Nuno Bandeiras, a Changing Lanes reader from Portugal, tells us why he loves his Volkswagen Golf!
1. Tell me about your car (Make / model / engine / year of registration).
My machine is a beautiful blue Volkswagen Golf 7 1.6TDI, but a special one … Bluemotion 6-speed with 110hp!
2. How long have you owned this car?
Since April 2014. After I bought it I only drove it for two days because I had invitation to work out of the country during the time I was expecting to receive it. So I only put my hands on it again after four months. Since then, it has been more like a holiday car. It’s now three years old with 25,000km on the clock. It still smells new.
3. Why did you choose this car?
I choose it because the Volkswagen Golf is the Porsche 911 of hatchbacks. When I was a teen the Golf 4 1.9TDI was one of my dream cars. Since then I always wanted to have a car with the TDI badge on the back. So in 2014 I made my wish come true. But guess what happened? It didn’t have the TDI badge on the back because it’s the Bluemotion version. Life is tricky.
In a rational way I chose this car because I am a Mechanical Engineer and I pass much of my day solving problems with machines. So to be able to enjoy my free time I wanted a car that could go from A to B without more headaches. And I thought if Volkswagen has been building Golfs since 1974 they probably know what they are doing. I’m happy with my choice and I understood better now why the Volkswagen Golf is the benchmark for the segment.
4. What do you like about this car?
The quality and the safety of the driving experience is what I like most. The Golf makes you feel that you are driving a premium vehicle. The cabin is very spacious and very well made with good materials. The engine was also a pleasant surprise, powerful enough and economical.
Nuno wanted a Golf because it’s the Porsche 911 of hatchbacks (allegedly!)5. Is there anything you would change about your car?
Yes. I would like it to have a bigger fuel tank and bigger luggage compartment.
6. What’s in your glovebox?
The owner’s manual, some CDs and a pen.
7. Favourite memory of the car?
I have some good memories but I’m more a person who thinks of the trips that I’m yet to do.
8. Who would your ideal passenger be?
The people that I care for and love are my ideal passengers.
9. Three words to describe your car.
Golf
Freedom
Friend
If you would like your car featured on Changing Lanes, email caroline@changinglanes.ie