Does the world need a Volkswagen Golf Plus? Initially, I had my doubts. Put this model alongside a standard Golf however, and the 95mm extra grafted into the height of the Plus version becomes apparent. But apparent without becoming apparent - if you know what I mean. Extending the roofline of most cars makes them look ungainly and ugly but this one is arguably more stylish than the standard Golf on which it's based. So far, so good.

The extra headroom increases luggage space of course - in this case up to 505 litres - but that's not really the point here. After all, how often have you loaded your hatch brim full to the ceiling? It will doubtless be beneficial for awkwardly sized items like bicycles but the additional carrying capacity of the Golf Plus should be taken with a pinch of salt. Where it does score real practicality benefits in my opinion is in terms of its seating arrangement. Thankfully Volkswagen haven't tried to squeeze seven seats into this vehicle, positioning it (as its name suggests) between Golf and Touran but a good deal closer to Golf. I found that the rear seats could be shifted fore and aft by 160mm and folded by means of a natty system whereby they are automatically lowered when folded down. This results in a virtually level load space, making the Golf Plus a very practical option indeed. The seats do the usual 60:40 split and I was impressed to find that the middle seat can also be folded down to form a drinks table. Additional stowage spaces around the cabin and a double height boot floor are nice touches too.

One benefit of basing the Golf Plus on the Golf Mk V chassis is that it has an excellent start to life, the electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control being leagues ahead of most of the opposition. It also retains the basic stance of the Golf. The interior keeps the Golf Plus at the top of the family hatch tree. It uses a fascia design reminiscent of the Phaeton luxury saloon although the centre console is lifted from the Touran mini-MPV. With the possible exception of its pricier Volkswagen Group cousin, the Audi A3, the cabin has the beating of anything out there as regards ambience. The interior features soft-feel slush-moulded plastics, high-quality switches, subtle use of chrome, fabric-covered A-pillars plus blue instrument backlighting with red needles, a signature of the fourth generation model. The Golf Plus also features 2Zone climate control and four-way lumbar support within the line-up. In addition, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), no fewer than six airbags as well as anti-lock brakes will be fitted as standard throughout the range. Big car features such as automatic activation of headlamps and wipers are built into the car's electronics. Trim levels run from luna through SE to Sport and GT. The engine line runs as follows: The range opens with a 79bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit and sitting directly above that is the more advanced 120bhp 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine. Then comes the 138bhp 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged and supercharged unit. The diesel options amount to 90 or 105bhp versions of the 1.9TDI engine or a more modern 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI.

Surprisingly, I came away from examining the Golf Plus in a very positive frame of mind about the product. I was already a fan of the standard Golf and the extra added versatility would be a very welcome addition to my motoring lifestyle.