For The lower suspension set-up and 17-inch wheels give slightly more sporty responses, and the engine makes the most of them. It has almost hot-hatch pace, with plusher trim and sports seats to match.

Against The ride isn't quite as forgiving over lumps and bumps, though it's a long way from being bad. Plus, insurance costs are high, and it's significantly dearer than the 122bhp version.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This model is a credible warm hatch, but it has one major failing - its price. Given that the 122bhp version is so good, there's little justification for this dearer version.

Reader review rating

4.135135
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Calculate equipment options
Comfort
Electric steering adjust Not Available
Electric Sunroof £630
Manual sunroof Not Available
Air conditioning Standard
Cruise control Standard
Electric mirrors Standard
Heated mirrors Standard
Electric windows front Standard
Electric windows rear Not Available
Seat height adjustment Standard
Climate Control £455
Power Steering Standard
Steering adjustment reach Standard
Steering adjustment rake Standard
Power Seats Not Available
Heated Seats £380
Panoramic sunroof Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof Not Available
Power Folding Mirror Pack Only
Engine & Transmission
Auto Not Available
CVT Not Available
Tiptronic Not Available
Particulate filter Not Available
Entertainment
Radio/Cassette Not Available
RDS Radio/Cassette Not Available
CD Standard
Multi CD £395
MP3/iPod Connection Standard
DVD Player Not Available
MP3 CD Player Standard
RDS CD Standard
Hard Drive Pack Only
Exterior
Metallic paint £465
Alloy wheels Standard
Front Foglights Standard
Powered sliding doors Not Available
Interior
Hands Free Phone Kit Standard
Satellite navigation £1,770
Leather Seats Standard
Split/fold seats Standard
Bluetooth Standard
7 seat pack Not Available
Safety
Passenger airbag Standard
Side airbags Standard
ABS Standard
3 Point centre belt Standard
Driver's airbag Standard
Belt pretensioners Standard
Isofix Standard
Side Impact Bars Standard
Traction control Standard
Curtain Airbag Standard
Rear Parking Sensor Pack Only
Electronic stability programme Standard
On/Off Passenger Airbag Standard
Driver's knee airbag Standard
Reversing Camera Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers £100
Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available
Lane Departure Warning Not Available
Front Parking Sensor Pack Only
Passenger Knee Airbag Not Available
Security
Alarm Standard
Immobiliser Standard
Deadlocks Standard
Central locking Standard
Remote locking Standard
Unique fit stereo Standard
Marked Parts Standard
Etched Windows Not Available
Locking Wheel nuts Standard
Visible VIN Standard
Secure spare wheel Standard
Satellite tracking Not Available
Laminated Glass Not Available
Options calculator Price
Electric Sunroof £630
Climate Control £455
Heated Seats £380
Multi CD £395
Metallic paint £465
Satellite navigation £1,770
Rain Sensing Wipers £100
Total Price: £21,325
Running costs
Town mpg 34.9
Out of town mpg 54.3
Average mpg 44.8
Tank capacity (litres) 55
CO2 Rating (g/km) 145
Carbon offset cost £21
Green rating F
Insurance group 30
Typical insurance £816.00
% Value retained (3yrs/36000 miles) 40%
Typical contract hire £0.00
Pence per mile 0
Servicing costs - 3 years £0.00
Service intervals Variable
Warranty period 3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown
Three-year cost£18,711
Company car tax
Percentage charge 19
Benefit in kind £4,016.00
Tax payable 20% £803.00
Tax payable 40% £1,606.00

Performance and measurements

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Body type Hatchback
Number of doors 3
Number of seats 5
Engine (cc/type) 1390/4
Number of Valves 4
Fuel type Unleaded
Max power (bhp/rpm) 158/5800
Pulling power (lb/ft) 177
Engine position F
Driven wheels Front
Length (mm) 4199
Width (mm) 1786
Height (mm) 1479
Front headroom (mm) 950
Front legroom (mm) 1080
Rear headroom (mm) 950
Rear kneeroom (mm) 690
Boot space (min ltr) 350
Boot space (max ltr) 1305
Turning circle (m) 10.9
Towing weight (kg) 1400
Kerb weight (kg) 1346
Manufacturers figures
0-60 mph (secs) 8
Max speed (mph) 137
Euro NCAP Test Scores
Adult protection Unavailable
Child protection Unavailable
Pedestrian protection Unavailable

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