In this review
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
Front space
Even if you’re exceedingly tall, the Golf has plenty of head room and its driver’s seat goes back far enough to accommodate those of you who are long in the legs. There’s plenty of width to the interior, so you won’t be clashing limbs with your front seat passenger, either.
The front door pockets are each big enough for at least a 500ml bottle of water and there are two cupholders in the centre console. In front of the gear selector there’s a handy tray, which is available with wireless phone charging. It’s big enough for not just your mobile, but for a purse or wallet as well. You’ll also find a storage bin under the front centre armrest, along with a decent-sized glovebox that’s kept cool by the air conditioning.
Rear space
The Golf’s interior dimensions allow a pair of six-footers to sit relatively comfortably in the back. Leg room is the main limitation for anyone well over six feet, who will find their knees pretty close to the seat in front, because head room is quite generous. Things get truly tight when a third occupant is introduced, though; the raised tunnel that runs along the centre-line of the floor leaves the middle passenger short on foot space.
Still, the Golf is marginally better in the back than a BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A-Class, but you’ll find lots more room in the cheaper alternatives, such as Skoda Scala or Ford Focus.
Seat folding and flexibility
The Golf’s rear seats are pretty conventional and don't do anything clever, such as sliding or reclining. As with most hatchbacks, you can fold the 60/40 split seatbacks after pulling a lever next to the outer head restraints. Once dropped, the seatbacks lie virtually flat. There’s also a ski hatch to keep the outer rear seats in use while still allowing you to carry longer loads.
Passenger front-seat height adjustment should be standard, although we don’t know yet whether passenger lumbar adjustment will also be included.
Boot space
There’s room in the boot for the weekly food shop and you can just about squeeze in a set of golf clubs or a fold-up baby buggy. But the boot is average at best for the class, with the Scala’s cavernous load area dwarfing the Golf’s.
All Golfs will come with a height-adjustable boot floor. This lets you create two separate compartments and, when raised, reduces the step that's created when the rear seats are folded down. With the floor in its highest setting, there’s barely any lip to negotiate when lifting heavy items in and out, either.
