VW GOLF 110TSI

PRICE From $23,990 drive-away WARRANTY 3 years/unlimited km CAPPED SERVICING From $1223 for 3 years SERVICE INTERVALS 12 months/15,000km SAFETY 5 stars ENGINE 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW/250Nm TRANSMISSION 6-speed man, 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWD THIRST From 5.7L/100km DIMENSIONS 4258mm (L), 1799mm (W), 1452mm (H), 2620mm (WB) WEIGHT From 1241kg SPARE Space saver TOWING 1500kg (640kg unbraked) 0-100KM/H 8.2 secs

ON THE ROAD Can I pick any difference driving the 7.5? Nope. That’s not a bad thing, because the Golf still sets the pace on quietness, comfort and refinement. In mixed weather conditions in Melbourne, from dry freeway to slushy forest tracks, it is never less than good.

The basic 110 has sharp performance with the sevenspeed DSG auto, although it wants to cling to the high gears for economy above 80km/h.

The Alltrack diesel, with its chunky feel on the road, provides more proof that SUVs are not the only solution for a family car. It’s roomy with a very big boot and gets along well with the security of ondemand all-wheel drive.

Inside, the infotainment screen is bigger in each car than its predecessor – the top-line model’s truly impressive eightinch job has incredible clarity and is easy to use.

The loaded Alltrack gets the excellent digital Active Info Display that puts everything including maps in front of the driver.

Overall, there is more to find and enjoy in the Golf 7.5, with a driving experience that’s as good as it gets. The bonus for savvy shoppers is VW’s $2000 bonus for the outgoing Golf Mark 7 – that makes it the real bargain in the update for 2017.