While Hyundai and Renault have ditched the estate badge for more lifestyle-friendly names like Tourer and Sport Tourer, Volkswagen has no such insecurities over its dependable Golf.

And despite being the oldest car in the test, the Golf Estate still looks good. The front end has the same classy appearance as the hatch, while chrome trim highlights the extended window line. Unfortunately, slightly uninspiring tail-lights make the car least attractive from the rear.

Climb aboard, and the VW wins you over. Cabin quality has always been one of the car’s biggest selling points, and that hasn’t changed.

1.4 TSI 122 SE

Engines, performance and drive

There’s a wide choice of engines, starting with a 1.2 TSI, which produces 103bhp and 250 Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 11.3 seconds. There’s also a 120bhp 1.4-litre TSI, which can go from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph. Diesel buyers can choose from a 1.6-litre TDI with 89bhp, 103bhp or a BlueMotion version also with 105bhp, and a 138bhp 2.0 TDI. The eco-friendly BlueMotion produces 250 Nm of torque and can do 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds, while the most powerful diesel has 320 Nm of torque and has a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds. As it’s based on the previous-generation Golf, the estate doesn’t drive as well as the Mk VI Golf but the ride is comfortable, the steering is accurate and the seats are supportive, too.

Interior, design and technology

The Golf Estate looks just like a stretched version of the Golf hatchback and its smart, understated looks makes it popular with buyers. The interior is robustly built, with a simple layout and chunky switchgear – although the overall effect is plain. There are three trim levels – S, SE and Sportline – and all versions come with air-con, all-round electric windows, DAB and black roof rails as standard. SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and Bluetooth, while Sportline models get 17-inch alloys, sports suspension, front sports seats and a multifunction steering wheel.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Golf Estate offers 505 litres of boot space (compared to 350 litres for the hatchback), and a mammoth 1,495 litres with the rear seats folded. This is just 40-50 litres less than the Ford Focus and Opel Astra estates. The boot opening is wide, and the flat loading area and lack of boot lip make loading large items easy. That said, the sloping roofline does limit practicality. Inside, there’s plenty of head and legroom for five adults, plus there’s a cooled glovebox, too.

Reliability and Safety

The sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Standard safety kit includes ESP, ABS, anti-whiplash headrests and driver, passenger, curtain and side airbags. The interior feels robust and the materials are all high quality. There are no reports of any major problems, but there are a few niggling issues with the fit and finish.

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