DO you get the impression that Volkswagen’s marketing department was a little stumped when it was asked to come up with a witty slogan for the new Golf Plus?

Several decaf lattes later, the phrase ‘A Golf, just a little bigger’ was born. But is that all there is to say about this latest addition?

On the surface, yes it is. The Plus is 95mm taller than the Golf on which it is based, but it’s inside where the real differences lie.

Aimed at drivers who want a more flexible interior than that offered on the Golf, but who don’t want to buy an MPV, the Plus majors on interior versatility.

For a start, the Plus offers 20mm more headroom than the Golf, 22mm more shoulder room and the seats are raised much higher (partly to improve vision but also to house the huge drawers which fold out from underneath the seat squab).

The rear seats can be moved around in a variety of ways – sliding forward or back to create more luggage room or increase passenger legroom, or folding down to create a huge boot. The front passenger seat can be folded flat, too, creating a very long, flat load area.

There are also two settings for the boot floor – high, which creates a level load floor, or deep which increases load volume. There are also up to 43 stowage areas dotted around the cabin.

According to Volkswagen, this will all appeal to couples with a young family who don’t yet want the boxy styling or need the seven seats which come with a car like the Touran.

But there’s something else about the Plus which I believe gives it added appeal, and that’s the look.

This car is more pleasing to my eyes than the Golf. The extra height doesn’t make it appear like a box, while the front and rear light treatments (with LED lights borrowed from the range-topping Phaeton) make it seem more cohesive than the regular Golf.

On sale now, the Golf Plus comes with four engines – two FSI petrols units in 1.4 and 1.6-litre guise, and two TDI diesels in 1.9 and 2.0-litre capacities.

Spec levels mirror the Golf, with entry-level S followed by SE, Sport and GT. A six-speed automatic and the excellent six-speed DSG clutchless manual gearboxes are available as options.

With prices roughly £500 more than the Golf, it doesn’t seem that much more to pay for the extra versatility and better looks.

Behind the wheel

THERE’s very little to choose between the Plus and regular Golf on the road. The two main features that make you notice you’re driving the Plus are the different dashboard and the higher seating position.

The 1.6 FSI model we drove is quiet at motorway speeds and has acceleration that is best described as ‘fine’. It’s not that quick, but then again this sort of car doesn’t need to be.

Driving verdict

VOLKSWAGEN has added a great deal of versatility and space to the Golf without making it handle like a jelly. There are engines to suit all needs and pockets, but the 1.9 TDI is our choice for its blend of performance, economy and price.

Engine (cc):		1,390 FSI		1,598 FSI		1,896 TDI		1,968 TDI
Max power (bhp/rpm):		74/5,000		114/6,000		103/4,000		138/4,000
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm):		93/3,800		114/4,000		184/1,900		236/2,500
Max speed (mph):		100		116		114		125
0-62mph (sec):		16.2		11.8		11.9		9.7
Fuel consumption (mpg):		38.7		38.2		50.4		47.9
CO2 emissions (g/km):		175		178		151		159
Fuel tank capacity (l/gal):		55/12.1
On sale:		Now
Prices (OTR):		£12,895 – £18,250

Transmissions: Five-speed manual (1.4 FSI/1.9 TDI), six-speed manual (1.6 FSI/2.0 TDI)

Get Report – Download comprehensive details and images on specific models. Click a derivative name for more technical data

Engines/Trims	Year	CC/Cyl	BHP	MPH	0-60	MPG	IG	Get Report
1.4 S 5d	05	1390 / 4	73	100	15.7	38	n/a
1.4 S FSI 5d	05	1390 / 4	88	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
1.6 S FSI 5d	05	1598 / 4	113	116	11.4	38	n/a
1.6 SE FSI 5d	05	1598 / 4	113	116	11.4	38	n/a
1.6 Sport FSI 5d	05	1598 / 4	113	116	11.4	38	n/a
1.6 S FSI 5d Auto	05	1598 / 4	113	n/a	n/a	34	n/a
1.6 SE FSI 5d Auto	05	1598 / 4	113	n/a	n/a	34	n/a
1.6 Sport FSI 5d Auto	05	1598 / 4	113	n/a	n/a	34	n/a
2.0 GT FSI 5d	05	1984 / 4	147	128	8.6	36	n/a
2.0 GT FSI 5d Auto	05	1984 / 4	147	125	9.2	32	n/a
1.9 S TDI PD (90ps) 5d	05	1896 / 4	88	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
1.9 S TDI PD 5d	05	1896 / 4	103	114	11.5	50	n/a
1.9 SE TDI PD 5d	05	1896 / 4	103	114	11.5	50	n/a
1.9 Sport TDI PD 5d	05	1896 / 4	103	114	11.5	50	n/a
1.9 SE TDI PD 5d DSG	05	1896 / 4	103	112	11.9	46	n/a
1.9 Sport TDI PD 5d DSG	05	1896 / 4	103	112	11.9	46	n/a
2.0 GT TDI PD 5d	05	1968 / 4	138	125	9.4	47	n/a
2.0 GT TDI PD 5d DSG	05	1968 / 4	138	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a