Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf Plus

Can quality and practicality make up for anonymous looks?

It’s an often-overlooked member of the compact MPV class, but the VW Golf Plus is worth considering. By combining all the best bits of the company’s famous family hatchback with an even more spacious and versatile cabin, the big five-door makes a great deal of sense. Yet it doesn’t shout about its talents from the outside.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unlike its boldly styled rivals, the bland VW doesn’t stand out from the crowd. Dull and unadventurous lines mean it looks very much like a normal Golf to the untrained eye. Even standard 16-inch alloy wheels fail to add glamour to the range-topping SE test car.

This low-key theme continues inside, where it’s clear that VW has chosen function over flair. The upright dashboard has a logical, no-nonsense layout, which sets it apart from the busy Ford and glitzy Mercedes interiors.

There’s nothing wrong with the quality, though. All the switchgear operates precisely, plus the fit and finish is first-rate. Even some hard plastics don’t detract from the overall solid feel of the cabin.

So the Golf Plus’ interior isn’t eye-catching, but a lot of thought has gone into making it both practical and comfortable. A sliding and split-folding rear bench allows you to choose either extra legroom for rear passengers or more luggage space.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

3-Door Hatch

2018 MINI

3-Door Hatch

36,000 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £12,900
View 3-Door Hatch
RANGER

2022 FORD

RANGER

40,581 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £22,000
View RANGER
F-Pace

2020 Jaguar

F-Pace

53,976 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £16,000
View F-Pace
3008

2020 Peugeot

3008

61,000 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £12,750
View 3008

Even in its smallest form, the boot holds a useful 395 litres of luggage, while a false floor lifts to reveal extra storage space. There’s also a neat elastic net to stop loose items rolling around.

What’s more, there are plenty of useful cubbies, including hidden trays under the front seats, a lidded box in the centre console and a very large air-conditioned glovebox.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the VW doesn’t match its rivals for standard kit, you do get all the essentials, such as Bluetooth, air-conditioning and a clever Park Assist system, which automatically slots the car into the tightest of spaces.

The Golf Plus put in a strong performance at the test track, where the punchy 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine helped it to match the B-Class for in-gear acceleration and beat the C-MAX in the sprint from 0-60mph.

Like the Ford, our VW was fitted with a twin-clutch gearbox, but this DSG set-up isn’t as smooth or predictable as the PowerShift transmission. It also adds a hefty £1,350 to the VW’s price, as well as increasing its CO2 emissions from 132g/km to 144g/km.

Away from the track, the Golf Plus isn’t as engaging to drive as the C-MAX, but it trumps the more expensive B-Class. The VW’s well weighted steering feels more natural than the Mercedes’, while its softer suspension does a better job of soaking up bumps and potholes.

The Golf Plus also undercuts the B-Class on price. Even if you go for the DSG box, it costs £23,995 – £715 less than the Merc. With a manual box, the saving increases to £2,080. Factor in a £329 three-year pre-paid service pack and it makes the B-Class look expensive.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: If you’re looking for a solidly upmarket family car, the Golf Plus is worth considering. VW quality and design make it a very sensible choice.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,416 off RRP*Used from £13,539
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £8,450
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: The Vauxhall Frontera Electric feels like a trip back to the 1990s at this price
Vauxhall Frontera Electric - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: The Vauxhall Frontera Electric feels like a trip back to the 1990s at this price

The Frontera Electric could be the perfect car for first-time EV families. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 21.
News
21 Oct 2025
New Jaguar GT shows off more of its controversial and crucial design
Jaguar Type 00 - front 3/4

New Jaguar GT shows off more of its controversial and crucial design

It’s been a long time coming, but Jag’s groundbreaking re-brand is getting closer to fruition
News
21 Oct 2025
Used car leasing boom: drivers can cash-in as firms scramble for EV depreciation life raft
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Used car leasing boom: drivers can cash-in as firms scramble for EV depreciation life raft

The number of used car leases taken out in Q2 of 2025 rose by 166 per cent compared with the same period last year
News
22 Oct 2025