Volkswagen Golf Plus Review

Due to be launched in the UK on the 1st of June 2005 the Volkswagen Golf Plus is a new addition to the increasingly popular Golf range and fits into the Volkswagen line-up between the Golf hatchback and Touran compact MPV.

The Golf Plus is closer in concept to the Golf than the Touran, the latter model being a larger vehicle offered with seven seats. Where the Touran appeals directly to buyers with families who are primarily concerned with practicality and space, the Golf Plus is likely to attract those without families or with a small family - but who require more room and flexibility than a traditional hatchback can offer.

The Golf Plus range mirrors that of the Golf hatchback with shared engines and trim levels ranging from S, SE, Sport and GT TDI/GT FSI. There will not however be a GTI or a three-door model in the Golf Plus range. Specification levels are also very similar to those of its hatch sibling, meaning highlights such as standard ESP, ABS, twin front, side and curtain airbags, and a CD player.

Prices start at £12,895 and rise to £19,600 and the engine line up includes both petrol and diesel variants. Transmissions range from five and six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).

At the recent launch of the Golf Plus we drove a Sport 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS, fitted with a 5 speed manual gearbox to find out if the new Golf Plus manages to incorporate more interior space and functionality whilst retaining the driving dynamics and style of a Golf hatchback