What is it?
Volkswagen has a real knack for making the most out of a single model. Today, the Golf’s line-up is varied, with all manner of different variants expanding out from the regular hatchback. You’ve got performance-orientated GTI and GTE models, alongside e-Hybrid PHEV variants.
Volkswagen has gone a step further and introduced this - the Golf Estate. It brings more in the way of practicality while retaining the latest Golf’s technology-focused cabin.
What’s new?
It’ll come as little surprise that, save for that elongated rear end, the Estate variant of the Golf is much the same as the standard hatchback. It gets that screen-heavy interior, a range of mild-hybrid engines and striking exterior styling.
That said, the new Estate is noticeably longer than the car it replaces, which allows it to offer more rear-seat space and a larger boot, too.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Golf Estate benefits from the same range of engines as the standard hatch, which means there’s the option of diesel and petrol, with the latter coming with mild-hybrid assistance when coupled with an automatic gearbox.
Our test car came with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. With 108bhp and 200Nm it might not be the punchiest engine in the range, but it still manages to power the Golf from 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 126mph. It’s efficient, too, with Volkswagen claiming 51.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 126g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The Golf Estate is a great showcase of how you don’t need to pay top dollar to get refinement. This entry-level version is remarkably hushed and despite a small amount of road noise, it’s a quiet and comfortable place to be. The 1.0-litre engine provides more than enough punch and even at higher speeds, it manages to be responsive.
The steering is nice and direct, too, while body roll is well contained. Though Ford’s Focus may edge ahead in terms of driver enjoyment, the Golf still reigns supreme when it comes to all-round usability.
How does it look?
Many cars look even sleeker when transformed into an estate and that seems to be the case with the Golf. It’s an attractive design, with a sleek rear end that tapers off cleverly at the back of the car. Even in entry-level form it looks good and represents strong progression on the older car.
All cars get standard-fit LED lights, too, while those who fancy a car with a little more presence could opt for an R-Line variant that brings lowered suspension and a sports bodykit.
What’s it like inside?
The Golf’s interior has been a real talking point and it’s the same story with this Estate version. The cabin represents a huge change compared with the older version, with close to all of the buttons being removed and a 10-inch central touchscreen being used for the bulk of the controls instead.
Though it’s great to look at, it can take some getting used to. That said, it’s something that you can easily get up to speed with - we’d just like there to be a few more physical buttons for aspects such as the heating and ventilation. However, where the Golf does really well is space; it has 611 litres available in the boot, rising to 1,642 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
What’s the spec like?
There are fewer trim levels to choose from with the Estate compared with the hatch. Life, Style or R-Line are the three available, bringing different levels of standard equipment.
However, even Life specifications boast front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and that 10-inch touchscreen. You also get digital dials, which can be configured to showcase a variety of readouts.
Verdict
The Golf Estate really ticks the boxes when it comes to spaciousness and practicality. Now roomier than ever, it’s a great option for those who fancy a Volkswagen Golf but need a touch more space than the regular hatch can offer.
What’s more, our entry-level model shows that you don’t need to go for the very top specification to get a premium-feeling and comfortable car.