Ten Point Test


Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 85%

The Golf has been the defining model of Volkswagen’s stable for the past 30 years, selling in excess of 25 million cars across a range from affordable entry level models to the 155mph hot hatches.

As the reliability improved and desirability increased the models became tamer-looking beasts. But now in its fifth generation, the Golf offers an excellent compromise of looks and performance alongside Volkswagen’s rock solid reliability.

Read our review to see if one of the UK’s most popular motors lives up to its name.

1. Looks 8/10

While the third and fourth generations were slightly dull looking hatchbacks, the fifth model is a prettier thing. We had 15-inch alloy wheels and a small boot spoiler. The lights are more provocative looking and the curves of the taller, wider and longer model give a sportier feel over its predecessor.

2. Looks inside 8/10

The interior is fairly bland, but extremely functional. Everything is where you’d expect it to be. Despite not being leather, the seats are comfortable and look relatively sporty.  The multi-function computer – located between the speedo and rev counter – provides useful journey data including the average and current fuel consumption. The blue lighting is easy on the eye and CD player is easy to use.

3. Practicality 9/10

It’s the biggest Golf yet so with stacks of interior space, the Golf can comfortably seat four adults. There are cubby holes all over the place giving the car an almost MPV-like feel, while still maintaining its hatchback size. The 350-litre boot may not be as large as the Ford Focus’s 385-litres, but it’s larger than many of its other market rivals. The automatic coming/leaving home lighting function which switches the lights on when the remote locking is activated is a helpful addition to anyone who parks in a dark area at night.

4. Ride and Handling 8/10

At low speeds the diesel engine is quite noisy, but at motorway speeds you’d be convinced it was a petrol model. The ride is smooth and comfortable at low and high speeds. On corners the Golf grips sharply to the road in a manner you’d expect from one of the range’s hotter models.

5. Performance 7/10

The model we tested is not the quick one, so buyers expecting GTI performance may be disappointed. Powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, the engine produces just 103bhp meaning acceleration from 0-62mph (100kph) takes 11.3 seconds before topping out at 116mph. However, the engine produces an impressive 184lb/ft of pulling power at just 1900rpm meaning the car is suitably proficient at overtaking and accelerating up hills.

6. Running Costs 9/10

Despite the initial financial outlay, running costs are the Golf’s trump card. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel returns an average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg while driving in urban and extra urban areas is 42.2mpg and 61.4mpg respectively. Our test car is insurance group 6E meaning reasonably low premiums and with carbon dioxide emissions of 143g/km, putting it into tax Band C. All Volkswagens come with the industry standard 3 year / 60,000 mile warranty. However, when it comes to holding its price, cars can compete with the Golf, which maintains 70 per cent of its value after year one and 40 per cent after four years.

7. Reliability 9/10

Volkswagens are well built, dependable cars and the fourth generation scored highly in the Reliability Index, boding well for the latest Golf. The car feels well build and benefits from quality materials.

8. Safety 10/10

The Golf achieved five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test programme and comes with anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist (HBA), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) traction control and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) as standard. EDL helps prevent the wheels from locking, allowing the driver to steer around hazards. The driver and front passenger have front and side airbags, while the passenger’s ‘bag can be deactivated if there’s a child seat in the front.

9. Equipment 8/10

It’s not filled with technology, but the Golf boasts all-round electric windows, cruise control, a competent CD player with iPod compatibility, a steering wheel with controls for the CD player and a useful trip computer.

10. X-Factor 9/10

Volkswagen Golfs are cool cars. Economic, solidly-built motors, which perform well while maintaining an element of class that few rivals can offer. Despite their ubiquity and being slightly on the expensive side, they hold their value better than many making one a sensible purchase.

Specifications

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf Match 1.9TDI
Range price: £12,100 – £26,325
Insurance group range: 4 -18
Date tested: February 2007
Road tester: Adrian Hearn