£25,000 - £30,000 - VW Golf SV GT 2.0 TDI DSG
A total of 11 cars did battle in our £25,000-£30,000 class, but only one could win – and we handed the crown to the new VW Golf SV.
Contenders
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 2.0 HDi Exclusive+Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC EX Plus Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC EX Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SR 2WD Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi KX-4 Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Double Cab Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 140 Outdoor Plus SsangYong Rexton W EX Auto Subaru Forester 2.0D XC Volkswagen Golf Estate 2.0 TDI SE Volkswagen Golf SV 2.0 TDI GT DSG
A total of 11 cars did battle in our £25,000-£30,000 class, but only one could win – and we handed the crown to the new VW Golf SV.
It’s larger and more practical than the ageing Golf Plus it replaces, and uses the latest hatch’s platform and running gear – so it’s a fine family car in its own right. But how does it fare once hooked up to a five-berth Bailey Pursuit 560-5?
The versatile 2.0-litre TDI diesel was the star of the show, and was soon cruising effortlessly at 70mph. The SV was rock-solid at speed and shrugged off any hint of crosswind.
VW’s standard Golf hatch has always been fun to drive, and the SV carries over some of that magic, even though it’s longer and wider. The steering is responsive and nicely weighted, and the SV holds the road surprisingly well, with only a hint of body roll through tight corners.
The smooth and efficient six-speed DSG box is a good match, keeping the engine on the boil so the car can take steep inclines in its stride. Plus, the electric parking brake worked perfectly on the hill start.
On top of all this, the SV’s huge load capacity will appeal to families heading on long caravanning trips. Sliding back seats allow boot space to be varied between 500 and 590 litres, and there’s a vast 1,512-litre capacity if you fold the rear bench flat. As the cabin’s lifted from the hatch, it’s a familiar layout that uses high-quality materials. Its extra space will carry a family of five in comfort.
One word on our GT’s stiffer sports suspension; while it didn’t hamper the ride while towing, it may be a bit harsh for passengers with the car unhitched.
