With the Mk6 Golf on the way, VW has stopped selling most of our favourite engines, leaving a limited choice for buyers. Petrol buyers choose from a weedy 79bhp 1.4, or two turbocharged 1.4s that give either 138bhp or 168bhp, which are good, but expensive. Diesel buyers choose from a 74bhp 2.0, a 104bhp 1.9 or two 2.0 units giving 138bhp or 168bhp. The 1.9 is the pick, because it’s affordable to buy.

The car is sharp, stable at speed and controlled, even a little firm over urban potholes. It mostly rides well, though. Electric power steering gets weightier with speed but does not give enough feedback. Front-wheel-drive versions have good grip and traction, so it’s not worth paying more for four-wheel drive.

Volkswagen diesels generally aren’t the sweetest-sounding things, and they always advertise what type of fuel they use. The sporty 1.4 TSI engines are a little gruff at low revs, but sound better as you push on. Wind noise isn’t an issue at UK speeds, and road noise is rarely present. The manual gearshift is slick.

The Golf isn't always as expensive as you might expect and, if you pick the right engine, it’s pretty affordable. Plus, its classy image keeps resale values among the highest in this class. The engines offer competitive fuel economy, too, but some of them bring slightly higher-than-average company car tax bills. Servicing and insurance costs, and contract hire rates are all respectable.

Some of the materials in the Golf's cabin are rather dour, but it's hard to fault the build quality. Everything works with a well-engineered precision and the overall feel is solid. The annual JD Power customer satisfaction survey suggests that owners are mostly happy.

All Golfs have six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes linked to the latest electronic stopping aids, while active front head restraints help to minimise whiplash in the event of a rear-end shunt. Deadlocks are standard, and Match models and above get an alarm.

The Golf dash could hardly be more user-friendly, mixing chunky stereo buttons, simple rotary heater dials and well-sited minor controls. Drivers of all shapes and sizes will be able to make themselves comfortable, thanks to ratchet seat adjustment and a two-way adjustable steering wheel.

Front seat occupants benefit from generous leg-, head- and shoulder room, and there's enough space for two large adults or three children in the rear. The well-shaped boot has a healthy 350 litre capacity, but the 60/40 split rear seats don't fold completely flat because their bases are fixed.

Every Golf has electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, a CD player and air-conditioning. Our favoured Match trim adds alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, rear electric windows and an MP3-compatible stereo. GT Sport cars have front foglights, a leather steering wheel, larger alloy wheels, sports suspension and a blacked-out front grille.