Volkswagen Golf Road Test

Volkswagen Golf

The BlueMotion models may major on economy and cleanliness but nothing has been left out in order to achieve these goals. The S and Match have the same specification as the BlueMotion S and Match.

The S is distinguished by its black mirrors and bump-strips, while inside, the driver benefits from a height-adjustable seat, a rake- and reach-adjustable steering column, powered and heated door mirrors and powered front windows. On the other hand, everyone can enjoy the semi-automatic air conditioning (with dust and pollen filter) and the radio/CD/MP3 player.

The Match has alloy wheels, body-coloured bump-strips and door handles. The multifunctional steering wheel is leather-clad along with the gear-knob are and there are now brushed and lacquered, stainless steel trim effects on the centre console and fascia. Cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers are also added to the list and the rear windows become powered. The front seats are swapped for ‘Comfort’ seats with height and lumbar adjustment, with an armrest in between. Incidentally, the Match is only available as a five-door.

The GT Sport lives up to its name with a sports styling pack and heated, leather-covered sports seats, rear tinted windows, front foglights, sports suspension, twin exhausts (170PS) and the rest is much the same as the Match. I should point that options are plentiful and the test car came with a few of them, most notable was the DVD, touch-screen navigation/radio system with a 6-CD autochanger under the armrest for £1,400.

All of the mainstream Golfs have the same safety features; ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), ESP and automatic hazard lights that come on under emergency braking. There are curtain airbags for front and rear passengers as well as the usual, front airbags. ISOFIX anchors are provided for the outer rear seats and everyone gets a three-point seat belt and headrest.

The Golf has become one of those cars you can rely on for styling, comfort, ergonomic efficiency and excellent engines and gearboxes. And that is probably why it is a best-seller with well over 25million examples produced to date. BlueMotion is simply icing on the cake.

Volkswagen Golf