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Golf Hatchback

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr Review

For The engine will be strong and flexible enough for most people, and it returns very impressive economy figures. It's affordable to buy and good to drive.

Against There's a bit too much vibration from the engine, and the less sophisticated suspension means this version doesn't feel quite as polished as more expensive Golfs.

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The Golf of choice for company car drivers thanks to its impressive efficiency, but if you can stretch to it, the 2.0 diesel is better.

What Car? readers say

4.25

Key facts

0–60mph: 10.7 secs
Top speed: 119 mph
Average mpg: 74.3
Tank range: miles

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Features

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Size

View the whole Volkswagen Golf Hatchback range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full Volkswagen Golf review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
The versions we’ve tried perform well
Ride & Handling
5 out of 5 stars
Great with the more sophisticated suspension
Refinement
5 out of 5 stars
One of the Golf’s biggest strengths
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Not cheap, but holds its value well
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Classier than most rivals and should be reliable
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Scores very well in both areas
Behind The Wheel
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent visibility and a simple dash layout
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Space for four adults, but boot nothing special
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Well kitted if you go for the mid-level SE trim

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Golf is a superb all-rounder that offers everything most families will ever need. However, you still need to choose reasonably carefully.

Most versions are sensational to drive, blending an extremely comfortable ride with good body control. However, the cheaper versions (both 1.2 petrols and the 1.6 diesel) come with a less sophisticated suspension, and they don’t ride quite as serenely. They’re still more comfortable than many rivals, though.

Of the three trims, we reckon SE strikes the best balance between equipment and affordability. This brings alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, smarter interior trim, adaptive cruise control and a City Emergency Braking system.

Later, the range will expand to include a GTI hot hatch, which uses a 217bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine.

There will also be a Bluemotion model that averages 88.3mpg and emits 85g/km of CO2. Hybrid and fully electric models follow some time after.