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Volkswagen Golf Estate: Test Drive Review

Date: 15 January 2014   |   Author: Jack Carfrae

It's never been the largest of wagons, but the Volkswagen Golf Estate has grown compared with its predecessor.

There's an additional 100 litres of boot space - 605 litres in total with the rear seats in place and 1620 litres when they're folded flat.

Estates from larger sectors do come bigger, but as more compact and affordable lower medium wagons go, that's enough space to trounce rivals such as the Ford Focus Estate at 476/1502 litres and the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer (500/1550 litres). The huge Honda Civic Tourer shows it a clean pair of heels in the space race with 624/1668 litres.

Boot benefits aside, the estate is just as polished as the Golf hatchback. The cabin is as well put together and it's a lot smarter than the previous model. Weight-saving measures mean the latest car is a little lighter on its feet and better to drive, although it isn't thrilling and a Ford Focus will always be more entertaining.

Where this particular Golf excels is with its overall running costs against its key competitors. The hatchback version has long since been recognised as one of the best all-rounders for businesses because rock-solid residual values give it the edge, even though it often has a higher P11D than the competition.

The same applies to the estate: official figures of 102g/km and 72.4mpg are seriously impressive and the 41.3% RV is even better. Collectively, they're enough to give the Golf a lower whole-life cost figure than its immediate and cheaper rivals. Equivalent versions of the Toyota Auris Touring Sports (44.3ppm), Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer (45.1ppm) and Ford Focus Estate (46.4ppm) trail the VW's 43.1ppm lead. 

If the Golf does have a failing, it's the fact that it's a little on the bland side, and the 105hp 1.6-litre engine is no ball of fire, although it does pull well enough mid-range.

But when all's said and done, it's about as well-rounded an estate as you'll find for the fleet community.

Volkswagen Golf Estate
 
P11D price £21,130
Model price range £18,175-£26,115
Residual value 41.3%
Depreciation £12,729
Fuel £5210
Service, Maintenance and Repair £1325
Vehicle Excise Duty £40
National Insurance £1466
Cost per mile 43.1p
Fuel consumption 72.4mpg
CO2 (tax) 102g/km (15%)
BIK 20/40% per month £54/£108
Service interval variable miles
Insurance (1-50) group 11
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space min/max 605/1620 litres
Engine size/power 1598cc/105hp
Top speed/0-62mph 120mph/11.2secs


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