Volkswagen Golf Hatchback full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The 1.2 TSI has a respectable 104bhp, but our favourite is the punchy 120bhp turbocharged 1.4 TSI, although a 158bhp version of this engine – with a supercharger – gives almost hot-hatch pace. The diesel engine range includes two 1.6s - with either 89- or 104bhp - and three 2.0s, with 109-, 138-, or 168bhp. Of these, the middle 2.0-litre model is our favourite.

  • Ride & Handling

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad No other small family car blends fun and comfort as well as the Golf. It’s incredibly composed on demanding roads thanks to lots of grip, tight body control and well-weighted steering, yet you can enjoy driving it. It’s also effortless around town. The ride is smooth and controlled at all times, which makes the optional adaptive suspension system seem unnecessary.

  • Refinement

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Golf’s hushed cabin makes it an excellent cruiser, with minimal wind, road or engine noise intruding at speed. The engines are smooth and quiet, with the 2.0 TDI diesel particularly impressive. All of the major controls work with slick precision, which enhances the Golf’s credentials as a real smoothie.

  • Buying & Owning

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Okay, so the Golf isn't the cheapest family hatch there is, but it's definitely worth the money. Reasonable discounts are available to take the sting out of the purchase, and you'll be secure in the knowledge that the car's swanky image will protect your investment with strong residual values. Running costs are pretty good for the class, too.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Golf is about as swanky as small family hatches get. Many of the surfaces are soft to the touch, and many of those that aren't are rubberised for a better texture. Even tucked-away plastics are fairly good. The switches feel slick, the build is generally solid, and the Golf's quality and reliability were both rated as above average in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership It's hard to think of a box that the Golf doesn't tick. You get stability control to help you prevent having a crash in the first place, and if you can't avoid it, you have front, side and curtain airbags to keep you safe, along with another airbag to protect the driver's knees. Side airbags can also be fitted in the back for a nominal fee. On the security front, you get deadlocks, a visible VIN and plenty of marked parts.

  • Behind The Wheel

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Drivers get comfortable using simple adjusters for the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good all round the car, too. The dash is minimalistic, and the little switchgear that is present is well sited. The stereo has chunky buttons, or if you're willing to pay extra, you can have touchscreen controls.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Golf provides as much passenger space as most family hatches, but there are some that do better. There’s plenty of head- and legroom, so four adults will travel comfortably. Decent shoulder room means carrying five isn't out of the question, either. The boot is big and well shaped, but, disappointingly, the rear seats do not fold flat.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Match trim, our favourite, gives you items like cruise control, electric rear windows, an upgraded DAB stereo, Bluetooth and automatic headlights and wipers. Sporty GT trim includes lowered suspension, plusher interior trim and sports seats. The GTD shares the GTI’s sporty body styling and tartan seats, but not its sporty suspension.

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