Skip advert
Advertisement

Compact Family Car of the Year 2017: Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is the 2017 Auto Express Compact Family Car of the Year, with the Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Astra commended

The evergreen Golf is back with a bang. After giving best to the Vauxhall Astra and its close cousin, the SEAT Leon, the refreshed and revitalised VW has battled its way to the top of this fiercely fought class.

This success hasn’t been achieved with one major change, but a host of small, perfectly targeted tweaks for this Mk7.5 model that address the previous Golf’s few weaknesses. Upgraded engines, a new infotainment system and revised trim levels all feature, as does added safety kit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Yet the core of the car remains unchanged, so it still sets the standard for comfort, refinement and upmarket appeal. It’s practical, too, with more than enough space for most families, plus numerous thoughtful touches that make living with the Golf so easy.

VW has left the styling largely unchanged, so you get the same elegantly proportioned and neatly detailed hatchback that effortlessly fits into any surroundings.

It’s a similar story inside, where premium materials, solid build quality and a logical layout instantly make you feel right at home. A real highlight is the new eight-inch infotainment system, with its crisp graphics, intuitive menus and excellent smartphone connectivity.

On the move the Golf delivers a compelling blend of comfort, refinement and driver engagement, while the revised engines offer a strong mix of performance and refinement. Pick of the bunch is the new 108bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol. Smooth, eager and capable of nearly 60mpg, it makes the diesels largely redundant.

Volkswagen Golf - rear

If that doesn’t float your boat, don’t worry because there’s a Golf for every taste and budget. Eco-friendly motorists can choose the all-electric e-Golf or the racy plug-in hybrid GTE, while those who need some high-octane thrills can plump for the GTI or flagship R.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Over 40 years in the making, the perfectly evolved Golf retains its place at the top of the family hatch tree.

Our choice 

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI SE Nav 5dr (£20,260) 

Simple is best with the Golf, so unless you need the ultimate in performance or kit, then SE Nav models cover all the bases. Adaptive cruise control, sat-nav, an excellent infotainment system and a raft of safety systems feature, while the 1.0 TSI effortlessly mixes pace and efficiency. 

Commended 

Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia - front

Underpinned by the same mechanicals as the Golf but dressed in more practical clothes, the Octavia makes plenty of sense. It’s not as glamorous, well equipped or refined as its award-winning cousin, but top-value pricing and a vast boot make the Skoda a sensible choice for buyers wanting their money to go further.

Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra - front

Last year’s winner has slipped off the top spot, but the Astra remains a compelling compact hatchback choice. Few rivals have a better ride and handling balance, while Vauxhall’s OnStar concierge service and 4G mobile Internet connection is unique in this class, and a valuable addition. 

Auto Express New Car Awards 2017

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2017 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025
Best hatchbacks - header

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025

We’ve selected our top 10 best family hatchbacks so you don’t have to
Best cars & vans
9 Jul 2025
Three car garage: Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia award winners, all for £45k
Three-car garage - 45,000

Three car garage: Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia award winners, all for £45k

A Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia are a fantastic group of former Car of the Year winners
Features
7 Jul 2025
Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models
Best selling cars - June2025

Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models

These are officially Britain’s biggest-selling new cars so far this year
Best cars & vans
4 Jul 2025
Family Car of the Year 2025: Skoda Octavia
Family Car of the Year 2025: Skoda Octavia

Family Car of the Year 2025: Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia is the 2025 Auto Express Family Car of the Year, with the Citroen C4 and Dacia Jogger commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025

Most Popular

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
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 Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025