Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Golf

Our class champ won’t give up its crown without a fight

As with the Civic, the Volkswagen Golf has a heritage that stretches back more than three decades. But while Honda’s family hatch has taken many style directions through the years, the Golf has followed a far more evolutionary path.

It has become an instantly recognisable benchmark in this market. Its solid, classless looks are the polar opposite of the Honda’s unusual shapes and sharp angles. And while it seems a bit sensible, it’s unquestionably smart, well proportioned and nicely detailed. Even in mid-spec Match trim it looks upmarket.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This premium feel doesn’t come at the expense of day-to-day practicality, though. Our pictures show a three-door version, but in the five-door tested, interior space is a big strength. There’s plenty of rear legroom and better headroom than in the Honda, although the bulky floor tunnel is a little intrusive. Plus, while the 350-litre boot trails the Civic’s for space, it has a wide opening and is more useful than the Focus’ shallow boot.

However, what really separates the Golf from its rivals is the simplicity of the driving environment. While the two-tier Honda dash is an acquired taste and the button-heavy Focus layout overwhelming, VW’s straightforward approach is refreshingly easy to live with.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A1 Sportback

2024 Audi

A1 Sportback

4,574 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £21,900
View A1 Sportback
iX3

2024 BMW

iX3

38,588 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £28,300
View iX3
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

25,256 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,800
View T-Cross
A1 Sportback

2024 Audi

A1 Sportback

26,286 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,450
View A1 Sportback

Better still, the fit and finish inside is  faultless and the deep-set dials and subtle backlighting are classy touches. There’s plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustment and the driving position is excellent, plus you get loads of stowage for odds and ends, with big, carpet-lined door pockets, twin cup-holders and a large glovebox.

On the road, the 2.0-litre TDI engine has a punchy delivery and a broad spread of power. The Golf was slowest from 0-60mph, recording a time of 9.8 seconds, but proved a close match for the Focus during our in-gear tests. Real differences only emerge in sixth, where the VW’s long, eco-optimised gearing blunts responses.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even though it delivers 30Nm less torque than the Honda, at 320Nm, the Golf is noticeably more responsive. Plus, the engine is more refined than the Civic’s.

Road noise is well isolated from the cabin, while the composed chassis and taut suspension set-up deliver a comfortable ride and excellent body control. In corners there’s plenty of grip, and vice-free handling makes the Golf reassuring and relaxing to drive. Plus, all the controls are well weighted and help the car communicate feedback better than the Civic.

Our 2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology model has stop-start, and emits 4g/km more than the Honda, at 114g/km. But both cars sit in the same company car tax band and we averaged 43.5mpg in the Golf.

Private buyers will take heart from the VW’s strong residual values, and the non BlueMotion Tech model, which is £410 cheaper than the car tested here, but has CO2 emissions of 126g/km.

Match trim comes with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth – it’s closely matched to the Honda. So the Golf puts up a stout defence of its crown.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The Golf is our current class favourite and the car Honda’s engineers used as a benchmark for quality and refinement.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,450 off RRP*Used from £11,850
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,232 off RRP*Used from £17,100
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,908
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025