Introduction - what is the Golf like?

* Lowdown on Mark V Golf * Cracking second-hand buy * What to look out for...

Introduction - what is the Golf like?

Volkswagen Golf
PRICE RANGE
5000-20,500
YEARS 2004-present
YOU'LL LIKE... Badge; quality
YOU WON'T... Price; running costs

With Volkswagen revealing an all-new Golf, you're maybe thinking it's time to look at the current model as a second-hand buy.

Read on for the low-down on this great small family car.

What's it like?

Or more accurately, what's not to like? It's nimble, refined and smooth, has room for four adults, and the boot's a good size.

Overall, it's a cut above rivals such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra and, although the VW Golf will cost more to buy, it'll hold on to its value better.