VW Golf Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

What's been a rare miss for Volkswagen as a new car becomes a smart piece of business as a used buy. If you feel that you could benefit from the added space and utility features the Golf Plus offers, now is a decent time to buy before the rest of the market catches on.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5dr hatchback, 1.4, 1.4 TSI, 1.6FSI, 2.0 FSI petrol, 1.9 TDI, 2.0TDI diesel [Luna, S, SE, Sport, GT])

GOLF GOES LARGE

Amid all the brouhaha and awards bestowed upon the Volkswagen Golf Mk V, the launch of the Golf Plus escaped some people. Those that did pay attention can be excused for being a little confused about this model's raison d'etre. Sitting on the same wheelbase as the Golf and being no longer or wider, the Golf Plus isn't at first an easy car to get to grips with. Family motorists who sample one may well appreciate its charms, however, and used models are, if anything, slightly undervalued. This means that if you want all the practical qualities of the Golf and a little bit more, it needn't cost the earth. Here's what to look for.
Used VW Golf for sale

History of the Golf

The Volkswagen Golf Plus landed in UK dealerships in Spring 2005 to almost universal apathy, the standard hatchback model outselling it by a ratio of more than twenty to one. The Plus majored on the utility end of the engine line up, kicking off with the 80PS 1.4-litre petrol unit and a more advanced 115bhp 1.6-litre FSI unit. The diesel options were 90 or 105bhp versions of the 1.9TDI engine or a more modern 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Realising that perhaps the range could use the benefit of a little extra pizzazz, Volkswagen subsequently added the 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI engine before replacing that in summer 2006 with the 1.4-litre TSI twincharge engine, fitted with both turbocharger and supercharger.To complicate matters, Volkswagen introduced a second 1.4 TSI engine towards the end of 2007. This 120bhp unit lacked the supercharger of the other 1.4 TSI engine, making do with a turbocharger and it replaced the 1.6 FSI unit. The BlueMotion derivative arrived around the same time with aerodynamic tweaks and other modifications to enhance fuel economy.
Used VW Golf for sale

VW Golf Road Test

One benefit of basing the Golf Plus on the Golf Mk V chassis was that it had an excellent start to life, the electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control being leagues ahead of most of the opposition. The interior kept the Golf Plus at the top of the family hatch tree. It uses a fascia design reminiscent of the Phaeton luxury saloon although the centre console is lifted from the Touran mini-MPV. With the possible exception of its pricier Volkswagen Group cousin, the Audi A3, the cabin has the beating of any hatchback out there as regards ambience. The interior features soft-feel slush-moulded plastics, high-quality switches, subtle use of chrome, fabric-covered A-pillars plus blue instrument backlighting with red needles, a signature of the fourth generation Golf. The Golf Plus also features 2Zone climate control and four-way lumbar support within the line-up. In addition, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), no fewer than six airbags as well as anti-lock brakes will be fitted as standard throughout the range. Big car features such as automatic activation of headlamps and wipers are built into the car's electronics. Most buyers went the turbo diesel route, the 2.0-litre TDI being especially impressive. This engine will punt the big-boned Golf Plus to 60mph in just over 9 seconds and on to a top speed of just over 120mph, making it a brilliant long distance cruiser. The 103bhp unit is no slouch though and will get to 60mph in around 11.5 seconds and top out at over 110mph. It has also proved the bigger seller. Fuel economy of both engines is excellent, both units capable of eking over 50mpg from a gallon of heavy oil. The 1.9-litre car was fitted as standard with a five-speed gearbox but the 2.0-litre TDI got six cogs as standard. Both also got the option of the revolutionary DSG twin-clutch sequential gearbox.
Used VW Golf for sale

Buying a VW Golf

Keep a look out for cars that have been flogged by corporate users and ensure that servicing has been attended to diligently. The entry level petrol and diesel engines are best avoided as the Golf Plus is quite a weighty thing and they struggle to move it with any real conviction. Check for kerbed alloy wheels as replacements are expensive. If looking at a car with the DSG transmission, check that the system engages reverse gear silently and smoothly.
Used VW Golf for sale

VW Golf Typical Pricing

Buying a Golf Plus isn't quite as straightforward as tracking down a standard five-door Golf hatch due to their comparative rarity and if you're set on a specific colour/trim combination you'll need to exercise a little patience. It's at this stage that many potential used buyers get frustrated and just go with the standard package. Naturally, it'll help if you can be a little more flexible in your requirements because there are some decent, well looked after cars if you're prepared to put in the leg (and mouse) work.Prices open at just under £10,000 for a 90bhp 1.9TDI S with the 1.4-litre petrol model costing from £10,250. Add another £500 and you can get yourself a 1.6-litre petrol model while £14,000 is the opening price for the excellent 2.0-litre diesel engine. Insurance ranges from Group 4 to Group 14 for the 140bhp 1.4TSI.
Used VW Golf for sale

VW Golf Parts

(approx based on a 2006 Golf Plus 1.4 ex Vat) An exhaust system is about £95. A clutch assembly will be around £75 and an alternator should be close to £115. Brake pads front and rear are about £55 and £45 respectively.
Used VW Golf for sale