For SE is the optimum spec, with alloys, four electric windows and a smarter interior. And, with the best blend of performance, price and economy, the VW Golf 1.4 TSI 122 SE has our favourite engine.

Against If you're a higher-mileage driver, one of the more economical diesel models may make more financial sense in the long term.

Volkswagen Golf Estate

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The VW Golf 1.4 TSI 122 SE has the best engine and the right spec, all in one package. Little wonder, then, that this is our favourite Golf estate.

What Car? readers say

4.6


Key facts

0–60mph
9.9 secs
Top speed
125 mph
Average mpg
44.8
Tank range
542 miles
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Features

See all equipment

Size

View the whole Volkswagen Golf Estate range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full Volkswagen Golf review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

It may not be immediately obvious, but this VW Golf estate is based on the previous-generation Golf, so it doesn't have quite the same high levels of quality as the latest hatchback.

Likewise, although this isn't the largest estate in its class, what space you do get is well shaped and pretty practical, with extra space under the boot floor.

You also have a fine range of engines. Cheapest is the 1.2 TSI, but the pick for average-mileage drivers is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol. High-mileage motorists have a choice of three diesel engines. We’d avoid the weedy 89bhp 1.6 TDI, but the 113bhp version is a much better bet and decent value, too. The 2.0 TDI is a fine engine, but also the most expensive, leaving our favourite engine as the 1.4 TSI.

Whichever you choose, go for SE trim, which comes with all the kit most drivers will need, including air-conditioning, alloys, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, an alarm and a socket to plug your iPod into.

Reader test team says:

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