Every Golf owner’s story is a little different, but the passion remains the same. We’ve been hearing from Volkswagen Golf owners to see what their Golf means to them, from modified show goers to daily drivers, family wagons to adventure seekers, and maybe a mix of them all.
As we’ve been finding out, the Golf is the ideal car to allow you the versatility to enjoy all aspects of your lifestyle, all from one car.
It’s a Golf Thing
In this instalment of The Golf Owners Series, we meet Alan Arnold, whose lockdown impulse purchase turned into a long-term love affair with his 2010 MK6 Golf GTI. From careful upgrades to family adventures, Alan’s GTI strikes the perfect balance between practicality and performance. We asked him to tell us more about how a spur-of-the-moment decision became his ultimate daily driver.
What made you pick a Volkswagen Golf in the first place? Was it love at first sight or more of a practical choice?
It was an impulse purchase in lockdown back in 2020. I wanted a 2.0-litre turbo car but did very little research into what was out there. It just needed to be a DSG, have heated seats and a sunroof. The following day, my wife found this one locally, so I went to view a car about six miles away. I loved how it looked and drove, so bought it. I didn’t even go to see any others, I just knew this was the one to have.
Which Golf do you drive (year/model), and what mods have you done so far?
I drive the 2010 MK6 Golf GTI. It’s had:
- Stage 1 remap
- RamAir induction kit
- H&R lowering springs (30mm drop)
- Koni STR.T shock absorbers
- GFB DV+ diverter valve
- Boost gauge in the air vent
- Upgraded stereo
- Fitted cruise control and reverse camera
- Aftermarket alloys with wider performance tyres
- R8 coil packs
- Spent loads on servicing and fixing oil leaks
What's the best part about driving a modified Golf?
The handling is fantastic. She grips in the corners and pulls nicely through the gears making very enjoyable to drive, and whilst lowered, the car also remains practical and reliable. I’ve had some lowered cars which couldn’t get into many places but not an issue for this one.
Which upgrade/mod makes you smile the most when you’re behind the wheel?
The suspension makes it a much firmer and more enjoyable, precise experience behind the wheel. You have confidence it’ll handle the corners. The lowering springs also make the car look so much better.
How does your Golf fit into your daily routine? Your commutes, meets, weekend fun, or just garage therapy?
She’s my daily driver, my weekend toy and also my tourer when I go around the country on various adventures. At either 25 miles a day, or a 1500-mile adventure around the country, it doesn’t miss a beat and if driven sensibly, isn’t too bad on fuel. I don't tend to take it to meets, mostly because apart from the alloys and lowering, it has a relatively standard appearance, but I've been told she looks nice from various people.
Any memorable stories since modifying your Golf (a car meet, a race, a funny mishap, a proud moment)?
It would have to be Rocco probably having enough of being stuck in the boot and wanting to enjoy the scenic views up front. After being a good dog and sitting in the boot for most of our two-week adventure around the Scottish Highlands, he decided to jump through the rear headrests getting himself wedged in the rear seats whilst we’re driving 70mph down the A9 around the Cairngorms National Park. For the remainder of his journey home, he enjoyed the views looking out the window in from his back seat.
What’s the reaction you get most often when people see or hear your Golf?
Even as standard, they make a nice sound. I’ve had people mention how nice it looks and sounds when the DSG grunts on a gear change. When people say they like the car and want it, then you know you've got a good one.
Are you already planning your next mod, or is your Golf finally ‘finished’ (if that’s ever possible)?
As with all my modified cars, they’re never really finished. I planned to upgrade the turbo kit and chase more horsepower, but other expenses have priority for now. I’m satisfied with the balance for power/traction, and I don't want to throw that off either. I’ll continue to spend the money on maintenance and retrofitting optional extras.
Alan’s story is proof that sometimes the best decisions are the spontaneous ones. What began as a quick lockdown buy has evolved into a perfectly tuned blend of comfort, capability, and character.
Whether brand new from the dealership or an impressive used find, the Volkswagen Golf sates both the practicality and the impulsivity that family life needs and, of course, is an ideal home-from-home for doggo transportation.
- Volkswagen