The Volkswagen Golf V Its A Bestseller

Did you know that Volkswagen has sold more than 23 million Golfs in 30 years, making it the firm's best seller of all time -- outstripping even the popular Beetle.All models come standard with driver and front airbags, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and air-con.There's very little to criticise with the Golf.

The steering wheel adjusts for height and tilt, and the seat adjusts likewise, which makes for a good driving position. Visibility is good in all directions, and the Golf's compact size makes it easy to park in tight spaces.Room in the back seats is adequate without being spacious, and the seats fold down to enlarge an already decently-sized boot.

In addition to this, the driver's pedals retract upwards in a frontal collision, reducing the severity of injuries to the driver's legs.Active safety includes 4 wheel disc brakes with antilock, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Traction control is standard on all models,Volkswagen will offer two different diesel engines, despite expecting less than one-in-ten to opt for the oil burners. First up is a 1.9-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 77kW/250Nm and sips diesel at the leisurely rate of just 5.5litres/Then there's the more powerful 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, which boosts power and torque to 103kW/320Nm. It drinks just 2/10th of a litre more per 100km and accelerates from rest to 100km/h almost two seconds quicker (9.3 vs 11.1) than the 1.9 diesel.Direct Shift Gearbox essentially uses two clutch assemblies, each on its own shaft. In very simple terms the next gear is poised, to engage the millisecond the previous gear is released.

This reduces gearchange times to hundredths of a second, leaving occupants practically clueless to every change. Without the drop in engine noise and dropping tacho needle, even the driver would be oblivious, so smooth is the change