Volkswagen Golf SV MPV review (2014-2020)

“The Volkswagen Golf SV has a taller roofline than the standard Golf hatchback, making it a practical rival to the Ford C-MAX”

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Huge boot
  • Spacious interior
  • Solid build quality

Cons

  • Bland styling
  • Firm suspension on GT models
  • Expensive top-spec trims

If you love the Volkswagen Golf, but need some more space, the Golf SV takes the iconic hatchback and stretches its proportions. The resulting Ford C-MAX rival isn’t quite an MPV, but it does have more passenger space and a bigger boot, along with a great view out.

Boot space isn’t quite as vast as you’ll find in the Volkswagen Golf Estate, but the Golf SV is easier to get in and out of, which makes it well suited to drivers with small children. Thanks to a range of advanced engines, running costs are low, too, which could even entice some business drivers.

Bridging the gap between the Golf hatchback and Volkswagen Touran MPV, the design of the Golf SV completes the jigsaw puzzle, with the familiar grille and headlights that form VW’s ‘family face’. Tall windows give it a less sporty design than the hatchback, but features like silver roof rails mean the SV looks ready for a trip away with some bikes on the roof.

A key feature of the Golf is its upmarket interior, and here the SV is on a par with the rest of the range. Sharing the same in-car technology and many familiar controls for things like the air-conditioning, the SV feels well equipped and solidly built. MPV-inspired features can be found, too, with picnic tables behind the front seats, a second row that can slide on runners and a front passenger seat that folds flat for carrying long items.

The Golf SV benefits from most of the same engines as the hatchback, with petrol engines from 84 to 148bhp and diesels from 113 to 148bhp, most of which come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox, offering fast and precise changes without a fuel-economy penalty.

With enough power to make it impressive to drive, the 2.0-litre TDI with 148bhp is a good choice and can still return 52.3mpg. All of the engines are sensible, and any of the petrols will return over 45mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox. The smaller diesel is the economy champion of the range, offering up to 55.4mpg, which might make it a good option for company car drivers.

Using similar trim levels to most other VWs, the Golf SV is available in S, Match and GT versions, with even the S trim getting an eight-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, DAB radio and air-conditioning. Match represents the sweet spot in the range, with active cruise control, sat nav, Car-Net smartphone mirroring, parking sensors, alloy wheels, folding picnic tables, leather trim highlights and automatic lights and wipers.

The GT sits at the top of the range, with larger alloys, sportier suspension, ambient lighting and access to online services. Given its high price and the fact it’s only available with a smaller selection of engines, the GT is best avoided; we think the Match offers the best value in the range.

Volkswagen has a great reputation for building strong vehicles and the Golf SV is no exception, with a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2014. All cars now include autonomous emergency braking, as well as a host of standard airbags and other safety features.

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

While the Golf SV itself didn’t feature in our 2019 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, the Golf it’s based on came 41st out of 100 models, receiving praise for its handling, ease of driving and performance.

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability
Tesla Cybertruck side view
News
1 Dec 2023

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023