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Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf Match

Volkswagen's Golf Match is a fine hatchback, well kitted out and good value

Volkswagen Golf Match front view

By Sam Hardy

December 2006

The fight for sales in the compact hatchback class is tougher than it has ever been, with makers offering more and more incentives to entice buyers into showrooms.

Take VW's new Golf Match, for example. It comes with extra equipment and a lower price than the SE it replaces, so it sounds like a 'match' made in heaven. But is it? Starting at £14,995, the new model costs £380 less than the outgoing SE, and fits in between S and Sport trims. On the outside, 15-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded bumpers and rubbing strips brighten things up - while the cabin gets plenty of extra equipment.

In addition to air-con, there's a three-spoke leather steering wheel with controls for the trip computer and stereo, and a neat connecting cable is hidden in the centre armrest to plug in an MP3 music player. According to VW, choosing all this equipment on the old SE would have cost at least £720, so combined with the price cut, the Match offers a saving of more than £1,000. The good news continues when you hit the road. Our test car's 113bhp 1.6-litre engine may not have the most spirited performance, but it's refined and economical.

Those handsome but relatively small diameter alloys mean the ride is very comfortable, too. Factor in the accurate steering, and while the Golf isn't quite as entertaining as a Ford Focus, it's a very composed machine.

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For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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Volkswagen Golf Match front view
Volkswagen Golf Match inside view

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FIRST OPINION

    With all the cabin kit most drivers will ever need, plus neat styling tweaks and a competitive price, there’s no doubt the Golf Match is great value. The engine could do with more power, but it’s still a fine hatchback.

    * Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 113bhp
    * Price: £14,995

 
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