VW Golf MkVI

After 35 years at the top, VW’s family-friendly Golf has entered its sixth generation – and it’s still a class benchmark.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
Latest deal price: from £14,230 to £22,300
On the road price: £14,195 - £32,975
For : Build quality, refinement, driving experience
Against : Uninspiring looks, unimaginative packaging

On paper, the Golf looks pricy compared to its rivals. However, it also feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its high quality cabin. Three and five door versions are available. It's good to drive, and engines offer good fuel economy. The GTI version is one of our favourite hot hatches. You’ll also get more of your outlay back when it’s time to trade-in, with predicted residual values of nearly 50 percent for diesel-engined models.

Our choice: VW Golf MkVI GT 1.4 TSI 160 PS

Styling

At the front you'll find Volkswagen Scirocco style grille and headlamps, while larger tail-lights feature at the rear. The look is subdued compared to the Renault Megane or Ford Focus, but the Golf's detailing - there are miniature VW badges inside the lights - is certainly impressive. The interior is simple, but looks upmarket. Three trim options are available – S, Match and GT. Entry-level cars do without alloy wheels, while range-topping versions are distinguished by chrome detailing, fog-lights and large alloys. Range topping GTI and R models get unique bodykits and interior trim, including tartan cloth seats in the GTI.

Driving and Performance

On the road, it’s clear that refinement is the priority, even for top specification GTI models. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion. On winding roads, the Golf offers great composure and strong grip, but entry level models lack ultimate feedback. Buyers wanting a more involving driving experience can pick the GT, GTD and GTI models - all of which offer sports suspension, uprated brakes and more steering feel. Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) damping system offers separate sport, normal and comfort suspension settings. All versions come with either a five of six-speed manual gearbox. The slick shifting DSG dual clutch transmission is a costly option. Engines are strong. We are big fans of the punchy and efficient 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine that features both a turbo and supercharger. Buyers seeking hot hatch thrills can opt for the GTI model which gets a 2.0-litre petrol turbo. The Golf R model is the most extreme evolution, and offers four-wheel drive.

MPG and running costs

For best fuel economy, choose Volkswagen's 2.0-litre common-rail diesel motor with either 108 or 138bhp. The turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI engine also offers strong blend of performance and economy. Scheduled servicing costs are a reasonable £129. The Golf has strong residual values, GTI and GTD models are particularly in demand used, helping keep whole life running costs low.

Practicality

The Volkswagen Golf has a spacious and comfortable interior and a generous, easy to access boot. The car is much nicer to ride in than the Renault Megane, for example, and thanks to its deep door pockets and cabin cubbie holes, it's better suited to family life.

Safety and reliability

If only everything in life was a reliable as a Volkswagen... A nice line, but a little optimistic, if owner forums are anything to go by. In recent years the VW Golf has suffered from a series of niggling faults with parts like the damped grab handles and glovebox locks. VW promises a new focus on quality has resolved this. Safety meanwhile is first rate, and the MK VI Golf has a five star EuroNCAP rating.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

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

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous Next >

2 Comments

1.6TDi 105PS

Great improvement over MkV 1.9TDi.
Engine downsize works

By ijcijc1 on 19 September, 2009, 7:55pm

WTF....

Most people aspire to buy into the VW brand, thinking its a good car & consumer product; how wrong are they! The Golf is as interesting as rotting wood, so dull it makes me suicidal looking at it. Reliability is poor, no where as good as they claimed to be.
Most people are marketing man's suckers, they would buy one thinking they have "made it" buying a Golf or any VW. Kind of explains the mentality of most of the people in this country.

By scott1234 on 30 October, 2009, 10:40pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.

Pictures

VW Golf MkVI