FOR Refined and comfortable, but fun to drive. The cabin is classy and practical, and the driver environment is excellent. A desirable image guarantees strong residual values and every versions has lots of safety kit

AGAINST The entry-level engines don’t have a lot of power and the styling is conservative - inside and out. Prices are high compared with some mainstream rivals.

FOR The Golf Estate has a practical, well-shaped boot. The car also comes with plenty of safety kit and is good to drive

AGAINST Some rivals are roomier and don’t cost a lot more to buy

FOR The Golf Plus has more space and offers easier access than a regular Golf hatchback. Most of the engines are strong and it's good to drive, despite the tall body.

AGAINST It's not as versatile or flexible as many compact MPVs. It costs more to buy than the equivalent Golf hatch and doesn't hold its value as well.

FOR The Golf Cabriolet is enjoyable to drive and most versions are reasonably cheap to run. There’s space for four in the swanky, user-friendly cabin, and the roof is one of the quickest to operate.

AGAINST The body flexes a bit over bumps, compromising comfort, and some wind noise can be heard at motorway speeds. The boot opening is small.

FOR Refined and comfortable, but fun to drive. The cabin is classy and practical, and the driver environment is excellent. A desirable image guarantees strong residual values and every versions has lots of safety kit

AGAINST The entry-level engines don’t have a lot of power and the styling is conservative - inside and out. Prices are high compared with some mainstream rivals.

FOR Refined and comfortable, but fun to drive. The cabin is classy and practical, and the driver environment is excellent. A desirable image guarantees strong residual values and every versions has lots of safety kit

AGAINST The entry-level engines don’t have a lot of power and the styling is conservative - inside and out. Prices are high compared with some mainstream rivals.

FOR The Golf GTI combines strong performance, agile handling and precise steering with impressive refinement and a supple ride. It's also practical enough for everyday use and is very classy inside.

AGAINST Some rivals are faster, the GTI is expensive to buy and it doesn't look as striking as its cheaper in-house rival, the Scirocco coupe.

FOR Refined and comfortable, but fun to drive. The cabin is classy and practical, and the driver environment is excellent. A desirable image guarantees strong residual values and every versions has lots of safety kit

AGAINST The entry-level engines don’t have a lot of power and the styling is conservative - inside and out. Prices are high compared with some mainstream rivals.

FOR The Golf GTI combines strong performance, agile handling and precise steering with impressive refinement and a supple ride. It's also practical enough for everyday use and is very classy inside.

AGAINST Some rivals are faster, the GTI is expensive to buy and it doesn't look as striking as its cheaper in-house rival, the Scirocco coupe.