Volkswagen Golf (04 - 08) Tested Jan 07

Rating

Quick Summary

Recommended. A brilliant all-rounder - good to drive, well constructed and competitively priced.

Full Road Test

The booming popularity of this generation of Golf gives all the proof necessary that Volkswagen has got the ingredients right. It's good to look at, good to drive, well equipped and - following some savage price-cutting - even capable of offering comparable value to segment rivals.

The styling is very Golf-y, clearly evolved from the Mk4 version that it replaced. That means a solid, well filled-out shape, strong detailing and a reasonably handsome front-end treatment. The cabin is similarly impressive: well constructed from classy-feeling materials and with excellent control ergonomics. The driving position is very comfortable and both front and rear seat occupants enjoy plenty of space.

On the road this Golf is a revelation, driving far better than its dynamically inert predecessor did. The well-weighted steering helps the driver to feel like a vital part of the dynamic experience, while the well-damped chassis combines plentiful grip with a nicely judged level of adjustability. Motorway refinement is impressive, too. You'd have to look hard for a better all-rounder.

The underpowered 1.4 litre base engine has now been dropped from the range, with the new entry-level 1.6 litre FSI petrol motor giving crisp performance. Above it are two "twincharger" 1.4 litre engines, using both a supercharger and a turbocharger to extract 140 bhp and 170 bhp respectively. Both give respectable urge and very decent fuel economy. Above them the 2.0 litre turbocharged GTI remains one of the best hot hatches, although the range-topping V6 four-wheel drive "R32" can't deliver enough thrills to justify its very steep pricetag.

Most punters will instead opt for one of the excellent diesel engines. The basic 1.9 TDI gives perfectly respectable performance and excellent fuel economy, but the brisk 138 bhp 2.0 litre TDI is the one to go for if the budget will stretch. Don't bother with the 168 bhp 2.0 litre version - it's too expensive and feels barely faster than the standard model.

Breakdown

Styling

Instantly familiar Golf design has evolved nicely through the generations.

Handling

Composed under pretty much all dynamic challenges. Golf combines plenty of grip with a pleasingly adjustable cornering attitude. GTI is particularly impressive.

Comfort

The ride can get a little bit firm in town, but the Golf is a great motorway car with brilliant refinement. The excellent driving position helps take the edge of longer journeys, too.

Quality + reliability

Well built and finished inside and out - the cabin still feels a cut above segment rivals.

Performance

Entry level 1.6 FSI petrol engine gives perfectly acceptable performance and the

Roominess

Good by segment standards. Plenty of room for both front and rear seat occupants plus a reasonably commodious boot.

Running costs

Excellent residual values help to reduce the cost of keeping a Golf. Fuel economy is good across the board and the less powerful versions are cheap to insure. Servicing is pricey, but long service intervals help keep costs under control.

Value for money

Some good special offers mean the Golf now competes very well against rivals at the bottom of the range, but more powerful versions are still a bit more expensive. You get what you pay for, though.

Stereo / Sat nav

The standard audio system works well and benefits from nice, big buttons. Satnav is expensive but works well.

Need to know

NCAP Rating

JD Power stars

Replacement Date: 2009

Residual Value**: 45%
**percentage of list price retained after 3 years / 36,000 miles

We like:

1) Handsome looks and desirable badge.
2) Upmarket feel.
3) Strong dynamic performance.

We don't like:

1) Still expensive as you move up the range.
2) Unrefined and expensive 168 bhp 2.0 TDI version.
3) R32 lacks the excitement to justify its price tag.

Best and worst:

Most fun: 1.9 TDI Sport.
Most sensible: 1.2 (62 bhp) S 5-dr.
Worst: 1.8 GTI

Car Magazine says:

Recommended. "It drives like a car from the class above."

4car says:

Highly recommended. "The Mk 5 Golf sets the benchmark again in this class."

Auto Express says:

"Now able to offer a chassis that's as good dynamically as the majority of its rivals the Golf is a far more appealing all-round package."

Buy New Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Tsi Match 5dr

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF HATCHBACK 1.4 TSI Match 5dr Hatchback