Volkswagen has had a lot of success in this competition over the years and deservedly so. The Golf Estate SE 2.0 litre TDI doesn’t let the side down – in fact it achieved the second highest score in this group.
Like the class winner, it has oodles of torque (236lb ft) transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, and it’s a car you want to drive enthusiastically. The rewards are a comfortable drive, no problems with instability and a workmanlike towcar with plenty of usable luggage space. A restart on the severe 17% gradient was quite easy with care, the standard-fit traction control taking care of a hint of wheelspin.
Good value for money in terms of operating costs, and easy access to sockets. A sloping tailgate reduces load space but not by any significant amount.
| Caravan weight |
Noseweight limit |
Drive |
Cyls/CC |
bhp@rpm |
lb/ft@rpm |
CO2 g/km |
Ins group |
Price |
Tested |
|
1,192kg |
75kg |
FWD |
4/1968 |
136@ 4000 |
236@1750 |
148 |
12 |
£18,366 |
2008 |
Volkswagen Golf Estate SE 2.0-litre TDI
