Unless you have been away from civilisation for the last 30 years you should be aware of the famous Volkswagen Golf.
Few cars have commanded such attention as the Golf, with sales exceeding 25 million over its life span.
Truly egalitarian, whether you’re cruising down the motorway, collecting the kids from school or zipping off to a black tie event, there is no other family hatch that does it better.
Models and Engines:
• 1.4 litre TSI
• 1.6 FSI petrol
• 1.9 litre Turbo diesel
• 2.0 litre Turbo diesel
• GTI 2.0l Turbo
• R32 3.2 250ps
• Trim levels: S, Match, Blue Motion S, Blue Motion Match, GT Sport
Significant others:
• Ford Focus
• Vauxhall Astra
• Toyota Auris
• Honda Civic
• Renault Megane
Vehicle Appraisal
Styling
The fifth generation Golf is not a radical change from its predecessor; evolution rather than revolution has been central to this vehicle’s success.
Dimensionally the largest Golf produced to date, however by far the aesthetically pleasing with its smooth body curves large eyes and deep ‘v’ grill, it appears fast without even moving. Colour coded bumpers and sports wheels finish the package. It even carries off some solid covers where other hot hatches failed.
Interior
A true five-seater hatchback, the Golf provides plenty of room for two large adults in the front, with generous head and leg room. Three children fit comfortably in the rear.
The interior has an air of sophistication, especially at night when the blue backlight instruments are illuminated. Every Golf comes equipped with electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, a CD player and air conditioning. The match trim comes with the addition of alloy wheels, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, rear electric windows and MP3 compatible stereo. The GT Sport variants have front fogs, leather steering wheel, larger alloys and sports suspension and front grill.
Handling / Performance
If fuel economy is a key priority then opt for the Blue Motion. Volkswagen claims that the 1.9 tdi power plant delivers 62.8 miles per gallon and 119 g/km of CO2. It’s cheap motoring for either personal use and as a company car. Handling is firm, responsive and sharp while providing plenty of grip and minimal under steer from the front wheel drive variants.
The first Volkswagen to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, the Golf has standard safety equipment such as twin front airbags, driver and passenger front side airbags, anti-whiplash protection, three point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Summary
The original hot hatch that has been at the top of its game for 30 years, it’s a timeless car which is second to none.
