Volkswagen Golf

Manufacturer
Volkswagen

Model
Golf

Segment/Specs
Hatchback

Great fun to drive and a good all-rounder to boot.

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Performance

Massive choice of petrols and turbodiesels, with FSIs and GTIs for the more adventurous. Ignore underpowered 1.4 petrol and look for 1.9 or 2-litre turbodiesels which are great fun and good cruisers. FSI, GTI and R32 models are all fast.

Driving

Great grip and traction makes for a fun drive and while the ride can be a little firm it's quite comfortable.

Feel

Well insulated but most engines will make their presence known if you're straining them.

Price

Not the cheapest cars in the segment, but the Golf's resale values will be superb and the engines will be frugal, especially the diesels. Performance models are noticeably more expensive than rivals.

Quality

VW doesn't cut any corners with the Golf. It looks nice inside and it'll go and go.

Safety

Six airbags, ABS, ESC and active head restraints are standard. 5 NCAP stars.

Space

Good space for passengers, especially in three-door versions. Average-sized boot has easy access and rear seats fold 60/40.

Equipment

CD, aircon and electric windows and mirrors are base spec, everything else needs paying for. Leather is only an option on GTI models, which also get alloys and sports suspension. R32 gets alloys and a big speaker system.

Alternatives

Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, Renault Megane, Peugeot 207, Honda Civic

Pros

Great drive, strong engines, good space and interior. Same with the performance models, but more so.

Cons

Most models are noticeably more expensive than rivals.

Golf S 1.4 3 door

by Vic S. (Stockport) - 20/09/2005 15:42:53

The golf has been an icon on the road for years, and there is nothing to indicate that will be changing. As the advert gleefully points out, the new Golf is the result of 30 years of heritage - 30 years of fine-polishing a car. The Volkswagen company sure have done just that: It is a wonderful driving tool. Great for business, but even better for some pure fun. I love my little Golf, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a GTI.

Golf 2.0 TDI

by Chris Spence (Durham) - 30/09/2007 23:23:50

A great car to drive, it all feels so well put together, and looks the part too. The TDI has a great burst of pace low down. I´d recommend it to anyone, if they can afford the premium that the VW brings.