Manufactured since 1974, the Volkswagen Golf is a compact family car that has become Volkswagen's best selling automobile and Europe's best-selling car. The first successful replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle, and currently in its sixth generation, it has served, and continues to serve, many areas of the market. From personal basic cars to high performance 'hot hatches' (a high performance rendition of a hatchback); the Volkswagen Golf is a universal favourite.

A Reliable & Safe Worker

The fact that it has reached its sixth generation is a testament to its popularity. Now over thirty years old, it is as powerful and innovative as ever. Not intended to be a flashy speed racer, it is simply a well constructed and considered design success that has stood the test of time as a reliable and safe worker that gets the job done without hassle. Winning 'best small family car' for the third year in a row at the 'What Car?' awards speaks volumes about its design qualities and the manufacturer's decisions.

Modernised Volkswagen Golf Design

The first generation Volkswagen Golf, or Rabbit in North America, was a modern front-wheel drive, and its streamline design is still being alluded to in the latest generations. The sixth generation borrows from the mark one and mark four models, utilising aerodynamics to help fuel efficiency. It is also considered a vast improvement on the mark five model - being much quieter and sporting the comfortable interior of the mark four model that was downgraded for the mark five. Volkswagen has, however, maintained the mark five's popular user friendliness, combining the better aspects of previous models. Also, the mark six Golf is cheaper to manufacture and will be, consequently, cheaper to buy.

Family Car Features

A dedicated family car, the Volkswagen Golf mark six is the safest and most technically advanced Golf yet. It has Hydraulic Brakes Assist and ASR Traction control, and, even at entry level, it is fitted with airbags for the front and rear passengers. The three-door S models have easily adjustable steering columns to allow for easy access. The radio/CD player is also MP3 compatible, and there is plenty of space for rear passenger's legs. When the seats in the back aren't being used, they can be folded away to expand on storage space in the boot.

Range of Models

Driving the Volkswagen Golf is a smooth, fun experience. It copes with sudden changes of direction perfectly and is flat on fast bends. The S model consists of semi-automatic air conditioning and, as mentioned above, features a range of convenient family features. The SE model has extremely comfortable seats, 16-inch alloys, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. The GT model has sports suspension to improve handling, a multi-purpose steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.

Classic Volkswagen Driveability

There are a range of engines available from Volkswagen's Golf range, the most powerful being the GT's 2.0 litre. The petrol engines at entry level are 1.4 litres. The Diesel engines are very economic with fuel with an average of 57.6 miles to the gallon when used in both urban and suburban areas. It also accelerates to 62mph in 9.3 seconds. The mark six Golf also features Volkswagen Adaptive Chassis Control, which allows the driver to choose between different modes to make full use of the suspension, steering and acceleration. The Volkswagen Golf is a hallmark of Volkswagen's famed driveability.