Volkswagen Golf Plus (05-08) - Review

The Golf Plus will seat four adults more comfortably than five, but should be fine for carrying a small family. Much of the extra height over the standard Golf has been taken up by raising the seats, allowing more comfortable access to the car, while rear leg room is also better. The Golf Plus rides comfortably and smoothly over most road surfaces, although there can be wind noise at motorway speeds, however engine noise is minimal thanks to good sound insulation.

Most models (with the exception of the S) have a variable boot floor which adds an extra 120 litres to 395 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place. This 515-litre total is very impressive compared to a standard Golf and means the Golf Plus offers more load space than a Ford Focus estate. The rear bench seat is split 60/40 and both parts can slide forwards and back to vary the amount of passenger room or luggage capacity. And depending on which version you opt for, there are 43 cabin storage spaces including a large central box between the front seats and large door pockets too.

The Golf Plus is similar to the Golf when sat behind the wheel, with the exception of a slightly better view for occupants and different air vents. The instruments are clear and laid out logically, while thanks to a wide range of seat and steering adjustment, most drivers should have no trouble getting comfortable. The build quality is excellent, as is the finish, but it's not the most interestingly styled interior.