Volkswagen Golf

Does size matter? I always thought so. As Auto Express's consumer editor, I need a car capable of carrying the hundreds of samples we get through on our busy product-testing programme. For the past eight years, I have run a succession of people carriers and estates, from giant VW Caravelles down to a Vauxhall Zafira - but nothing smaller.

So I was unsure whether the comparatively compact Golf would be up to the job, even though this MkV is larger than ever. But I've been surprised at how accommodating the hatch is. I've resorted to Thule roofbars on only one occasion, when collecting body panels for a car cleaner test. Even then, only the biggest parts had to go on the roof.
Admittedly, I regularly flip the back seats down, but that's easy enough and the resulting load bay is big (even if the floor isn't especially flat). This was proved the day after our photoshoot, when the Golf transported a cooker to the local dump.

How did my transport end up being downsized? Well, having been impressed with VW's 138bhp 2.0-litre Pumpe D�se engine in our long-term Touran, I was keen to stick with it - especially as my 100-mile round trip to the office puts a pre- mium on economy. This time, we've opted for a different gearbox, though - the six-speed DSG, rather than the ordinary manual. The twin-clutch system has an auto mode which has really taken the sting out of the grind though traffic-clogged streets. Ultra-smooth changes make this one of the best boxes I have used, and I rarely find myself selecting manual or Sport modes.

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It is not perfect, though. Getting off the line smoothly is tricky, due to initial turbo lag followed by wheelspin once the power comes in. Low-speed manoeuvring is also awkward, as pressing the brake pedal cuts the drive completely, so parking is done in a series of lurches. Overall, though, DSG gets a big thumbs-up - and its 37mpg is only a fraction thirstier than the 40mpg manual.

One advantage of a small hatch rather than a van with windows is that driving through bends has become a real pleasure again. The Golf is surefooted, but without a rock-hard ride. Yet road noise is a problem - probably due to the Bridgestone tyres, as it has lessened considerably since we switched to Vredestein Wintrac Xtremes. It's not often that winter rubber proves quieter than conventional boots.
Despite having got used to perching several feet off the ground in MPVs, I have found the low-slung Golf seat very comfortable, with bags of adjustment. Even with it set right back to accommodate my 6ft 3in frame, there's sufficient legroom behind to make the rear chairs usable. However, in this position the B-pillars obstruct access, and the side bolster material is already showing signs of wear. Overall, the cabin is well thought out, though. I like the automatic lights and wipers, there's just enough storage bins and the centre console lid extends to form an armrest. Underneath it is the optional CD changer - it came as part of the £1,665 navigation system. Yet that hasn't stopped me fitting the call centre-based Smartnav set-up.

Problems have been few. The Smartnav installation triggered the airbag warning light, which had to be reset at the main dealer. The only worry is the engine, which stalls when cold. This does not happen every day, and always fires up again straight away, but it obviously needs to be checked out.

If my experience is anything to go by, MPV and estate owners should consider whether they need to run such big, relatively expensive cars. The Golf has convinced me that small really is beautiful.