BEING a confirmed fan of the Volkswagen Golf, I was keen to get my hands on the Golf Plus, to see for myself what it adds to this popular range.
It is billed as fitting into the line-up between the Golf hatchback and Touran compact MPV.
However, the Golf Plus is closer in concept to the Golf rather than the larger Touran, with its seven seats.
Where the Touran appeals directly to families who are primarily concerned with practicality and space, the Golf Plus is likely to attract couples without kids.
The similarities between the Golf Plus and the hatchback are no coincidence. The two models are very similar underneath, sharing the same wheelbase and major mechanical components.
However, thanks to increased height - the Plus stands 95mm higher than the Golf hatchback - you get surprisingly more interior space than you initially expect.
The front seat is raised for better visibility and access and there is good flexibilityin the interior layout.
The back seats can be shifted lengthways and folded via a new system, which means they are lowered automatically when folded down, resulting in almost level luggage space. They can also split 60/40, with the middle seat doubling as a fold-down drinks table.
Despite the increased space, the Golf Plus retains the Golf hatchback's essential qualities such as its award-winning driving dynamics and a high level of safety equipment.
There are four engines in the line up, two petrol and two diesel.
The Plus range is priced at approximately £500 more than the Golf hatchback equivalent and UK prices start at £12,895.
The 1.9 SE TDI is £16,475 but also includes a lot of additional equipment.
However, I am not so keen on its looks when compared to the hatchback. Don't get me wrong, it's obviously a Golf with its V-shaped bonnet and radiator grille emulating its famous sibling.
But due to differing requirements the designers and engineers had to recreate doors, bonnet, bumpers, wings, roof, headlights and tail lights for the new model.
In fact, the only parts the Golf and Golf Plus share are the door mirrors, VW logo, door handles and the antenna for the optional navigational system.
The Plus may not look quite as swish as the hatch but it drives equally as well courtesy of VW's Pumpe Duse diesel injection technology.
The aerodynamics of the Golf Plus have been carefully designed to ensure it gives improved performance and fuel consumption, along with good driving dynamics and stability at speed.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 SE TDI 5dr
Price: £16,475
Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,896cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 11.9 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 151g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust