FINDING a fresh niche in a car market that caters for just about every need is becoming a rare occurrence.
Volkswagen discovered a new one though when launching the Golf Plus during the summer - and the German producer believes this model can attract around 18,000 British buyers.
It's aimed at people who need more room than a traditional hatchback can offer, yet can't bear the thought of stepping into a multi purpose vehicle, like the company's own Touran seven-seater.
These are couples, or people with a small family, who require a bit more practicality and for the extra £500 it costs to move from the Golf hatch to the Plus there is certainly value to be had.
The Plus is very similar to the standard Golf in that both cars have the same wheelbase and mechanicals. Difference is that the Plus is 95mms taller, the upshot being better interior space.
Even though the seats are positioned higher for improved visibility and access, headroom is still appreciably better. In fact the whole interior is deceptively spacious with ample storage capacity from door bins and cup holders to coin slots and glovebox.
High on the list of strongpoints is the flexible rear arrangement. Not only can the seats be shifted lengthways but a light tug on a fabric tab will fold them almost flat to substantially expand the loading capacity.
They can also be split 60/40 and the centre armrest doubles as a drinks holder and table.
Rear legroom is more than adequate for tall passengers and even someone in the centre rear position can travel in reasonable comfort.
The boot on this car is also cleverly set up with a double height floor that keeps valuables out of sight and makes the load area look empty when needed.
Among the best in an engine range that comprises four petrol and three turbodiesels is the higher powered of the two 1.9-litre TDI units.
It features the Pumpe Duse, or unit injector, technology that can operate at considerably higher pressure than the best common rail systems for engines under two-litres.
It also complies with the stringent Euro 4 emissions legislation, which means exemption from the three per cent diesel tax levy applied to company cars.
And being mated to VW's six-speed DSG, or Direct Shift, gearbox means the tested Golf Plus Sport can be driven with the comfort of a regular automatic plus the agility of manual transmission.
With plenty of power on tap the car is never short on kick and while the engine isn't the quietest around it certainly offers decent fuel consumption - I managed an average of almost 45 miles per gallon.
The Plus is well sorted for safety, all models featuring front, front side and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stabilisation programme and Isofix child seat mountings while standard kit includes air-con with glovebox cooler, six-speaker CD sound system, electric windows and remote central locking.
Sport grade adds lowered suspension, leather steering wheel, multifuncyion computer, 16-inch Imola alloys, front sports seats and underseat drawers.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 Sport TDI auto
Price: £18,210
Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,896cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.8 secs
Combined mpg: 46.3
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 165g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust