Volkswagen Golf 2009–2013 car dimensions: 4534 mm long, 1781 mm wide and 1504 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,331 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin offers Climatic semi-automatic air conditioning as standard across the range for consistent comfort. Cruise control comes standard on SE and Sportline grades to ease long drives. Front and rear parking sensors plus a rear-view camera are optional on SE and Sportline, while Park Assist is also available as an option on those trims for easier manoeuvring. Touchscreen radios like the RCD 510 or RNS 510 navigation are optional on higher grades, with standard radios being non-touch units on entry models.
The boot holds 505 litres with seats up and expands to 1495 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat into the floor, providing a level load area with securing points and a removable cover for everyday practicality.
Towing capacity reaches up to 1500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked depending on the engine, with payload around 610 kg. The estate layout with roof rails supports load carrying for work or leisure without specialised heavy-duty options noted.
The cabin feels practical and refined with height-adjustable driver's seat as standard and comfort seats offering lumbar adjustment on SE grades. Sport seats appear on Sportline models. Climatic semi-automatic air conditioning comes standard across the range. An optional panoramic sunroof measures about 1.1 square metres and lets in light with an electric sunblind. Acoustic damping laminated windscreen cuts high-frequency noise for a quieter ride. Heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar back is available and standard on Sportline.
Official combined fuel economy ranges from 44.8 mpg to 67.3 mpg by engine.
Service choice of fixed intervals every 10,000 miles or 1 year, or LongLife up to 18,000 miles or 2 years.
Five-star Euro NCAP rating for the Golf Mk6.
Standard safety includes ABS with HBA, ESP with EDL and ASR, six airbags, whiplash-optimised front head restraints and Isofix points.
Warranty covers 3 years or 60,000 miles.
Fuel use varies by engine. Petrol options like the 1.2 TSI return around 48.7 mpg combined. Diesels do better, with the 1.6 TDI at 62.8 mpg and BlueMotion Technology versions reaching 67.3 mpg combined. BlueMotion adds start-stop and low-rolling-resistance tyres.
Servicing offers two regimes. Time and Distance suits lower annual miles with oil changes every 10,000 miles or yearly. LongLife suits higher-mileage drivers and can stretch oil changes to 18,000 miles or 24 months based on sensors. Inspection services follow at set points.
Safety starts with a five-star Euro NCAP result. Every model has ABS, ESP, six airbags covering front, side and curtain, whiplash-optimised head restraints and Isofix preparation for two rear seats. Body rigidity and electro-mechanical steering aid control.
Living with the car means a 505-litre boot that expands to 1,495 litres with seats folded. The three-year 60,000-mile warranty provides basic cover. Higher trims add cruise control and more storage while options like the winter pack bring heated front seats.
Length 4534 mm, Width 1781 mm, Height 1504 mm, Wheelbase 2578 mm (Golf 2009–2013)
Sources: manufacturer data, Volkswagen UK Golf Estate brochure Feb 2011, VW Press UK.