Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf Estate

Traditional estate is still a top-quality product

While Hyundai and Renault have ditched the estate badge for more lifestyle-friendly names like Tourer and Sport Tourer, Volkswagen has no such insecurities over its dependable Golf.

And despite being the oldest car in the test, the Golf Estate still looks good. The front end has the same classy appearance as the hatch, while chrome trim highlights the extended window line. SE models get black roof rails, but for £120 you can go for more upmarket silver versions. Unfortunately, slightly uninspiring tail-lights make the car least attractive from the rear.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Climb aboard, and the VW wins you over. Cabin quality has always been one of the car’s biggest selling points, and that hasn’t changed. Hyundai’s huge advances mean there’s no longer a gulf of difference when it comes to quality, but the Golf still has a premium feel.

The layout is less complicated than the Renault’s, and the driving position is perfect. The deep-set dials are easy to read and all the controls are nicely weighted. Our car came with an optional multifunction leather steering wheel and touchscreen navigation, but cruise control and the black dash inserts are standard in this classy cabin.

The Golf isn’t just about quality, however, as it provides enough space to be a useful estate car. Rear passenger room is a match for the newer Hyundai, although a slightly larger transmission tunnel means there’s not as much foot space for those in the middle seat.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

36,740 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,549
View Golf
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

22,470 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,149
View Golf
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

29,770 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,674
View Golf

With the rear seats in place, the 505-litre boot is 23 litres smaller than the Hyundai’s, and the Golf has the narrowest gap between the wheelarches. But there’s a 1,710mm maximum load length, so the car will still carry a full-size bicycle with ease.

On top of that, the boot features an array of useful bag hooks and underfloor storage, plus it’s the only car to get a load-through ski hatch as standard. There are even neat sliding trays under the front seats.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Golf struggles on ultimate volume, though. While the rear seats fold flat, its 1,495-litre capacity trails the i30’s by 147 litres. Even the Renault has a 105-litre advantage.

Power comes from VW’s tried and tested 1.6 TDI diesel, which thanks to BlueMotion Technology emits just 109g/km – making the car a fraction cleaner than the Hyundai.

However, it isn’t as refined, and with 10Nm less torque – at 250Nm – it’s not as responsive as the i30. Real-world pace is further blunted by the long ratios of the five-speed transmission, which forces you to constantly change gear to keep the engine in its narrow powerband.

Still, we averaged 45.4mpg, and the Golf is quiet and comfortable at speed. It’s reassuringly composed in corners, too. Weighty steering and lots of grip combine with decent body control to make the car very easy to drive. It’s not as firm as the Renault and better controlled than the Hyundai, and an accomplished ride wraps up a polished dynamic set-up.

Strong residuals and fixed-price servicing go some way to balancing out the price gap to its cheaper and better equipped rivals here.

Details

Chart position: 3Why? Our current favourite is the benchmark for desirability and quality. With the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology diesel, it’s clean, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Cupra Leon

Cupra Leon

RRP £32,140Avg. savings £6,583 off RRP*Used from £19,699
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Cupra Formentor

Cupra Formentor

RRP £32,315Avg. savings £6,728 off RRP*Used from £14,225
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025