The build

Quality. It's a word that inevitably rises to the surface when talking about the Golf, ever since the Mark IV left the rest floundering.

VW claims the jump from current to new Golf is as great as that from the Mk III to the Mk IV, which is some boast.

We'd put it this way: VW is back to its best after allowing its focus to slip with the current car.

That's not to say the newcomer isn't beautifully made and a delight to be in.

It echoes the interior of the Passat CC, with the same three-spoke steering wheels and instruments.

It's a shame VW has ditched the old swimming pool blue backlighting in favour of white, though.

As always, the adjustability of the driving position and the control layout are faultless.