Looking for a little more practicality than a hatchback, Suzanne Keane test drives the VW Golf Estate to see how much more it offers
What is it? The Volkswagen Golf has always been a popular choice on Irish roads but in estate form it offers extra practicality.
Who is it aimed at? The Golf estate will appeal to a hatchback driver who needs some extra space in a car that looks a little more grown up.
Styling? Previous models of the VW Golf estate always looked like an afterthought but this version looks just as good, if not better, than the hatch.
Under the Bonnet? The model tested was a 1.6 TDI 110bhp version with a 7 speed DSG automatic gearbox.
What about inside? Inside the cabin the Golf estate is a little dull albeit practical – the contrast between the dash plastics and the Comfortline brushed silver detailing isn’t strong enough to take effect. However a 6.5” touchscreen sets off the centre of the dashboard and there’s plenty of space for 5. As you’d expect from an estate there’s loads of boot space and the load height is quite low – ideal for carrying loads or just bringing the dogs to the park!
Brushed silver detailing on the VW Golf Estate dashboard
On the Road? On the road estate drives like any other Golf – agile and smooth – however the 1.6TDI engine won’t break any speed records and the engine is quite noisy at start-up.
And Safety? As you’d expect from a Golf there are plenty of safety features as standard and the car tested had adaptive cruise control which is an essential option if you spend lots of time on motorways – it will also alert you if traffic ahead stops suddenly.
Options? The model tested was a Comfortline 1.6TDI DSG which comes with 16” alloys, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth, 6.5” touchscreen, air conditioning, daytime running lights and start/stop technology. This car also had the Free Technology pack which added parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, media in for linking to your mp3 player, light assist which automatically dips headlights for oncoming vehicles and the lights/vision pack. The Deep Black Pearl Effect paint costs an additional €593 and upgrading to the next trim level “Lounge” will get you a panoramic sunroof, tinted rear windows and sat nav.
Will it break the bank? The model tested will set you back €30,193 OTR and costs €190 per annum for road tax.
Verdict? The Golf estate offers practicality in a stylish package but the 1.6TDI engine won’t set any hearts racing – although it does have plenty of torque for pulling loads.
Why you’ll buy one? Space; Practicality; Styling
Why you won’t? Dull interior
Rivals
Ford Focus Estate
Peugeot 308 SW
Honda Civic Tourer
VW Golf Estate Comfortline 1.6TDI 110bhp DSG
Engine: 1598cc, 110bhp @ 3200, 250NM @1500
Max speed: 196km/h
0-100 kph: 11 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 104 g/km (€190)
Model price range: €23,350 – €35,000 OTR (Test car €30,193)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : 5 star
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.0 litres/100km (70.6 mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 605 litres (1620)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4562mm
Width: 1799mm
Height: 1481mm
Wheelbase: 2635 mm
For more information check out the Volkswagen Ireland website or their Facebook page
Suzanne Keane
25th February, 2016
