2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T SE

The Golf looks expensive (in Europe it is considered quite upscale), with very clean lines and clearly wrought detailing. Proportionally the five-door hatch meets the needs—if not desires—of just about any family, with a large cargo area that can be increased dramatically by folding the comfortable, supportive back seat. The VW cockpit’s front is tall and wide, meaning even a 95% percentiler can fit. Front seating combines decent lateral support and long-haul comfort, and touch points like the wheel and gear selector are wrought from high quality materials. VW does a brilliant job of making the interior feel above the price point, though the 5.8-inch touchscreen’s graphics and speed leave something to be desired.  

Thankfully, no caveats need to be made about the way the Golf SE goes down the road. The brilliantly engineered MQB platform underneath it is strong and stiff, resists road and wind noise well, and allows the sophisticated suspension to offer both a smooth ride and engaging handling. The Volkswagen cooks corners almost as well as the class-leading Mazda 3, has incisive and accurate steering and brakes that modulate well. 

The 1.8-liter, 170hp four cylinder that lies under the Golf’s hood is an excellent choice for daily duties, especially when combined with the smooth, quick-shifting six speed automatic. 0-60mph is dispatched in the high 7-second bracket, though the strong seem of low end turbo torque (peaking at a stout 200lb-ft) makes it feel faster. Lag is well masked by the transmission’s programming, and the real world fuel economy this TSI engine delivers is near the front of the class, though a bit far off the EPA’s ratings in town.

The Golf is certainly more expensive than most Asian and American rivals, but it outdrives all of them—with the exception of the 3—and has more room than the Mazda. This suite of talents mean that it not only all the vehicle most of us really need, but also one of the most enjoyable to use. This has been reflected in sales of this 7th generation version in America, with sales up over 150 percent this year. 

EPA ratings: 25/37mpg; 30mpg combined 

0-60mph: 7.8 seconds 

Price as tested: $26,895 

Here is what VW has to say.