Head to head: Astra wagon v Golf wagon

Volkswagen Golf Wagon 103TDI: From $36,490 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel; 103kW/320Nm; 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; 5.6L/100km and 144g/km CO2; FWD

Opel Astra Sports Tourer Select: From $35,990 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel; 121kW/400Nm; 6-speed automatic transmission; 5.9L/100km and 156g/km CO2; FWD

Value

Volkswagen Golf Slightly dearer and misses out on standard parking sensors (a $1400 option) and reversing camera (about $2100 as you must choose a media system with a screen). Smaller 16-inch alloys, rear fog lamp only, daytime running lights, cloth interior, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming, USB input, eight-speaker stereo, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto headlights and wipers.

Opel Astra

Has the price advantage. No reversing camera available on any model but has standard front and rear parking sensors with a dash-screen visual aid. Mirrors much of VW's equipment but adds bigger 17-inch alloys, front fog lights, fake leather trim, electric park brake. Bluetooth only works with phone connectivity (no audio streaming), stereo has one less speaker.

Winner: Opel Astra

Inside

Volkswagen Golf Cabin appears more mature than the Opel, with lots of grey trim but a quality feel with soft-touch plastics and nice materials. Comfortable seats with good adjustment. No flashy media screen on the dash.

Opel Astra

Feels slightly more inspired, with red ambient lighting elements and a big screen display – but it is not a touch-screen unit (which caught us out on several occasions), and the interior plastics feel cheaper. Optional satellite-navigation system ($1250) has fiddly controls.

Winner: Volkswagen Golf

Little treasures

Volkswagen Golf

Reasonably roomy for head and legroom in the rear but a bit light on for toe room. Has the added comfort of rear air vents. Boot slightly larger at 505 litres with the rear seats in place, but a touch smaller with the seats flat (1495L to the roof). Six airbags.

Opel Astra

Rear is roomy but seats aren't as comfortable as Golf, and there are no rear air vents. Boot is marginally smaller with the seats up (500L) but a tad larger with them flat (1550L to the roof). Six airbags.

Winner: Volkswagen Golf

Engine

Volkswagen Golf

A perky turbo diesel with just a hint of lag from a standstill, but quiet and refined. Has less power than Astra but doesn't feel underdone by any stretch. Dual-clutch auto is intuitive and quick-thinking but has a tendency to feel grabby in traffic. However, it generally chooses the right gear for the occasion. More fuel-efficient.

Opel Astra

A strong turbo diesel engine with considerably more power but it doesn't necessarily feel any quicker because it is heavier, and the power delivery isn't quite as linear as the Golf. Six-speed automatic can be sloppy when changing gears. Engine is noisy at most speeds. Some lag. Uses more juice.

Winner: Volkswagen Golf

How it drives

Volkswagen Golf Feels almost identical to the hatchback to drive, despite slightly more body roll courtesy of the Wagon's extra height and weight. Compliant and comfortable ride, excellent cornering ability and great steering. Some road roar intrusion, and front wheels can spin under heavy acceleration.

Opel Astra

Another wagon that drives like the hatch. Hangs on well through twisty stuff with decent amounts of grip but the ride is clumsy in comparison with the Golf, bouncing about over bigger lumps and bumps. The steering feels more artificial than the Golf's, with a slight delay when turning into corners and some vagueness at times.

Winner: Volkswagen Golf

Verdict

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf Wagon still sets the benchmark in the small wagon segment.

Opel Astra

Newcomer has value on its side but cannot match the Golf for overall packaging.

Winner: Volkswagen Golf