Volkswagen Golf 2.0 FSI

It may not feel radically different, but VW's new Golf addresses all the criticisms of the current car and adds some welcome dynamic competence. While it's bigger and heavier, there are real benefits to practicality and boot space, and the improved dash and materials could be from the class above. The newcomer certainly gives the Focus and Astra a lot to live up to.

Let the games begin! For Volkswagen, the success of the new Golf is crucial, but it's going to have to be good to take the sales lead from the latest generations of the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus when the trio are launched in the spring.

Auto Express has kicked off the competition by bringing you this exclusive first drive of VW's fifth-generation model to see if it's on a par with the high expectations of family car buyers.

The question on everyone's lips is whether the engineers have fulfilled their brief to make the Golf as good to drive as a Focus. VW knew this wouldn't be easy, and decided the best way to give its newcomer the same sort of dynamic prowess as the Ford was to employ a similar suspension set-up. Out on the road, the four-link rear axle gives the Golf a far more agile feel, and provides much greater body control.

Drive through a series of challenging bends and, where the old model would wallow, the new Golf tucks in and encourages you to push it harder. An astonishing 80 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, the new car is also more stable and smooth-riding on undulating surfaces. It's not quite as sporty as the current Focus, but it's not far away.

VW's new electro-mechanical steering is equally impressive, avoiding the vagueness and lack of feedback that plagues similar systems from rivals. In fact, most drivers won't even notice the changeover from the conventional set-up fitted to the current car. It's a similar story with the styling. Approach the Golf and it looks instantly familiar - the thick C-pillar, the high waistline and the steep rear window are all part of an evolving shape that dates back to the late Seventies. As VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder explains: "The only mistake the Golf can make is to stop being a Golf."

However, what is noticeable is the increase in size. There's more legroom for rear seat passengers and the boot now has a 350-litre capacity - that's 20 litres more than the current Golf.

Settle into the driver's seat and VW drivers will instantly feel at home. The dashboard is given a touch of class by Phaeton-style dials, while the centre console is similar to that of the Touran.

At launch, the Golf will be available in both three and five-door bodystyles with 75bhp 1.4 and 115bhp 1.6-litre FSI petrol engines, plus either a 1.9-litre or 2.0-litre TDI diesel, all of which comply with strict new tax-friendly emissions targets. A new FSi version of the 1.4 will be added later, as will the 2.0-litre FSI which powers the car we drove.

This engine has already been put to good use in Audi's A3, and it certainly complements the Golf's slick six-speed manual gearbox. The excellent DSG sequential system found in the Audi TT will also be available. Fire it up and the FSI is quiet and refined, but this only serves to emphasise the excessive wind and tyre noise at speed.

Prices are yet to be announced, but customers can expect a slight increase over the cost of current versions. There will be no basic entry-level model, so the range is expected to start at around £12,500, while this 2.0 FSI three-door is likely to cost approximately £15,750.
P44: Golf and Astra head to head