Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf Plus review (2004-2009)

Find your Volkswagen Golf Plus
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Designed to slot into the gap between the conventional Golf hatchback and the Touran compact MPV, the Golf Plus is neither a regular hatchback nor conventional compact MPV. So instead of the availability of seven seats, you get a more versatile and spacious load area, the rear seats folding, splitting and sliding to accommodate larger loads. So it's best to think of the Golf Plus as just as its name suggests, a Golf, only plus. Even the marketing people couldn't come up with anything more interesting to say about it other than 'A Golf just a little bit bigger.' Either they've come over with a rare stint of honesty, or the Golf Plus really is tricky product to place. The reality is that in practice the Golf Plus is actually quite an accomplished and practical machine. Sharing the majority of its components with its regular hatchback alternative the Golf Plus is unquestionably more useful and spacious, while the additional height, and resultant increased ease of access and better view ahead is also certain to appeal to many buyers.

On the road, rather unsurprisingly, it's very Golf-like to drive. That means a decent ride, uncomplicated handling and decent refinement. Only a bit of additional wind noise at speed lets it down. Outwardly at a glance it's little different in style, but take a closer look and the details begin to reveal themselves. Then you'll notice the large circular rear lamps, and deeper, taller panels. The result not as smart as the regular Golf, but otherwise it's inoffensively styled and nowhere near as bland as the slab-sided Touran. All the engines and transmissions of the Golf are offered, except for the GTI's 2.0-litre turbo, meaning frugal and punchy diesels and a similarly accomplished petrol line-up. Some might consider it a pointless niche, but if you like the idea of a Golf, but need some of the Touran's increased space without the call for additional seats, then the Golf Plus is the car for you.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

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
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,908
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*
* 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