BEFORE you do what a growing majority of family buyers are doing by buying a compact SUV, have a long hard look at Volkswagen’s new Golf wagon.

Not only is the low-slung German a better drive, it is also more commodious, has a premium cabin design and ride quality that no entry level high-riding wagon on the market can touch.

On sale from $25,540, the DSG automatic-only wagon is $1550 more expensive than the equivalent hatchback, making it a little pricier than the Hyundai i30 wagon and Holden’s load-lugging Cruze.

But it is worth the extra spend, because no rival plays the role better.

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