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

Other Volkswagen reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Golf hatchback was the first Volkswagen to achieve a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test result and the Estate would perform just as well. In addition, every car has twin front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, a head airbag system for front and rear passengers, anti-whiplash protection, five three-point seatbelts and Isofix childseat anchor points. All cars have an alarm, immobiliser and a stereo that's unique to the car, as well as a key that's difficult to copy.

NCAP Test

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4 out of 5

Reliability

Like any modern Volkswagen, the Golf Estate is unlikely to cause major problems, but there may be the odd niggle. Given the expectation of the Volkswagen badge, one would be well within their rights to kick up a fuss over any issues not quickly resolved by the dealer.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

A recall in 2008 for a potential problem with the heater which could lead to a fire. This affected diesel models.