Latest Golf still shows plenty drive

THE Volkswagen Golf seems to be eternal.

It’s by far Volkswagen’s most popular car and is arguably one of the most important new cars on sale, given it’s rarely seen outside the top five bestsellers list.

And from next month you’ll be able to buy this all-new eighth-generation example.

In typical Golf style, this latest model looks like it could just be a facelift, but it’s underneath and inside where Volkswagen has been waving its magic wand.

Volkswagen has completely digitalised the cabin, getting rid of most physical buttons and fitting the car with a 10-inch touchscreen and digital cockpit as standard.

Powering our test car is the 128bhp variant of the turbocharged 1.5-litre, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

While performance isn’t this engine’s strong point, it’s a good all-rounder, feeling plentiful at motorway speeds, while also having a bit of buzz for the more twisty roads.

While a great cruiser, it’s not a byword for driving enjoyment. Body roll is well controlled and the steering is smooth and linear, but it’s all safe and predictable.

In true VW fashion, the Golf’s design has evolved not revolved though why would you change such a popular and winning formula? Viewed side-on, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference, aside from the allnew line-up of alloy wheels.

It’s the front where you’ll notice most of the changes, with its new LED headlights, while a full-length front apron gives the Golf a more aggressive look.

Volkswagen already had a near-class-leading model and it didn’t need to do a great deal to this eighth-generation model.

With this 1.5-litre petrol configuration, it leaves you wanting for very little, and the Golf would be a terrific choice if you spend lots of time on the motorway. The fiddly new touchscreen might be a gripe at first, but we’re in no doubt it would be quickly adjusted to once you’re living with it daily.