Volkswagen Golf 5

Our verdict

The Volkswagen Golf is not quite the best hatch to drive, but a top all-rounder that’ll always be easy to own and easy to sell.

Comfort

Great seats, a supple ride and fine refinement mark out the Golf as a car that cossets you like something from the next class up. It's a good place to be.

Performance

Any of the 1.4 TSI engines over-delivers - it comes as a 122, 140 and 170 output, but also has generous torque at usefully low revs, so forget about the small capacity. The base 1.4 and the SDI diesel are hire-car and granny specials to be avoided by anyone who wants to arrive before their next birthday. The R32 gets to 62mph in 6.2 seconds if it's got the DSG option.

Cool

The cliche about the Golf is that it's classy and classless, and after all these years it still holds true. That implies a certain effortless cool.

Quality

The Golf isn't the leader it once was in perceived quality, and there are some uninspiring slabs of hard plastic around the cabin. But the firm furniture and vault-like doors reassure you that it's made of good stuff.

Handling

The Golf is among the better hatches thanks to the supple but capable suspension. Everything happens progressively and fluently, so you always feel at ease chucking it about even if it isn't actually a paragon of quick-witted agility. The 4WD R32 is similarly grown-up, but it'll get through and out of corners a whole lot faster.

Practicality

Boot space, rear space, storage space - VW engineers benchmark this stuff obsessively.

Running costs

Low depreciation is the key to a Golf's fine showing in the running cost tables. Choose the engine carefully and it'll be economical too.