Insurance Group: 14
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 123
0-62 Mph: 9.3 secs
BHP: 120 BHP
Range: 586 miles
The 1.4 litre engine may not be the biggest or the most powerful, but it is still powerful enough for most drivers, while the SE trim brings plenty of kit without breaking the bank.
PROS: The Golf SE 1.4 TSI is arguably the most balanced package in the Golf range, with an engine that delivers good performance and decent economy, plus a good level of standard equipment.
CONS: The boot isn't as large as some of the rivals while the standard petrol engine doesn't quite have the efficiency figures to match some of the headline-grabbing models in the range.
The driving experience of the Golf is one of the main selling points of the car, with a comfortable ride that is balanced, taking bumps and potholes in its stride. The car handles wonderfully with crisp steering that is eager to respond to the wheel, along with plenty of grip that is wonderfully reassuring as you tackle the corners of the most challenging B roads. The engine itself performs reasonably well, and is able to deliver a top speed of 126mph, and delivers acceleration of 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds.
The driving position is excellent with supportive seats that can be fully adjusted along with the steering wheel to allow almost every driver to get comfortable, while visibility is also very good. Whether you are cruising on the motorway or working the car around a country road, the cabin remains very refined, with only a hint of engine and wind noise at speed.
Styling-wise, the Golf is one of the most conservative cars on the market, with its looks the product of nearly forty years of subtle evolution. The lines of the car are still very pleasant and many of the rougher edges have been smoothed out through the generations of the vehicles, meaning that today's Golf is an attractive and smart-looking car. Inside, the trim has a quality feel and is robust, although it doesn't have the style of some of its rivals.
The alloy wheels that are included with the car continue to portray a classy image of the vehicle, with the SE level of trim including some luxuries without becoming too expensive. Air conditioning and electric windows in the front and the back of the car are welcome, while the inclusion of rain sensing wipers is also a good addition to the package.
The boot space in the Golf isn't quite as large as some rivals, but it still offers plenty of space for the majority of users. The cabin is quite spacious and is able to take four adults comfortably, and with space for a third passenger in the back at a squeeze.
The Golf does come with all of the usual airbags with a curtain airbag to look after the rear passengers as well as the people in the front of the car. There is also plenty of equipment such as traction control to try and prevent an accident happening in the first place. These features helped the car achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, which is the top mark available. VW is known for making reliable cars, and the modern Golf is one of the best cars for reliability.
With a list price of £19,645, this version of the Golf is likely to prove to be one of the most popular as it offers a balance between equipment and price, and is quite competitive when compared with its stable-mate the Audi A3, with similar specification. The 1.4-litre engine is a good compromise, delivering decent performance and an average 53.0mpg, which is comparable with its rivals.
Keeping the car on the road is also quite reasonable, with a mid-range road tax band and a fairly low insurance group meaning it should not be too much of a drain on the finances. The Golf is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and is provided with roadside breakdown assistance for the first year.
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