By 
ENGINES – The Golf Plus shares much with its slightly smaller Golf relative, and that includes engines. Predictably the former’s focus is on being sensible, which is why engine choice is largely modest in terms of horsepower. What’s not in short supply is ability, as VW’s engine line-up be it petrol or diesel is hard to beat.
EXTERIOR –The Golf Plus is essentially an XL Golf for buyers seeking a compromise between a versatile elements of a full-blown people carrier and the refined driving characteristics of a regular family hatchback. As such, the Golf Plus hides its extra girth well yet is easily recognisable as, well, a Golf.
INTERIOR – Fans of the Golf will feel right at home in the Golf Plus, as the car’s cabin almost mirrors that of the regular hatchback. Dark but family-friendly and durable materials abound, which should please buyers seeking a tough but stylish interior. And, of course, there’s no shortage of cabin space. The extra legroom and height in the rear makes family motoring that bit more civilised.
DRIVING – In non-GTI trim the Golf isn’t famous for thrilling keen drivers, and the Golf Plus is in the same boat. VW’s focus here is on presenting a comfortable, refined and confidence-inspiring ride for everyone. The plush experience is topped off by a range of responsive and refined engines.
OWNERSHIP – With its Golf-like footprint but a little more room inside, the Golf Plus offers a more flexible and spacious interior than your average family hatchback but without the size penalty of a full-size people carrier. And being a VW the Golf Plus is full of well proven technology, which should boost peace of mind, plus there’s a good selection of sensible and frugal engines to choose from.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR – Being a popular choice with families, it’s important to check for cabin damage – soiled upholstery and brocken trim can prove costly to rectify. On the outside, parking dents and kerbed wheels are classic urban scars with the potential for the latter to hide more serious damage if you don’t pay attention during the test drive.
MODEL HISTORY
2005: Volkswagen releases its ‘XL Golf’, the Golf Plus. Offering an affordable balance between family hatch and compact people carrier it shares much with the regular Golf – trim levels, engines, looks, refinement. It skips the sportier variants of the regular Golf in favour of increased refinement and comfort, while boot space is greater and more flexible.
REASONS TO BUY – good compromise between hatch and MPV, Golf brand image, cabin quality, frugal engines, refinement
REASONS TO BEWARE – can’t match a conventional MPV for cabin flexibility, no performance version, five-seater
PICK OF THE RANGE – Golf Plus 1.6 FSI SE
WHAT TO PAY
2005 05 4,910
2005 55 5,095
2006 06 5,520
2006 56 5,715
2007 07 6,320
2007 57 6,565
2008 08 7,230
Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.
