Performance:

The cheapest petrol-engined Golf – a 1.4-litre - makes do with a measly 79bhp. The 1.6 has a more respectable 101bhp, but our favourite is the punchy 120bhp turbocharged 1.4 TSI. A 158bhp version of this engine – with a supercharger – gives almost hot-hatch pace. There are currently 109 and 138bhp 2.0-litre diesels, and the latter is impressively smooth and flexible.

Ride & handling:

No other small family car blends fun and comfort as well as the Golf. It’s incredibly composed on demanding roads thanks to lots of grip, tight body control and well-weighted steering, yet you can enjoy driving it. It’s also effortless around town. The ride is smooth and controlled at all times, which makes the optional adaptive suspension system seem unnecessary.

Refinement:

The Golf’s hushed cabin makes it an excellent cruiser, with minimal wind, road or engine noise intruding at speed. The engines are smooth and quiet, with the 2.0 TDI diesel particularly impressive. All of the major controls work with slick precision, which enhances the Golf’s credentials as a real smoothie.

Quality & reliability:

The Golf is about as swanky as small family hatches get. Many of the surfaces are soft to the touch, and many of those that aren't are rubberised for a better texture. Even tucked-away plastics are fairly good. The switches feel slick and the build is generally solid, but Volkswagen has disappointed in our reliability surveys in recent years.
Safety & security:

It's hard to think of a box that the Golf doesn't tick. You get stability control to help you prevent having a crash in the first place, and if you can't avoid it, you have front, side and curtain airbags to keep you safe, along with another airbag to protect the driver's knees. Side airbags can also be fitted in the back for a nominal fee. On the security front, you get deadlocks, a visible VIN and plenty of marked parts.

Behind the wheel:

Drivers get comfortable using simple adjusters for the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good all round the car, too. The dash is minimalistic, and the little switchgear that is present is well sited. The stereo has chunky buttons, or if you're willing to pay extra, you can have touchscreen controls.

Space & practicality:

There aren't many family hatches that provide more passenger space than the Golf. Bags of head- and legroom means there's plenty of space for four adults to travel comfortably, and decent shoulder room means carrying five isn't out of the question. The boot is big and well shaped, but, disappointingly, the rear seats do not fold flat.

Equipment:

Buyers choose from three trims. The entry-level S includes air-conditioning, electric front windows, a CD player and remote central locking. Step up to SE for alloys, cruise control, electric rear windows, an upgraded stereo and automatic headlights and wipers. Sporty GT trim is available with the most powerful engines and includes lowered suspension, plusher interior trim and sports seats.