THE Golf Estate arrived in the UK last autumn and completed the Mark VI Golf range.

This newcomer is much more comfortable than its predecessor and comes with a high level of standard kit.

Taking key styling cues from its Golf hatchback stablemate it is also a decidedly attractive load lugger, boasting further improvements both inside and out and offering a five-engine choice, two petrol and a trio of diesels, while all three trim levels, S, SE and Sportline, feature a high level of standard specification including the provision of air con, CD, multi function computer, electric windows and mirrors in all models.

Standard safety features include latest generation Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) with Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Traction Control to help keep drivers on the right road while ABS braking with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) make for highly effective stopability. You also get anti-whiplash front head restraints and side curtain airbags.

The five-door Golf Estate occupies a slot in the lower medium estate category, rivalling the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra Estates, plus the Peugeot 308 SW and Renault Megane Tourer.

While the Wolfsburg car maker was anticipating the SE trim to be the most popular with buyers, I've just been driving the range topping Sportline Model.

VW's Sportline derivative adds quite a number of extra items such as front sports seats, a multi function leather steering wheel, front fogs, alloys with R17 tyres and anti-theft bolts plus tyre pressure indicator to the standard manifest of the SE model which includes the likes of home lighting function, cruise control, a number of roomy storage compartments, eight-speaker sound system with MP3 compatibility and CD.

The design team has scored well with the improved quality of the interior, this fourth manifestation of the Golf Estate enjoying an uplift in interior ambience thanks to redesigned instrument panels and switchgear.

This reworking of the instrumentation has led to clearly defined dials sitting in recessed, individual cowls behind a three-spoke tiller. High quality, soft touch plastics are much in evidence but, while backlit white dials have been successfully introduced, personally, I mourn the passing of the blue back lighting which I always found a comforting touch when driving at night.

While the Sportline Golf Estate may not be a heavyweight load lugger, it is a decidedly practical family vehicle boasting five-adult sized seating accommodation and while the boot room can handle some 505 litres of luggage with ease, extending to 1,495 litres with rear seats folded, there is a removable blind to conceal your cargo from unwanted prying eyes.

VW's legendary 2.0 TDI engine paired with a smooth slotting six-speed gearstick delivered some impressive power, 138bhp being comfortably sufficient to take you from 0-62mph in an agreeable 9.7 seconds in pursuit of a maximum speed of 130mph. There is the promise of 56mpg in average use.