Written by: Martin Ward
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 

The new Golf Plus follows in the footsteps of the previous model in terms of looks and size. The Golf Plus has not been the success story VW were hoping for and in fact many have said that it has been a bit of a disaster as sales have been nowhere near the planned amount. The reasons for this are fairly simple. It costs more than the Golf Hatchback and the rate of depreciation is so much higher that it is worth less on the used car market at around £400 (based on 3 years, 60,000 miles). It doesn’t look particularly attractive and it doesn’t really have much more to offer than the Golf. It is a confusing car as VW say it is for those who want versatility but don’t want the larger Touran. However, the cost of the Golf Plus is similar to the Touran and the Touran will be worth up to £600 more in three years time. I’m confused, so the public must be also.

 

The difference in length between the Golf and the Golf Plus is negligible, with the Golf being 4,199mm in length and the Golf Plus being only 5mm longer at 4,204mm.

 

Volkswagen say that it does offer more space and flexibility than the Hatchback and this is probably true but you do have to look hard to spot it. The rear seat is split 60:40 and each part has the ability to recline independently, which can be useful. The luggage area does seem to be slightly larger than the standard Golf as it is deeper so it will take that additional bit of luggage. The main space though comes in headroom, so if you are over seven feet tall, regularly wear a top hat or for ladies who go to Ascot, then the Golf Plus would be the natural choice. For anyone of a normal size, the standard Golf has more than enough headroom.

 

The car we had on test had the 2.0 litre TDI 110ps diesel engine fitted, coupled to a five speed gearbox. There is a 140ps engine available and this has the six speed gearbox as standard which I am sure would be the preferred option but it does cost £1,200 more.

 

The new Golf Plus has a revised interior which includes a new dial pack, new steering wheel and improved materials. The doors are larger so they open wider, giving easier access and exit. The front end has been changed, creating the family look which is now similar to the Golf and Scirocco and this is an improvement. The Golf Plus doesn’t share the same driving dynamics as its 5mm shorter brother. Whereas the Golf feels solid on the road with great handling, the Golf Plus seems to lack any excitement and it drives like a large MPV, which of course it isn’t.

The positives of the Golf Plus are that it is a Volkswagen and has Volkswagen quality, with fit and finish and the materials used being very good. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of headroom and luggage space in the boot.

 

The official combined fuel figure for our test car was 55.4mpg but according to the on board computer, it was only achieving 44.8mpg. The Co2 emissions figure is 134g/km.

 

The choice for me would be to stick to the Golf Hatchback or if you want something a bit bigger to carry plenty of luggage or cargo and the ability to seat seven people, then buy a Touran for similar money. The cost of our test car was £18,630 but the Golf Plus prices start at £14,415 for the 1.4 S 80ps petrol and go up to £21,190 for the 2.0 TDI SE 140ps DSG diesel.

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