Used Volkswagen Golf Plus MPV 2005 - 2009 review

The Golf Plus is exactly that: a VW Golf with a bit more boot space, passenger room and versatility. The rear seats split 60/40 and each section also slides backwards and forwards independently, so you can juggle passenger and luggage space around to suit.

At the same time, the front passenger seats can fold completely forward. None of the seats can be removed, but there are no fewer than 43 cubby holes for stowage.

Otherwise, the Plus is very much a Golf, with all its strengths and failings. The cabin is every bit as classy as the basic Golf's and, although the dashboard is different, Golf drivers will still find it all reassuringly familiar. Front three-quarter visibility is still a problem, though, due to those thick A-pillars, and the Plus's taller body means you sit slightly higher than in the Golf.

On the positive side, that tall body doesn't have too much of an effect on the Golf's fine handling, but the extra weight – 100kg of it – needs powerful engines to shift it.

VWs hold on to their value better than most rivals. A three-year-old Golf Plus will still be worth 60% of the original asking price, which makes it easily 20% more expensive than most cars in its class.

Over a three-year period, service costs will be marginally more on the Golf Plus than a Ford Focus Estate but the VW will work out cheaper to maintain than a used Vauxhall Zafira.

Insurance costs, starting in group 5, are hardly harsh, and all, except the group 12-rated 2.0 TDI Sport and 1.4 TSI, come in below group 8.

Finally, the extra weight of the Plus takes a slight toll on fuel economy, but the Plus is only marginally down on the Golf's impressive mpg figures.

Don't bother with the 79bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, as it struggles. With the cabin full of family and the big boot full of clobber, holidays won't be as happy as they could be.

In summer 2006, a year after the Plus went on sale, VW introduced a 1.4-litre petrol engine (TSI) with a turbo- and a supercharger. It's something of a star, with 138bhp and 162lb ft of pulling power, and easily outguns the 1.6-litre petrol.

However, as is often the case with a VW, diesel is the way to go, and there's a choice of three engines. We favour the 104bhp 1.9 TDI, but the 89bhp version and the more powerful 138bhp 2.0-litre are also worth a look.

Trim-wise, there's no need to complicate things. Stick with entry-level models - initially badged S, later changed to the slightly bizarre Luna - and you'll get air-con, central locking and a CD player.

Equipment improves on SE, Sport and GT trims, but you won't miss out on anything important by going for the most basic S. Safety, however, is excellent on all with six-airbags, stability control and anti-lock-brakes fitted across the range.