Few cars have commanded such enduring appeal as the VW Golf. With global sales now exceeding 25m and a history dating back 30 years, it’s a car that appears on most hatchback buyers’ shopping lists at some point in their motoring lives.

As with most things approaching middle age, however, the Golf’s waistline has expanded over the years. The latest Mk 5 version, introduced in early 2004, bears little resemblance to the original, and weighs nearly twice as much. But with the extra weight comes more refinement, both in the cabin and on the road, making the car more luxurious than original owners could have imagined.

One of the Golf’s greatest strengths is its broad appeal, made possible by its image as a classless car but also by the huge range of engines and specifications. These choices can be hard enough when you are buying new, but things get even more challenging when you stare at a page full of assorted used versions for sale.

As a general rule, buyers looking for a petrol-powered car should opt for the smaller-engined models, the 1.4 and 1.6 litre versions being the pick of the range. They may lack outright pace but with group 4 and 6 insurance ratings respectively, and fuel economy hovering around the 40mpg mark, they make up for it with affordability.

More powerful petrol versions can be disappointing. In particular the range topping GTI, which over the years has developed cult status with the hot-hatch fraternity, should be avoided. The Mk 5 GTI offered 150bhp from its 2 litre engine, making a tepid hatch at best. The introduction of a 200bhp FSI version in 2005 gave it more power, yet it’s still outgunned by the likes of the Focus ST, Astra VXR and Renault Mégane Sport.

The case for buying a diesel Golf is more compelling. The basic 1.9 produces 105bhp and is a tried and tested success. Here again, what it lacks in ultimate performance it makes up for in outstanding economy — 53.3mpg in the combined cycle. But if your budget allows, the undisputed sweet spot of the Golf range is the 140bhp GT TDI. In many respects a more convincing GT than the petrol GTI, it reaches 60mph in little more than 9sec, tops out at 127mph and returns nearly 50mpg in mixed motoring.

The latest Golf feels solid and secure, the speed-sensitive power steering is light when parking but builds feel as the pace quickens. The body, some 80% stiffer than the previous model’s, does a good job of suppressing road noise, but on the sportier models the stiffer suspension gives a less refined ride.

In recent years VW has responded to criticisms of poor equipment levels by introducing a decent list of standard items. Air-conditioning may not appear on every model but speed-sensitive power steering, electric front windows and a CD player do. You also find front and side airbags and heated electrically operated door mirrors.

While the VW Golf has built a pretty impressive reputation for durability and reliability, some owners report problems, and used buyers should take nothing for granted. So test the climate control (the temperature should go from hot to cold immediately), check rear light lenses for moisture build-up, and listen for grinding from steering racks. A full service history, complete with invoices, should reveal any problems experienced by previous owners but it is still worth checking with a VW dealer direct to see if any additional warranty work has been completed.

The fifth-generation VW Golf is not a radical departure from the model it replaced, but that is no bad thing. With more than 25m sales already under its belt, this latest version looks like a safe pair of hands with which to carry the model past the 30m milestone.

Engines 1.9 diesels can be noisy if pushed hard, but economy is superb

Dashboard A design study in simplicity, it’s nonetheless practical

Safety Electronic Stability Program system is standard on all and considered a major contributor to accident avoidance and minimisation

Interiors Seat trim should wear well and clean up easily, although some of the cloth fabrics can look a little bland

Warranty Three years/60,000 miles from date of first registration, but check on imported cars as the cover may only be for two years

Spare wheel Space-saver-type tyre and wheel come as standard equipment

Safety Five stars for adult-occupant safety, four-star child-occupant safety, and three stars for pedestrian safety place it among the safest cars on the road

Stereo CD as standard, with the optional six-disc changer unit neatly located in the front armrest
 

• A 2004 04 VW Golf 2.0 GT TDI five-door with 40,000 miles. Pay £12,100 at a dealer, or £11,000 privately

2004 54 Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi SRi 5dr

2005 54 BMW 120d 5dr

2005 05 Alfa Romeo 147 1.9JTD Lusso 5dr

2005 55 Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi SX 5dr

2006 06 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5dr

Figures based on CAP December 2006 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited February 2007