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Volkswagen Golf (2004-) Review

Category: Small Family 4.5 out of 5

Summary of the Volkswagen Golf (2004-)

Price Range: £11,945 to £19,815

Assets

Image, strong residual values, all-round competence, the hatch to aspire to.

Drawbacks

Engines a bit noisy, slightly uninvolving and remote-feeling, conservative styling and character, minor cabin quality short-cuts.

Verdict

The Mk 5 Golf sets the benchmark again in this class for sheer all-round desirability, though the Focus is the sharper drive.

Volkswagen Golf Review

Safety and Security5 out of 5

The Golf Mk 5 has scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, with a good three stars for pedestrian safety and four in the new child protection test - an excellent result all-round. Its torsional rigidity has been improved by no less than 80 percent, which not only aids handling precision but ensures a stiffer, stronger structure. The all-new floorpan has more sophisticated reinforcements and impact force distribution, and all the panels and pillars are tougher.

Standard specification includes ABS anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability programme, active front head restraints, three rear three-point seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, front and side airbags and full-length 'curtain' head 'bags, with rear side 'bags optional in five-door versions.

Average Reader Rating

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Latest Readers' Drives About the Volkswagen Golf

Deljohnson
wrote on 20 06 2007

Having owned a MK5 GTi just over a year and now own a R32, I feel I can offer a balanced opinion of ...

nofaith
wrote on 14 10 2006

Too many problems on delivery meant many visits to the (awful) dealer. Now sorted though electric mi...

astewart466
wrote on 06 06 2006

Brilliant - well built inside and outside

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Volkswagen Golf Safety and Security Statistics

EuroNCAP occupant
4, 5 star(s)
EuroNCAP child
4 star(s)
EuroNCAP pedestrian
3 star(s)
Alarm
Some versions as Std, others Dealer Fit
Immobiliser
Std
Driver's Airbag
Std
Passenger Airbag
Std
Side Airbag
Std
 

More about the Volkswagen Golf

Best Small Family Cars

alt text here
Winner:
Ford Focus
First runner up:
Volkswagen Golf
Second runner up:
Nissan Note

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