Volkswagen Golf - Pictures

The three-spoke steering wheel is great to hold and there’s loads of adjustment. Large door pockets are a practical touch, the ergonomics are faultless and the seats comfortable, offering a wide range of adjustment.

Golf’s ageing 1.9-litre TDI unit only comes with a five-speed box. It pulls 2,300rpm at 70mph, 100rpm less than the Caliber, but a 50-70mph time of 10.6 seconds lags behind the more powerful Dodge’s 8.7 seconds.

Aside from the taller seating position, there are few logical arguments to buy a crossover vehicle. Image and style are still big selling points, and here the VW has an edge – the Golf name is virtually a brand in its own right.

Golf’s ageing 1.9-litre TDI unit only comes with a five-speed box. It pulls 2,300rpm at 70mph, 100rpm less than the Caliber, but a 50-70mph time of 10.6 seconds lags behind the more powerful Dodge’s 8.7 seconds.

With the smallest wheels and conventional suspension, the VW sits lower than all its rivals. It’s no surprise, then, that it offers the best ride and handling plus has the lowest drag: 0.32Cd, compared to the Kia’s 0.39Cd.I