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.
Volkswagen claims reduced repair costs, hence lower insurance, as well as better dealer support to reduce repair and maintenance times.
Fuel consumption, model for model, is pretty good, though the FSI petrol engines can be thirstier than the official figures suggest and need the more expensive 98 RON premium unleaded fuel for optimum performance.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Volkswagen Golf
wrote on 20 06 2007
wrote on 14 10 2006
wrote on 06 06 2006