For The lower suspension set-up and 17-inch wheels give slightly more sporty responses. It also has plusher interior trim and sports seats, and this engine is no less refined than the weaker diesels.

Against The ride isn't that forgiving, though it's far from bad. You'll need a high mileage to recoup the extra cost of the diesel engine, while the 140 engine is much dearer to insure than the 110.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

If you want the economy of a diesel with a bit of a sporty twist, this could be the ideal car. Just be aware you'll be sacrificing a bit of ride comfort.

Reader review rating

4.111111
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Key facts

0–60mph
9.3 secs
Top speed
130 mph
Average mpg
58.9
Tank range
713 miles
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Features

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Size

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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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