Volkswagen Golf S 1.2 TSI (85ps) 3dr Car Review - June 2013

The 1.2-litre, 84bhp, turbocharged petrol engine won’t provide rip-roaring performance, but with an adequate 118 lb-ft of torque it is still sufficient for an 11.9 second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 111mph. As with the lesser models in the range, the basic suspension in the Golf S 1.2 TSI results in a ride which is merely very good, rather then excellent, as you would describe the rest of the Golf’s driving characteristics. Its well balanced and responsive drive is the envy of most of its rival, and this is enhanced by a well thought out cabin with a comfortable driving position and ergonomically angled dashboard. The controls are clear and easy to use, feeling well constructed to boot. Vision is fine all round, making the Golf a very easy car to own and drive.

The entry-level S trim still gets you power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric windows, driver passenger and front side airbags, immobiliser, and CD player with MP3 connectivity, and bluetooth all as standard equipment. There is also a lengthy list of optional extras to choose from, including alloy wheels for £420, metallic paint for £525, cruise control for £240, rear parking sensor for £450, and an alarm for £230. Choosing the right combination of these will add value when it comes to sell your Golf, but will see the purchase price spiral too. The Golf, in its latest incarnation, is a classy looking car. Highlights include the narrow grille and angled lamps which share much of the characteristics of the Scirocco, giving even the base model in the Golf range a hint of sportiness.

The Volkswagen Golf boasts a full 5-star rating by Euro NCAP, the independent consumer organisation who conduct safety and crash tests on all new cars released onto the European market, with airbags aplenty and other driver aids such as stability control included as standard. This will give enormous peace of mind to any potential buyer, as will the manufacturers 3-year, 60,000-mile warranty included with all new Golf’s. There is plenty of room in the Golf, even for rear seat passengers, and although the 380-litres of luggage capacity is unremarkable, it rises to 1270-litres once the standard fit split-folding rear seats are fully lowered, and also features an adjustable floor which makes the boot area more accessible.

Volkswagen traditionally performs well in terms of customer satisfaction, with no less than seven models in the top 50 of the 2012 JD Power survey. This reputation helps bolster the resale values of its models, the Golf included, and so although the £16,495 Golf S 1.2 TSI is more expensive to buy than some of its class competitors it represents arguably the soundest investment. Low running costs mean ownership won’t break the bank, with a combined fuel economy figure of 57.6mpg. The Golf S 1.2 TDI falls into Road Tax Band C as a result of CO2 emissions of 113g/km. The only disappointment is that the higher SE trim level is not available on 1.2-litre models, so it will need some ticks on the options list to add some desirable items.