The latest reincarnation of the VW Golf estate follows on from a new-shape hatchback version, and sees the load-lugger take on the new looks of the sixth-generation Golf. . The most popular fleet model is expected to be mid-range SE 1.6-litre TDI 104hp, which emits an impressive 119g/km of CO2 and falls into the 13% BIK tax band. Overall, around 3800 Golf estates will be sold this year – half in SE trim and 80% in diesel form – with fleet accounting for 2470 sales.
VW interiors continue to raise the game for smart presentation, while in terms of spec there is cruise control but no steering wheel audio controls – almost a norm on mid-range cars these days. iPod connectivity is relatively easy to control through the car, although the small screen makes scrolling through folders tedious. The multi-device interface, including USB and iPod connection cables, costs an extra £115.
Lower medium rivals include the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra estates, Peugeot 308 SW and Renault Megane Tourer. The ever popular, yet ever overpriced Ford equivalent, the Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi, costs £21,145, compared with a list price of £19,470 for the Golf BusinessCar tested. CO2 of 115g/km means the Focus is in the same tax bracket as the Golf, but with a combined cycle of 48.6mpg it’s not a user-friendly as the 62.8mpg VW claims, making the latter a wiser choice for fleet buyers.
