Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £11,945 to £18,505
Image, strong residual values, all-round competence, the hatch to aspire to.
Engines a bit noisy, slightly uninvolving and remote-feeling, conservative styling and character, minor cabin quality short-cuts.
The Mk 5 Golf sets the benchmark again in this class for sheer all-round desirability, though the Focus is the sharper drive.
The Golf has to be one of the most desirable cars of this size. The first-generation model of 1974 redefined the small family car genre, the Mk 2 was the posh hatch to have in the '80s, comprehensively outclassing contemporary Escorts, Astras and all its competitors, and whilst the larger, heavier Mk 3 and Mk 4 have been conservative and stodgy to drive, none of that has put buyers off: in 2002, its sixth year on sale, Golf Mk 4 was the best-selling car in Europe.
Volkswagen has sensibly resisted the temptation to tamper too much with a winning formula, but Golf Mk 5 represents a return to form. Sharper-styled without being controversial or overly adventurous, thoroughly mechanically overhauled and more fun to drive in every respect, it might still not be the most exciting or inspirational car to own, but it's an immensely capable all-rounder and remains the smart choice in the class.
Engines range from a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol to a 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel. There's also a 1.4-litre TSI engine which has a turbocharger and a supercharger. There's also brilliant 2.0-litre GTI and 3.2-litre R32 versions - tested seperately. Other body-styles in the range include the slightly roomier Golf Plus, the Touran MPV and Jetta saloon.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Volkswagen Golf
wrote on 20 06 2007
wrote on 14 10 2006
wrote on 06 06 2006