Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

The steering for the Golf is accurate and quick to respond, while the suspension offers a comfortable ride that is only slightly firmer than the standard versions. The body control and grip in the corners are both excellent, with the steering becoming seamlessly more weighted as you pick up the pace and head on to the motorway. Inside the car the driving position has plenty of adjustment to ensure the driver can quickly get comfortable, and visibility is good to the front and rear.

Although this is an engine that really has been designed for great efficiency, it is no slouch in terms of performance either, with the acceleration from 0-62mph taking place in a brisk 11.3 seconds. The top speed of 118mph means that it is perfectly happy at motorway pace, while the refined cabin means that cruising on the motorway really is enjoyable.

The Volkswagen Golf is a car that has been on our roads for decades, and the evolution of the design has led to a beautiful car that is the envy of many manufacturers. The grille blends into the oval headlight clusters, and the introduction of an air intake below the number plate is still tasteful. Inside the Golf is simple and attractive, with matte plastics and an easy to read dashboard, with chunky controls that are easy to use on the centre console.

Alloy wheels are included as standard with this version of the Golf, and there is also a good CD stereo which has MP3 connectivity too. Air conditioning is included as standard, but many people will want to look for a few more luxuries from the optional extras list.

One aspect in which the Volkswagen Golf is very good is in its practicality, as the cabin is spacious and comfortable, and can easily accommodate four adults, although five is a little bit of a squeeze in this three door version. The boot space is good, and the seat fold forward if a larger load space is required. Volkswagen also has a very good reputation for reliability, with the Golf getting an above average rating in a recent driver satisfaction survey.

The Golf is also a very safe car to drive, with plenty of driver aids including stability control to help avoid any accidents or collisions. There are also plenty of airbags should this happen which will protect those in the rear as well as the occupants in the front of the car. The Golf was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

There are cheaper versions of the Golf available, but at £18,845 this version really does offer a lot compared with the increased prices for some other cars with ultra efficient engines. There are also competitors like the Skoda Octavia that do offer medium sized hatchback driving for a lower price, but they do struggle to match the quality and class of the Golf.

The Bluemotion engine delivers an excellent average 74.3mpg, and because of its very low emissions you will also not have to pay for the road tax for the car. The relatively low insurance group means that insuring this model of the Golf is also quite cheap, and the Golf also holds its value very well, meaning that it won’t lose too much value when you have to sell the car. The car does come with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and also has a one year roadside recovery membership.