Volkswagen Golf hatchback - Practicality & boot space

It might be new but the Mk8 Golf is based on the same MQB platform as before, so interior space is almost identical. Just like before, it's average for the class, with plenty of room for adults and a fairly average-size boot.

Volkswagen Golf interior space & storage

One virtue of the Golf has always been a highly adjustable driving position, and that certainly hasn't changed. The steering wheel has a good range of movement for reach and rake, and the seat can accommodate adults of all shapes and sizes, even those well over six-feet tall. There's just about enough room for three adults in the back, although it's better suited to four people as there's a transmission tunnel running through the middle of the car. If you need more space the Skoda Octavia still rules to roost.

Visibility is excellent, with a better view out than the more sporty Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series, both of which have a more low-slung shape. Standard front and rear parking sensors help judge distances, but you'll need to pay extra for a rear-view camera, which is standard in some rivals.

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Boot space

Boot space is virtually unchanged at 381 litres, even in the eTSI mild-hybrid version, which has its battery pack hidden under the passenger seat. Fold the rear seats down and there's 1,237 litres of space. This is on a par with rivals like the Kia Ceed, but the Honda Civic (478 litres) and Skoda Octavia (590 litres) are much bigger.