if you do a search for the TUV (I think thats the German testing body) it did some tests between three new MK5 Golf and three 4WDs. One was the Volvo (with its car friendly lower crunch zone), the other a Hyundai (I think) and I cant remember what the last one was. Anyway, have a look at their crash results. Theyre quite sobering.
Rob - I take your point. A test between an S-Class saloon, and a Corsa and MK3 Golf in the mid 90s left the Golf and the Corsa squished. But the occupants had some chance because the height and crumple zone compatibility with the Merc was more evenly matched. Plus, Merc engineers a softer initial crumple zone to be more sympathtic to smaller, lighter cars. If you view the test above with the MK5 Golf, the 4wds ran over the car. If nothing else, thats just not giving the Golf a chance.
g