WHO would have thought 30 years ago that the Volkswagen Golf would clock up more sales than the iconic Beetle.
Now, 22 million cars later, the Golf reigns supreme as the classic quality hatch.
The latest generation is the fifth incarnation of the Golf and actually makes many a driver who can remember the original feel their age.
But there is nothing aged about the latest model which is all new and builds on the Golf's traditional strengths of high quality, safety and technology.
With echoes of the rather sparsely equipped, but very solid Golf I drove all those years ago in the back of my mind, I set off on a cruise of discovery in the £16,030 1.9 TDI three door sport.
The TDI is one of the most important models in the range which boasts five petrol and three diesel units, accountuing for around 28 per cent of total sales.
With the accent firmly on diesel at the moment, Volkswagen has gone more than the extra mile to ensure that customers get the very best out of this car which features the latest VW diesel technology.
Like with other models of its type, the TDI not only offers performance at the top end of the scale with a top speed of 116mph, but also provides a major helping of low rev grunt. Its 0-62mph figure of 11.1 seconds just does not fully reveal the punch-in-the-back powers this car possesses.
Another feature of the car is the suspension which is lowered by around 15mm and makes a major difference in handling. Indeed the whole car feels taut and tuned to get the best out of everyday driving without being over the top.
But the most amazing feature of this classic all-rounder is its economy. Volkswagen quotes a combined figure of 51.4mpg and an extra-urban readout of 60.1. Well I have bettered that on a relaxed long run with an average of just over 67mpg. Astonishing for a car of this type.
There are many so called economy cars on the road that cannot hold a candle to this figure.
And of course the international honours gallery has already handed out awards to the Golf which will continue to be Volkswagen best selling model in Britain.
The car is extremely durable with an astonishing lifespan and is a fitting successor to the great Beetle.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf 1.9 Sport TDI 3dr
Price: £16,030
Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,896cc, 4cyl diesel engine via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116 mph
0-62mph: 11.1 secs
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 149g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust