IT seems to have been around since the wheel was invented, but the Volkswagen Golf just keeps getting better.
Building on a solid reputation for reliability, strength, performance and quality, the latest VW Golf has still managed to raise the bar a little further. The spec level is better than ever, the economy figures are excellent without interfering with the performance and the design has been tweaked on several fronts.
Boasting sharper and slightly more sporty lines, the Golf Estate supplied for my test drive was crammed with quality features, including automatic safety lights that see you to and from the car at night, rain sensors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, semi-automatic air conditioning, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows all round and plenty more.
The cabin was both light and spacious and can easily house five adults in comfort. And being the estate model, they can take along all their luggage requirements too. In addition, there are plenty of useful smaller storage compartments scattered throughout.
The latest Golf certainly has a colour-coordinated theme throughout especially with the exterior design where the bumpers and wing mirrors match the body colour. And the Golf's 'I-mean-business' approach is accentuated by the snazzy alloy wheels and sturdy roof rails.
Then when you get down to the drive itself, there is a wealth of power at your disposal. The 2.0-litre engine delivered plenty of acceleration out on the open road and the six-speed manual transmission was very responsive. Despite its size, the Golf was easily manoeuvred in busy city traffic and the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility too.
As one would expect from VW, the Golf is crammed with quality safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stabilisation programme including traction control and numerous airbags to keep all occupants safe and sound.
All on all, the Golf continues to go from strength to strength.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Golf Estate SE 2.0 TDI
Price: £20,990
Mechanical: 140ps, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 56.5
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 132g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles