Golf Estate: the more practical Golf alternative

Volkswagen Golf Estate 2.0 TDI SE 140PS

What is it?

THE NEW Golf Estate that isn’t…all that new. VW may have launched a sixth generation of the hatchback version, but the car you’re looking at here is its predecessor with the new-look family ‘face’ grafted on. It does get a revamped interior though, and most important of all, the MK6’s engine range with new turbo petrol and diesels. Tested here in 140PS 2.0 TDI form.

What’s hot?

• Well, it looks good with that new front end
• Boot is big offering 505-litres seats up, 1,495 litres with them down
• New soft-touch dash and deep-set dials are classy
• Build quality is rock-solid throughout
• Familiar diesel boasts strong pace (0-60mph in 9.7 secs)…
• …it’s quiet too, and returns 56.5mpg while emitting just 132g/km
• Driving position spot-on, handling precise, ride comfortable

What’s not?

• No sliding rear bench adjustment
• Not as big as Peugeot’s vast 308 SW
• Compared to the MK6 hatch, it’s not really much of a leap forward

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	20,815
Monthly Rental*:	326 (CH)/£383 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted:	18%, 19%, 20%
Monthly BiK:	Click link for BIK
Engine:	2.0 4-cyl turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions:	132g/km
Power/torque:	140PS/320Nm
Economy:	56.5mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

It may not be particularly new but the Golf Estate is still a good place to put business money. It’s not exciting in any way, but it does the basics very well indeed – with decent amounts of space, fine road manners plus low running costs – and should hold onto its value too. But there’s plenty of competition, so VW might rue its decision not to try a bit harder.