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

4.111111
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Key facts

0–60mph
8 secs
Top speed
137 mph
Average mpg
44.8
Tank range
542 miles
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Features

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Size

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Cheaper

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Golf is all the car most families will ever need. There are rivals with more prestigious badges, larger cabins, punchier engines or lower prices, but if we had to pick one model to cope with everything a family is likely to ask of a car, it would be a Golf.

Yes, it couldn't look more conservative if it wore a blue rosette, but buyers still love it. It’s class-leading in many areas, and there isn’t a thing that it does badly.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t big discounts to be had, though. Haggle hard, and you’ll get four figures off almost any version, and because the Golf’s residual values are so strong, you’ll get plenty of money back at resale time.

We’d avoid the smallest petrol engine because it’s a bit weak, but all the rest make a strong case for themselves. Our favourite is the 1.4TSI petrol, which is our reigning Small Family Car of the Year,. The Bluemotion model, meanwhile, is our Green Small Family Car of the Year.

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