Volkswagen Golf
Ordering a drink from a coffee shop is a complicated process these days. Do you want decaf, skimmed milk or extra strong? Regular, large or super-sized?
The Golf Plus offers more passenger and load space than the conventional hatch. While its uninspiring styling disappoints, it retains the Golf's well rounded drive. But with the seven-seat Touran and the SEAT Altea and Toledo pairing already in the VW Group line-up, the Plus enters a crowded market. It adds depth to the VW's range, but it's in no way revolutionary.
Ordering a drink from a coffee shop is a complicated process these days. Do you want decaf, skimmed milk or extra strong? Regular, large or super-sized?
The new-car market is becoming nearly as confusing, and it's not only traditionally adventurous marques such as Citroen and Renault which are setting the pace.
Volkswagen is the latest maker to get in on the act, with the new Golf Plus slotting into its range between the conventional Golf and the Touran.
Designed for people who want more room than is offered by the five-door hatchback yet don't want to upscale to the seven-seat Touran, the Plus has the same wheelbase and length as the Golf, but sits 95mm taller.
That means that the front seats are 75mm higher than in a standard model, and the resulting lofty driving position aims to appeal to SUV owners.
There's plenty of headroom, while the redesigned rear bench also brings an extra 25mm legroom. Meanwhile, each side of the 60/40-split seat slides independently to vary luggage space.
With a maximum boot capacity of 505 litres - 155 up on the Golf - the Plus follows the same cargo concept as the SEAT Altea. This means that adding to the practicality is a floor which offers a hidden cubby and a flat load area. All of this makes the Plus much more versatile than the conventional hatch.
At the front, the clear controls and dials follow the Golf's winning formula. The Plus does get a unique dash with eight small air vents, though, and the optional sat-nav screen is set high up, leaving room for three little storage areas below.
In addition, there are four flip-down roof cubbies and underseat trays, just like those offered by the Touran. As you would expect, material quality is up to the same standard as that of the regular hatchback.
The driving experience is equally impressive as, despite a higher centre of gravity, the Plus has similar handling to its smaller brother. Body roll is well controlled, the steering nicely weighted and ride composed - so you won't sacrifice family hatch dynamics for an MPV- like experience.
The engine range is the same as the standard car's, and the 2.0-litre TDI Plus we drove comes with a six-speed manual or optional twin-clutch DSG box. Performance and economy are also similar, and in reality it's only the styling that differs.
Viewed in profile, the car is unmistakably a Golf, as the doors and panels feature the same lines, but are taller. The bigger rear lights have LED clusters, while the number plate sits on the tailgate rather than on the bumper.
Up front, the large lamps and gaping grille lack the hatch's sleek profile. Overall, the look is unadventurous and ungainly, and it lacks the Altea's style. Nevertheless, when the Plus arrives in June, it is expected to be £500-£600 more than the equivalent five-door hatchback, giving additional space for not too much extra cash.
There will be no limit to the number built, either, as VW has the ability to vary production for the Plus and the hatch according to demand. So, just like when you order an iced mocha, it's entirely up to you what size you choose.
