Volkswagen Golf - Pictures

Everything about the VW’s cabin feels special, from the soft-touch plastics to the solid switchgear. Wide door pockets are handy, too, but it’s easy to hit your left knee on the unpadded console strut in right-hand bends

The three-spoke leather steering wheel is good to hold, and has multifunction controls for the stereo and trip computer. This makes it easy to cycle through the central display menu, which shows range and economy

As with its rivals, the Golf has rear Isofix child seat fittings as standard – and the plastic slots make attaching chairs easier than in any rival. It’s surprising, then, that the VW gets only four airbags; the Auris has n

Golf’s load bay isn’t enormous, but it’s very well shaped. And with the seats folded down, it has a maximum volume of 1,305 litres – bettered only by the Civic

Over smooth surfaces, the Golf’s cruising ability is superb, with excellent refinement. Yet while the steering is accurate, the German machine isn’t as engaging to drive as the Focus