Volkswagen Golf, car review: Seventh-generation model is the best yet

So long as you avoid a couple of expensive traps, it’s worth every penny

For many people, the Golf is the definitive hatchback. And not without reason.

We’re on to the 7th generation now. And it’s the best yet.

Volkswagen isn’t quite in premium territory – it owns Audi for that. But the Golf feels as classy and well made as many more expensive, higher-status cars. And it drives very well too.

The cabin is good and spacious, making it completely suitable for four large adults – though luggage space isn’t quite as generous. You won’t struggle to get comfortable in the driver’s seat, nor to familiarise yourself with the controls, which are as clear as they are logically laid out.

Once in position, you’re at the helm of something turbocharged: every engine in the Golf line-up sports a turbo.

The pick of the petrols is probably the 1.4 unit in 121bhp form, as the 138bhp version of the same engine is more sophisticated – and pricier. Diesels range from the adequate 1.6 to the popular 148bhp 2.0 TDI, though there’s also a 181bhp version of the latter unit that’s genuinely quick.

Choose an engine to get excited about, and the Golf will give you the handling to match. But versions with the smallest petrol and diesel engines have a more basic suspension system whose ride, while not bad, isn’t as just-so. Reason alone to go for one with a bigger engine, that.

Either way, the Golf’s suspension doesn’t make a fuss about having to work for its living. It’s good and quiet, and for the most part the engines are similarly refined – though the 1.6 TDI brings a certain amount of vibration to the party.

Overall, though, the cabin environment is worthy of a much bigger vehicle, with excellent materials giving it a real air of quality. And so is the kit surrounding you; as well as standard-issue air-con, Bluetooth and DAB, the mid-range SE model has city braking, cruise, alloys, dusk and rain sensors and upgraded trim, making it the one where the smart money goes.

And talking of money, the Golf can cost a pretty penny to buy – especially in GTD form, or with the aforementioned 138bhp 1.4 petrol.

But it’s reliable, cheap to run and, crucially, should hold its value far better than most if not all of its rivals.

That all adds up to what’s still a benchmark hatchback after all these generations. Choose with care, and avoid the costly models, and it’s hard to go wrong.