Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (97-04) - Review

The cabin is impeccably finished and puts some bigger and pricier models to shame. Space is well used and although rear space is limited on the three-door, the seats are very supportive and give a cosseted feel. It's fine in the back for a couple of growing kids, but adults will find it cramped. The seats are comfy and access ithree-door is easy enough to get in and out of.

The Golf's small body makes it ideally suited to city living. It's also capable on the motorway and can motor at 70mph for hours on end. There's reasonable boot space - certainly enough for a family holiday if you're cunning with the packing. Inside, there's a world of hidden storage to discover, including cupholders and hidey holes for sunglasses and CDs etc.

Anyone can get comfy in a Golf. The supportive seats are adjustable in several ways while the simple dash layout and good driving position make it an easy car to get on with. All the controls are accessible and feel superbly engineered, however the stereo controls are fiddly to use on the move.