Volkswagen head of customer quality and network development Spencer Clayton-Jones, centre, with Tiff Needell, representing Supagard, and Sophie Raworth

 

One of the best-selling cars of all time in the global market, the Golf is in its seventh generation and has been recognised for its overall balance and outstanding achievements in safety, fuel efficiency, dynamics and comfort.

While retaining its traditional image, this Golf is entirely new under the skin, with a lightweight structure built on the VW Group MQB flexible platform with transversal powertrains. The cabin, with classic styling and analogue instrumentation, is roomy and its materials feel excellent, which contributes to the perceived premium quality. There are eight trim levels – S, BlueMotion, e-Golf, SE, GT, GTD, GTI and R – to choose from.

	New Car of the Year

All models have a touchscreen in the centre console, angled towards the driver for better ergonomics, and standard features include a multi-collision brake system, DAB digital radio, aux inputs including USB, Bluetooth preparation, and electronic parking brake with an auto-hold feature.

SE models and above are fitted with adaptive cruise control and city emergency braking as standard, and a comprehensive options list enables buyers to tailor the car to their individual preferences.

The road behaviour, pleasant ride and aural comfort are very reassuring. Launched as a three- or five-door hatchback, the range has expanded with an estate version.

Thanks to a broad range of petrol and diesel engines, the Golf caters for a wide variety of buyers, from the fuel economy and tax-minded company fleet manager to the thrill-seeking enthusiast buying privately.

Stop and start systems prevail across the range, ensuring low official CO2 emissions, and a clever 1.4-litre TSI engine can incorporate VW’s active cylinder deactivation system for better fuel economy when cruising.

In 2013, the Volkswagen Golf was the UK’s fifth most popular new car model range, with 64,951 registrations accounting for 2.9% of the total market and 33.5% of Volkswagen UK’s annual registrations.

Also shortlisted: Audi A3 Sportback; Citroën C4 Picasso; Ford EcoSport; Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Previous winners: Jaguar XJ (2011); Range Rover Evoque (2012); Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2013)

Voted for by AM readers

Category sponsored by Supagard.