More important, this fourth-generation Golf is 3 inches longer than pre-1999 models and rides on a wheelbase that's 1.5 inches longer. It is 1.6 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller than the last generation. Rear doors on five-door models make full use of this increased size to improve entry and exit.

With its hatchback design, the Golf can carry an enormous amount of cargo. Flip the articulated rear seat bottom, remove the rear headrests and fold one or both rear seats backs down to create a cavernous space. We can't understand why Americans find hatchbacks so unattractive. Hugely popular in Europe, they are perhaps the most popular body style there. Hatchbacks offer some of the functional benefits of station wagons, including easy access to cargo through side doors and the rear hatch. A split rear seat allows carrying one rear passenger along with luggage and long items like skis or fly rods. A cargo cover shields possessions from prying eyes when the rear seats are flipped up.