A more family-friendly round of Golf

A Volkswagen Golf not large enough? VW’s ubiquitous family hatchback range is broadened by the arrival of the larger new Golf SV. More practical than the regular hatchback, it offers versatility to match that of the traditional Golf Estate. But what other benefits does it serve up?

The Volkswagen Golf SV is the third model in the new Golf range after the traditional hatchback and estate.

Replacing the Golf Plus first introduced in 2005, it is more small‑MPV in style than the established version of VW’s family hatchback. With 83mm of extra overall length, a 48mm longer wheelbase, 83 more millimetres of width and 126mm of more height, the Golf SV is larger in every dimension. Yet, it is shorter than the Golf Estate by 224mm. It can’t match the traditional load-lugging Golf for boot space with the rear seats in place (SV = 500 litres, estate = 605 litres), but when those seats are slid forward, it’s a near-match.

Rear seats which are split 60:40 and slide 180mm fore and aft are just one of the Golf SV’s party tricks. A front passenger seat that can fold forwards is available as an £160 option, creating a loadspace which is 2,484mm long. For the same price, a rear load‑through provision can also be specified, where a rear seat armrest with cup holders is fitted. Of course, the larger dimensions create greater flexibility with the ratio of passenger space and load capacity constantly variable thanks in part to the adjustability of the interior accommodation.

A considered shape
Known as ‘Sportsvan’ in mainland Europe, the Golf SV is certainly better-looking than the old Golf Plus. It appears both more dynamic and more in-line with the current Golf, as well as being much more of a considered shape. The old Golf Plus looked a bit like a Golf made taller (which is essentially what it was) with irregular proportions as a result. Combining longstanding Golf styling cues (the rearmost pillar for example) with new sharp surface detailing, the SV is a much more handsome proposition.

Drivers familiar with the current VW Golf will find much to like inside the SV. The dashboard, while looking familiar has been totally redesigned to suit the taller car and it works well. Interior quality is as you’d expect in a VW with soft-touch plastics and detail accenting to the fore. While the cabin looks good, it’s practical too, with 1.5-litre bottle‑sized front door pockets, storage cubbies and front underseat drawers. There are additional pull‑out tables and pockets on the back of the front seats and the boot floor can be set either 21 or 130mm above the load sill. Standard equipment includes a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and air-conditioning.

BlueMotion Technologies
All Golf SVs are powered by engines fitted with BlueMotion Technologies including
Stop/Start and battery regeneration. Petrol options are 1.2 and 1.4-litre TSIs, while buyers can choose from 1.6 and 2.0 turbodiesels. Our test car was a 1.6 TDI SE with 108bhp and emissions of 101g/km. Despite a weight slightly over 1,400kg and a 184lb ft (250Nm) of torque, the 1,598cc engine feels adequate enough, but it does feel a little strained at the top end of the rev range. Volkswagen quotes an official mpg value of 72.4. To help boost economical driving, a multifunction computer with visual gear shift recommendation adds to the parsimonious kit count.

To drive, the SV is every inch a modern Volkswagen with slick controls, accurate and responsive steering and tidy handling. It feels much more tied down to the road than it has a right to and you’re not aware of the extra height over the standard Golf hatchback.

The Golf SV is safe, too. All models come as standard with an Automatic Post‑Collision Braking System, curtain airbags, an electronic differential lock, as well as traction control. A pre-crash protection system and rear side airbags are available as options. SE models such as the one tested also feature Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic City Emergency Braking and a Driver Alert system.

Added versatility
Volkswagen UK predicts this 1.6 TDI SE to be the best-seller in this country. With prices starting at £18,875 for the entry-level S model, the SV is £1,245 more expensive than the equivalent five-door Golf S with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine. It may seem like an expensive premium, but the added versatility, useful extra space – in a still modest footprint remember – and more airy feel may mean it’s a price worth paying.

With CO2 emissions of 95-130g/km and four trim levels, there should be a Golf SV for everyone. That’s just one of many positive attributes the SV shares with the standard Golf – it just adds a touch of family friendliness.

Volkswagen Golf SV SE 1.6 TDI
ENGINE: 1,598cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 101g/km
MPG (combined): 72.4
VED: Band B, £0 first year, £20 thereafter
BIK: 16%
PRICE (OTR): £22,585 (including VAT, £23,120 as tested)