Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (09 on) - Review

The Volkswagen Golf comes in three trim levels: S, Match and GT, but buyers can also opt for BlueMotion Technology models for better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. There’s also the more powerful GTD, GTI and R models and all diesel models have a particulate filter to cut down on other harmful gases. Standard Volkswagen Golf equipment includes air conditioning, a CD audio system, electric front windows, automatic door locking, remote central locking, hill hold, driver’s seat height adjustment, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, a 60:40 split folding rear seat, 15-inch steel wheels, multifunction computer, seven airbags, stability control, gloss black or aluminium trim highlights and body-coloured exterior trim. The Adaptive Chassis Control system is available as an option as is Automatic Distance Control - a cruise control function that can vary vehicle speed to maintain a predetermined gap behind the car in front. Other Volkswagen Golf accessories include Park Assist that steers the car when parallel parking. The Golf comes with a semi-automatic climate control system known as Climatic that is designed to keep the cabin fresh and well ventilated. It also has a pollen filter that operates in both fresh-air and recirculating-air modes. Match and GT customers can opt for dual-zone electronic climate control while Match adds exterior chrome details, leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip, automatic headlights, rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, cruise control, parking sensors with alarm and optical parking display, a Multi Device Interface with USB and iPod connection cables, a touchscreen with DAB digital radio/dash-mounted MP3-compatible CD player with eight speakers, SD card reader and aux-in socket, rear electric windows (five-door only), 12-volt socket in the luggage compartment and 16-inch alloys. Go for the GT and you get sports suspension (lowered by approximately 15mm), tyre pressure indicator, a stereo upgrade with eight speakers and aux-in socket, front fog lights with cornering function, black leather upholstery with heated front sports seats with height and lumbar adjustment, Bluetooth connectivity and 17-inch alloys. The BlueMotion Technology models feature 16-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, battery regeneration, stop/start and BlueMotion Technology badging.