Review of the new Volkswagen Golf Estate

There's always been a simple honesty about Volkswagen's Golf which, alongside its quality of build and engineering, has set it apart from the family hatchback also-rans. If anything, VW's stalwart becomes even more unassuming in Estate form where an elongated load area tags along behind to deliver greater utility for a modest premium over the standard cars.

The Golf Estate will have a harder time than ever getting noticed amid the throng of compact MPVs and 4x4s that are also capable of meeting the practical needs of family buyers. There's still something to be said for its straightforward, gimmick-free approach, however, and Volkswagen will be banking on that to keep sales levels steady.

The Estate model is being offered with a truncated version of the Golf hatchback's engine range. The more exciting units aren't offered, confirming this load-lugging version's status as the workhorse of the Golf line-up. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is a compelling choice with a turbocharger helping it to a 122bhp output that's offered up in an agreeably smooth fashion. The diesels are still likely to be the more popular because of their superior economy and the 105bhp 1.6-litre TDI engine particularly so. Other notable options include a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 140bhp and a range-topping 160bhp TSI petrol unit.

The Golf underpinnings changed little from the fifth generation version to the sixth so this MKVI estate uses the tried and tested combination of MacPherson struts at the front wheels and four-link suspension at the rear, promising to replicate the supple ride and adroit handling found elsewhere in the Golf line-up. The electro/mechanical steering system is also carried over, enabling an 11m turning circle. Power is fed to the wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox, but the fast-shifting seven-speed DSG twin clutch gearbox is also available on certain models.

"The Golf formula of big car quality and sophistication in a compact, classy package is known to work and work well"

This sixth generation Golf Estate isn't hugely different from the fifth. Volkswagen grafted the front end of the latest Golf hatch onto the rear of the old Golf Estate and left much of the cabin untouched. The styling is predictably low key and classy with the stretched grille book-ended by the long headlight clusters to visually widen the car. Inside, the latest Golf dash has been installed and should bring few complaints on grounds of quality or user-friendliness. The rear bench splits 60:40 and with the seatbacks lowered, there's a maximum carrying capacity of 1,495 litres.

This load-lugging Golf is available in S, SE or Sportline trim levels with a basic specification that includes air-conditioning, a CD stereo, a trip computer, electric windows and electric door mirrors. Safety-wise, all models receive ABS brakes and ESP stability control along with six airbags. An economy-focused BlueMotion model is also being offered.

With, three-door and five-door hatchbacks, the Jetta saloon, the Scirocco coupe, the Golf Plus and the Golf Estate, the latest Golf range is nothing if not diverse. The closest model in concept to the Golf Estate is the Golf Plus with both cars aiming to deliver extra practicality over the standard hatchbacks. While the Plus model prioritises headroom and rear passenger space, the Estate goes for additional luggage capacity, so the differences between the two are clear but in terms of capability, they aren't a long way apart. The factor that's more likely to keep sales of the Estate in check is its family hatchback foundations. Buyers wanting big luggage space will naturally gravitate towards larger cars and the Golf can't match the capacities of Estate cars from the next class up which, in many cases, aren't massively more expensive.

As with all Golfs, once you've got over the initial purchase price, the story keeps on getting better. Servicing is surprisingly affordable and the three year/60,000 mile warranty should cover most eventualities. Residual values have always worked strongly in the Golf's favour, even though demand for the Estate models will be less strong.

The range of engines all offer decent economy, especially the advanced common-rail diesels. The BlueMotion model employs a catalogue of neat tricks to minimise running costs and should be a popular choice in the utilitarian Estate bodystyle.

Estates based on family hatchbacks don't have a history of setting the sales charts alight but the Volkswagen Golf Estate should have enough of a niche market appeal to justify its existence. The Golf formula of big car quality and sophistication in a compact, classy package is known to work and work well so adding a little extra luggage capacity in an Estate version can't really backfire too spectacularly.

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