Volkswagen Golf Estate (07-09) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 28 September 2009
The estate version of the Golf wasn't introduced until three years after the hatchback came along, but it was worth waiting for. With a boot that's not much smaller than the Passat Estate, it's a surprisingly useful load carrier in a compact shape. Like the standard Golf, it's superbly built and extremely reliable as well as being refined inside with an excellent ride. Volkswagen has a good range of family cars, but the Golf Estate makes a strong case for itself, especially for those who want practicality but don't want something as big as a Passat. It's available with a good range of engines including a very economical Bluemotion TDI version.
4 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Performance

There aren't the same range of engines as in the Golf hatchback or Golf Plus ranges, but the Estate still has a decent choice, especially if you're after economy. The entry-level model is the 1.6-litre petrol with a modest 102bhp. It's smooth and quiet enough for driving around town, but with a heavy load on board it can feel a little strained. It's the only petrol choice but still manages to be useful economical with an average of 38mpg. The diesels include the well used 1.9 TDI with 105bhp. This isn't an especially refined or quiet engine, but it offers decent in-gear pace and economy is an impressive 54mpg making it ideal for long distance drivers. This engine is also used in the low emissions Bluemotion model, which - thanks to aerodynamic and engine tweaks - emits 122g/km of CO2 and averages 61mpg. Despite this it's still as quick as the standard 1.9 TDI with a 0-62mph time of 11.9 seconds. The top engine is the 2.0 TDI with 140bhp, but be aware that there are two different version of this. Both offer good punchy performance and strong economy, but the earlier version is known as a PD engine and is pretty noisy. In 2008 these were replaced by a common rail version (known as CR) which is far quieter with a smoother power delivery. The 2.0 TDI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard while all other models get a five-speed gearbox. A semi-automatic DSG gearbox is available as an optional extra on both TDI engines

4 out of 5

Handling

With a large-capacity rear-end and a limited, modestly powered engine line-up, the Estate version isn't expected to deliver driving thrills, but it drives pleasantly enough in a safe and predictable manner. Light steering and gearchange help make it easy to pilot and there's a feeling of security and solidity about its behaviour on the road. Overall it feels little different from the Golf hatchback with a smooth ride and quiet cabin.