WHEN a car has been a benchmark for more than a generation it just has to keep getting better.
Such was the challenge facing Volkswagen with the new Golf and the result is predictable although a touch on the expensive side.
The all new Golf is bigger, more stylish and more complete than ever before. And at last all versions handle with impeccable manners as opposed to the previous versions where only the GTIs cut the mustard.
However, VW is charging a premium price for the latest manifestation of its legendary hatchback. This 1.6-litre mid-range SE model would set you back £15,285 and that became almost £17,000 when the extras, such as satellite navigation were included.
That is a lot of money to pay for a 1.6-litre car and I'm afraid that for that amount I expect a little bit more.
The engine uses VW's FSI (fuel stratified injection) system which is designed to deliver optimum performance and economy. But it has to be worked hard to make it sing - and then the economy goes out of the window.
Be gentle and it will average around 42mpg, but have a bit of fun - and that is what Golf driving is supposed to be about - and it will slip down to the high 20s.
It is not the quickest of performers either with the benchmark 0 to 60mph sprint taking eleven seconds and a reported top speed of 119. That's adequate but not sparkling. In fact that sums up the whole feel of the new Golf.
Certainly it now has more room in the back, is swishly appointed and comes with a six-speed gearbox and automatic air conditioning.
The sat nav and communications suite is a £1,665 extra, but it is one of the best around. It can even record traffic information messages from the radio and play them back on demand - clever stuff.
But there are a few gripes with some features and the interior layout. For example the CD multichanger took out the entire centre console and you don't get electric windows all round.
However there is airbag protection front and rear, an electronic stability programme, heated front seats and an onboard computer.
The most noticeable improvement is to the handling. The body is much stiffer than on any previous version of the Golf and that is reflected in rock-solid stability. It is also very smooth to drive and that goes for the gearbox as well.
Make no bones about it, this is the best the Golf has been. It looks refined and it is refined and so it should since it costs about £2,000 more than any of the immediate opposition in the medium sized hatchback sector.
For this amount of money I certainly want more than a 1.6 with average performance. Perhaps a two-litre would do the trick - but that sort of Golf starts at £18,185 which is almost as much as a limited edition, rally specification Ford Focus RS costs. See my point?
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI SE 5dr
Price: £15,285
Mechanical: 115hp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via a 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 41.5
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 163g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs antirust; 3yrs paint