Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI SE

The German firm’s softly-softly approach to change has secured a customer loyalty that is the envy of other manufacturers and ensures that there is no exodus to the opposition.

Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, this seventhgeneration Golf is Volkswagen’s attempt at maintaining its lofty position in the medium-size hatchback market.

And while the overall theme of the car’s appearance was never in doubt – it’s the detail that really deserves to be applauded.

My daughter took one look at the Golf and declared that it was boring.

Now I can understand why she should make that pronouncement, coming as it does from a 20-yearold who devotes a worrying amount of time to applying fake tan and whose make-up routine can last for two hours.

The truth of the matter is that the new Golf displays subtle creases and a general sharpening-up of the exterior, and that’s about all there is to tell.

It’s the underpinnings that deserves a closer look. The Golf sits on Volkswagen’s new MQB medium-size platform, which is lighter and stronger than its predecessor.

Then you have to consider the level of standard equipment. Every Golf gains DAB digital radio and music player connectivity, along with a generous amount of safety kit. The SE version adds cruise control and an auto-brake function in conjunction with a hazard detection system.

The Golf’s new platform also means a useful boost in fuel efficiency, resulting in lower running costs – fuel and tax outlay being the main considerations. The tested 105 horsepower 1.6-diesel variant is a sub-100g/km CO2-rated car promising 70-plus mpg, and destined to be favourite choice of cost-conscious company car drivers. It’s no rocket ship, but this Golf easily keeps up with traffic and rarely makes itself heard when pushed hard. You might want to step up to the 2.0-litre diesel for that extra slug of power.

I was keen to test out that fuel economy figure, having been disappointed so many times by the official manufacturer’s figure compared with what is achievable in the real world. My ten-mile commute to work, comprising a mix of rural and urban roads with city traffic, provided the perfect short test route, and I was pleasantly surprised to record results ranging between 62 and 74mpg over five days.

For the first time, the Golf gets driver profile selection, which allows the driver to choose from four modes – Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual. With a DSG gearbox, you even get a fifth option – Comfort.

Each of these modes alters the throttle mapping and engine management, so in Eco mode, for example, the engine management, air conditioning and ancillary systems are controlled to achieve maximum fuel-efficiency.

On modest-sized wheels, a 1.6 diesel Golf SE delivers a measured and refined driving experience, easily coping with poorly-surfaced urban roads and proving quiet at motorway speeds. Steering is weighty and accurate, the fivespeed manual gearshift is short and slick and the driving position offers a large range of adjustment.

All this and the car’s easy-going character when on the open road results in an experience that’s low in frustration and high in ownership enjoyment. The car’s increased dimensions also mean more room in the cabin for occupants plus a good size boot and the ability to easily fold the rear seats to further increase its carrying capacity.

Further detailed improvements include intelligent radar cruise control and a city mode, which can bring a vehicle to a complete stop if a hazard is detected ahead. This safety package can be further enhanced with a lane keeping assist function that gently, automatically adds small steering corrections to reduce the chance of straying from your chosen lane. There’s also an improved version of Volkswagen’s auto park system, which adds 90- degree reverse parking to its existing parallel park repertoire.

Take the time to admire its exterior styling and you quickly appreciate Volkswagen’s impressive attention to detail. And it’s this attribute that’s evident in every aspect of the new Golf.

Already named European and World Car Of The Year, the Golf continues to exude a timeless quality. It’s not immediately obvious that it’s a world-beater, but spend a few days with it and you soon come to recognise that this remains the one to beat. And the doors still close with a clunk.

Fact File

Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI SE

PRICE: £20,500

ENGINE: 1.6-litre diesel unit developing 105PS

TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual, driving the front wheels

PERFORMANCE: top speed 119mph, 0-62mph 10.7 seconds

ECONOMY: 74.3mpg

CO2 RATING: 99g/km