconnected".
Even more expensive cars like the M135i seem to get given a bigger break on the grounds that they are new/different/excel at one thing... Poor GTI could get 10/10 in all areas but will still be berated for the single 9/10 on the score board.
Also have you noticed how 99% of the comments on reviews or press releases are derisive of the GTI? I take the view that these comments are by people who can't afford one (or probably even an ST) and will secretly be highly jealous when they see a mk7 drive by.
EDIT:
On the other hand these reviews are written by journalists (most of whom don't know jack about engineering beyond what they read in the press releases) who've driven the car for maybe half a day. So what the hell do they know anyway?
I'll take the opinion of someone on here who's had a test drive any day!
