Every Golf engine is turbocharged, and the range starts with two 1.2 petrols developing either 84bhp or 103bhp.

The 1.4-litre choices deliver 120bhp and 138bhp, while the diesel range consists of a 103bhp 1.6 and a 148bhp 2.0.

Both 1.4 petrols are impressively strong, and the more powerful one shuts off half its cylinders when possible to save fuel.

The 103bhp diesel will be strong and flexible enough for most buyers, while the 148bhp diesel is also extremely punchy.

Most versions of the Golf are sensational to drive. The steering is well weighted, while the suspension manages to blend an extremely comfortable ride with good body control.

However, the cheaper versions (both 1.2 petrols and the 1.6 diesel) come with a less sophisticated suspension setup, and they don’t ride quite as serenely. They’re still more comfortable than many rivals, though, and they still handle securely.

This is one of the Golf’s biggest strengths. There's very little suspension noise, and while there is some road and wind noise at motorway speeds, these are only minor intrusions.

The petrol engines are exceptionally smooth and quiet (you don’t even notice when the more powerful 1.4 shuts off half its cylinders to save fuel), as is the 2.0 diesel.