Volkswagen replaces the SE Estate Golf with the Match Edition and adds plenty of extra kit to boost it's appeal.

• High specification Match Edition joins Volkswagen Golf Estate line-up
• Extra equipment brings even greater value to Golf R and Passat
• Award-winning Touran compact MPV receives more power

The already appealing Volkswagen Golf Estate range is getting more attractive still with the arrival of the compelling Golf Estate Match Edition, which replaces the SE trim and brings with it an abundance of important equipment upgrades.

The new Volkswagen Golf Estate Match Edition includes elegant 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloy wheels and front fog lights, while external features are further enhanced by the addition of a Mirror Pack which delivers remote electrically folding door mirrors, as well as door mirror puddle lights and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on the passenger’s door mirror.

The German manufacturer is also adding parking sensors to the level of comfort and convenience already offered by the Golf Estate Match Edition, and that is in addition to the high spec 6.5-inch colour touch-screen, Bluetooth telephone and audio connection, car information display, DAB digital radio and a CD player.

The offering is bolstered by an upgrade of the infotainment system to the impressive Discover Navigation system, with Car-Net Guide and Inform.  Discover Navigation adds, as standard on the Golf Estate Match Edition, dynamic navigation with branded points of interest, speed limit display and a choice of three route options (Fast, Short or Eco).  

And in addition, the dynamic Car-Net Guide and Inform programme provides online access to a range of useful information such as live traffic updates, current local fuel pricing, parking space availability, weather and news feeds.  A three-year subscription is included, and these services are accessed via a compatible mobile device.

All of this extra equipment is complemented by heated front seats, headlight washers and heated windscreen washer jets.  The cost of these features when specified separately is £1975, but the items have been added to this Golf Estate for a mere £100 supplement, meaning the Volkswagen Golf Estate Match Edition starts from £22,045 RRP OTR.

A further breath of fresh air is the addition of an allergy filter to the 2Zone electronic air conditioning system, and this is now standard across the Performance Golf and Performance Golf Estate ranges (GTI, GTD, GTE, R and Alltrack models). 

Driving further into the range, the Golf R and the Golf Estate R now include the Discover Navigation infotainment system, with Car Net Guide and Inform, factory fitted as standard.  

In addition, both R models now come equipped with heated front seats, headlight washers and heated windscreen washer jets. That’s an extra £1145 of equipment for only a £500 addition to the on-the-road price.  Thus, the Golf R starts from £31,685 RRP OTR and the Golf Estate R is £34,455 RRP OTR.

The Volkswagen Golf and Golf Estate of course feature a wide variety of comfort and convenience boosting features.  These engaging driver’s cars come alive on the road, and that’s especially true when Driver Profile Selection – available on the Match Edition and above trims – is selected. 

This enables the driver to choose different settings that will adjust the Golf’s character and driving experience.  And now, when Sport or Dynamic modes are selected, more information is displayed on the car’s centre console.  

A lap-timer and g-meter, which measure the gravitational forces generated by the car’s performance, are now relayed to the driver.  Boost pressure and oil temperature are also added to the display.

The Golf’s big brother, the Passat saloon or estate, is also a beneficiary of an enhanced level of technology.  

For instance, the impressive new Active Info Display system – a 12-inch high definition TFT dash display screen with customisable menus and information – can now be selected no matter which level of infotainment system the Passat has.  Volkswagen has also developed an enhanced version of the Nivomat self-levelling suspension.  

This is available as an option on all Passat Estate trims except the S, BlueMotion and Alltrack or where the 240 PS engine, Dynamic Chassis Control or a tow bar have been specified.

Both the saloon and estate versions of the Passat GT and R-Line now feature Active Info Display and a Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.  

This passes a significant saving of £1265 to Volkswagen Passat customers, so the Passat GT saloon now starts at £26,025 RRP OTR and the R-Line at £28,145 RRP OTR – just £245 more than the models they replace.  

The Passat Estate is available to order from £27,575 for the GT and £29,695 for the R-Line – also just a £245 increase.

The latest Touran was launched last year to international acclaim.  It is one of the most successful compact MPVs in the world and now packs an extra punch: the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine now produces 115 PS, up from 110 PS in its previous iteration.  

The engine is available on the entry-level S model, as well as the SE and SE Family trims, and CO₂ emissions aren’t altered. 

Finally, the extensive Volkswagen Polo range has been joined by a variety of special editions thanks to the recent addition to the line-up of the Volkswagen Polo Beats.  

These hatchbacks feature, among other things, Beats-inspired styling and a class-leading 300-watt sound system.  The car is available in three- or five-door configuration and has a choice of four engines.