Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf Estate

Is revamp of MkV enough to keep carrier in contention?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£3,189 off RRP*
Find your Volkswagen Golf
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

It’s a shame VW didn’t decide to offer a completely new Golf Estate. This facelifted model is still a good car, but the firm could have made it even more versatile and better-looking.  With a wide range of engines, decent driving dynamics and impressive practicality, it still makes sense. Yet unlike the hatchback models, it’s not much of a leap forward.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Here's the new VW that aims to add ‘loads’ to the Golf line-up! With a big boot, this Estate model is certainly practical – even if it is not the most modern of offerings.

That’s right, if you’re looking at these pictures thinking there is something familiar about this model, you’d be right. The ‘newcomer’ is actually based on the previous MkV
Golf Estate but with a fresh front end, topped off by an upgraded cabin and fresh range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

While the latest MkVI Golf hatchback looks sharp and sophisticated thanks to a neat front end, this estate – with an ungainly rear which is almost completely carried over from the last car – is bulbous and dowdy.

It’s still practical, though. There’s a reasonable amount of space in the back for three adults, and the boot provides a generous 505-litre capacity. This can be increased to a cavernous 1,495 litres by folding the rear seats flat. However, unlike some class competitors, there’s no sliding adjustment of the bench.

Neat
Up front, the cabin gets the MkVI’s soft-touch dash, deep-set dials and neat three-spoke steering wheel. Everything is solidly built and very well laid out, and brushed aluminium highlights add a touch of style.

The driving position is also comfortable and manoeuvrable, while the optional leather seats on our car, which come with adjustable lumbar support, are soft and supportive.

Petrol options in the new engine line-up include a 105bhp 1.2-litre turbo and a 122bhp 1.4-litre FSI, while buyers can also specify the twin-clutch DSG gearbox.

Our model was powered by the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, though. This is punchy, with a 0-60mph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, as well as economical. VW claims it returns 56.5mpg and emits 132g/km – improvements of 6.5mpg and 22g/km on the previous 2.0 TDI Estate.

The handling is safe and competent, with light yet accurate steering, decent grip and impressive body control. There’s no trade-off on comfort, either – the ride is soft enough to soak up even the harshest surfaces. As ever, the Golf Estate is solid and dependable, with strong practicality and reassuring quality. It’s not the best-looking load carrier, but it still convinces as a spacious and versatile family car.

Rival: Mégane Sp. Tourer
Renault has stuck to the tried-and-tested formula of offering a large boot and ample passenger space – so the handsome Mégane estate is an impressive family holdall.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,189 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Seat Leon

Seat Leon

RRP £24,125Avg. savings £8,374 off RRP*Used from £7,795
Cupra Leon

Cupra Leon

RRP £31,415Avg. savings £9,166 off RRP*Used from £17,399
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried
BYD Seal 6 Touring - front tracking

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried

BYD’s latest arrival isn’t an EV, but efficiency is still key
Road tests
3 Sep 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025