Volkswagen Golf Estate car review

Model tested: VW Golf Estate 2.0-litre SE TDI Manual
Price as tested: £18,075
Range price: £14,495-£20,640
Insurance group as tested: 12E
Insurance group range: 6-12
Date tested: February 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 81%

The fifth generation VW Golf is one of the best-known and best-selling cars on UK roads. But what if you need a little more space?

As with the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra there is the option to gain more practicality and stick with the same model – the VW Golf Estate, is now in its third incarnation having been introduced alongside the MkIII VW Golf.

We drove the VW Golf Estate for a week to find out how it shaped up.

View more images of the Volkswagen Golf Estate

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor 

1. Looks

The third generation VW Golf Estate was launched in 2007. It is longer (159mm), taller (19mm) and wider (46mm) than its predecessor. A new chrome grille section gives it a similar face to the VW Eos and it has been brought a little more into line with the VW Passat Estate. The new look has updated a car focussed on function, though it does succeed in looking simple and stylish.

8/10

2. Looks inside

Differences between the VW Golf and the VW Golf Estate focus on practicality and load space. If you like the look of the VW Golf interior, red needled-blue dials, premium touches including chrome-plated gearknob surround and hanbrake button you’ll like the VW Golf Estate interior. The controls are clearly laid out and have the mark of quality of a successful model which has been developed over 35 years. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and height and there is the option to specify a sunroof.

7/10

3. Practicality

The VW Golf Estate is 352mm longer than the hatchback offering increased load space. With all seats in place there is 505 litres of boot space which can be increased to a maximum of 1550 litres when they are flattened. That’s an increase of 80 litres over the outgoing model. It can also accommodate loads of up to 1.74 metres in length while lengthy items can be poked through a gap created when the rear arm rest is lowered while keeping the rear seats in place. Easy access to the boot makes loading and unloading the car easy. A boot area cover comes as standard while some storage is concealed beneath false floors. Rear parking sensors are helpful when large loads are being transported.

9/10

4. Ride and Handling

The VW Golf was the second model in the VW range to benefit from a new suspension system introduced into the VW Touran and these improvements apply to the VW Golf Estate. The handling more reflects the word Golf than the word Estate with speed-sensitive power steering ensuring the wheel is more responsive at lower speeds. The car has a firm ride but is still comfortable for longer journeys.

7/10

5. Performance

The VW Golf Estate is available with a choice of three engines.
There is one petrol model: the 102bhp 1.6-litre. However, it is the two diesel models which will attract most buyers: the 105bhp 1.9-litre model and the 140bhp 2-litre TDI diesel model. The 1.6-litre petrol model comes with a five-speed manual gearbox as does the 1.9-litre diesel model which can be specified with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The 2-litre version offers a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or the DSG automatic. Top speeds range from 114mph - 127mph with 0-62mpg times ranging from 9.7 – 12.3 seconds.

8/10

6. Running Costs

The 1.6-litre petrol model returns an average of 38mpg and falls within car tax band E with its 176g/km CO2 emissions and an annual tax band of £165. The 1.9-litre diesel model returns an average of 54.3mpg and falls within car tax band C due to carbon emissions of 137g/km and an annual tax bill of £115. The 2-litre diesel model returns an average of 50mpg and also falls within car tax band C with emissions of 145g/km. The DSG automatic gearbox version sees the CO2 emissions increase to 160g/km and the annual tax bill up to £140 in car tax band D.

8/10

7. Reliability

The VW Golf has a well-deserved reputation for reliability – and that extends to the estate. It has been around a long time and is one of VW’s most important cars. That is reflected in quality finishings with everything well-fitting and tidy.

8/10

8. Safety

All models feature anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist and electronic stabilisation programme as well as front, side and curtain airbags. The VW Golf was awarded a five star rating following EuroNCAP crash testing.

10/10

9. Equipment

There are three trim levels all boasting a good level of equipment. These are S, SE and Sportline. The entry-level S Trim is available with the petrol engine or the 1.9-litre diesel model. It features anti-lock brakes, electronic stabilisation programme and traction control as well as semi-automatic air conditioning, CD with four speakers, height and reach-adjustable steering column and black roof rails. All engine configurations are available within the SE range which adds: 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, CD/radio with eight speakers, and front centre armrest with storage compartment. Only the petrol and 2-litre diesel model are available for the Sportline trim which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, rear-tinted windows, front sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake grip, and, if DSG is specified, paddleshift gears.

8/10

10. X-Factor

The VW Golf is a good-looking load-lugger which can now shift that bit more. Estates don’t equal glamour, but this is a nice-looking car which can do a job too.

8/10

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