Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 45.6
CO2: 144
0-62 Mph: 9.5 secs
BHP: 120 BHP
Range: 552 miles
PROS: This is probably the best engine in the range. Its blend of performance, price and economy is very favourable.
CONS: The ‘S’ model is the basic trim version, meaning that the car misses out on a lot of desirable extras such as alloy wheels and rear electric windows. The interior is also smaller than the Match version and drivers with higher mileage will prefer the diesel engine.
The Golf S 1.4 litre TSI engine is superb. It produces 120 bhp which gives the car a decent top speed of 124 mph. It will also go from 0-62 in a sprightly 9.5 seconds.
The car comes with electronic stability control, which works well with the power steering to make sure the car is an easy and enjoyable drive. There is little body roll and plenty of grip in the corners.
The car moves over the road very smoothly and the ride quality is supple, which comes from Volkswagen's tried and tested suspension system.
Inside the cabin, visibility is good and the engine noise is no more than a low thrum when cruising. The S version doesn’t come with all the driver comforts you would expect from a Match, but the dashboard is solid and easy to navigate.
The Golf is a very good looking car. It isn’t as aggressively styled as in-house rival, the Scirocco, but nevertheless is a sought-after model. The layout of the car is very nice, easy to use and the cabin is comfortable if not luxurious.
The S comes with some useful features as standard. These include power steering, electric front windows, electric mirrors, an immobiliser and a CD player.
There are a lot of optional extras that will come at a price including alloy wheels (£410), cruise control (£235), rear parking sensors (£440), an alarm (£230) and Bluetooth connectivity (£310).
Not many cars can blend practicality with performance like the Golf, and this model is no different. There is a large and easily accessible boot (350 litres with the seats up and 1305 litres with them folded down), and a cabin which will seat four comfortably, and five with little difficulty.
The warranty will last 3 years or 60,000 miles. The car also scored an overall rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings.
The Golf is secure, although you do have to pay extra for an alarm – an immobiliser comes as standard, as do driver, passenger and front side airbags.
As with any Volkswagen, you will find a reliable and highly polished engine and a well-built interior. The service costs are variable, with most owners finding them reasonable and repair costs rare, due to the reliable nature of the engine.
The car costs £17,230 new, which isn’t too expensive considering the good level of performance it provides. However, as it is the S version, desirable extras such as alloy wheels and an alarm will cost more.
This Golf is in insurance group 17, which means insurance won’t be too expensive, and road tax band F, which is average. At 45.6 mpg, trips to the petrol station won’t be too frequent, and the solid engine will rarely need expensive repairs. CO2 emissions are 144 g/km.
Some buyers will prefer to spend that little bit more on a Match version for added luxury, but this is a good car, with an excellent engine. It will also keep its re-sale value better than most.
Drivers who travel long distances may prefer the diesel option for decreased fuel costs.
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