The Golf is in many ways the godfather of the automotive industry - very often it is the benchmark of how things should be done not just in its own segment but across the wider market. Having said that, the past few generations have perhaps suffered, not through a lack of identity or quality, but imagination.
With the Golf you often get the same thing over and over again - the latest generation looks much like the previous generation and so on, but it does seem churlish to complain it when the package is consistently good and constantly raises the bar in both luxury and build quality.
The newest Golf does look sharp, though, borrowing some design cues from the racier Scirocco coupe. Inside, the interior has been improved yet further - Volkswagen has put great thought into laying out the dashboard ergonomically and the cabin is littered with soft-touch plastics.
The Golf feels more like an executive saloon from several rungs up the ladder, not a family hatchback, such is the refined air. You can really appreciate the effort that VW makes in the detailing of the car, like the soundproofed windscreen and aerodynamic wing mirrors designed to reduce wind noise. On the move the Golf is remarkably devoid of road and wind noise.
There is a price to pay for all this luxury and refinement, though - the Golf has the requisite price tag, but in many ways it is worth the extra over something less refined.All of the engines in the Golf range are fairly accomplished, and it doesn't feel like there's a lemon amongst them. A highlight is the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine which embraces the downsizing trend by employing both a turbochargers and superchargers in its design.
The Golf is an enjoyable car to drive, too, although not primarily because of engaging handling - it does lack the final edge of a driver-focused car like the Ford Focus when going along a twisty back road. It is still fun to drive and the suspension is excellent, but the main draw is the effortless, smooth experience. The car handles cruising or racing with ease.
So the Golf may not be the best driver's car in its class, but it is definitely the most luxurious and refined. It is the sort of car that simply makes your life easier, which is high praise indeed.