THE Golf has been the golden one for Volkswagen.

Ever since its launch in 1974 when it set a new standard in the hatchback sector it has gone on to becomestandard by which any rivals are judged and to which competitors are compared.

True, some are roomier, softer sprung, sharper handling and cheaper, but overall the VW Golf is an incredibly good all-rounder with a well-built, quality feel, strong residual value and good performance.

The Golf Mk8 was introduced in 2020 and some felt it was not as good as previous generations and was too high tech with frustrating finger-tip technology thrown in because it could without really considering what drivers' desired.

Now the so-called Mk8.5 has been introduced on the model's 50anniversary with fewer controls operated through the infotainment screen and returned to the steering wheel, and its all much better.

It is a very wide range of models including highly sporting Golf R and GTI with five additional trim levels in eight engine and gearbox powertrains, hatchback or estate bodies.

There are 1.5 petrol and mild-hybrid engines developing 114 or 148bhp withmanual six or seven speed automatic transmission while high mileage motorists can pick 2.0-litre diesel units producing 114 or 148bhp, again with manual or automatic boxes.

Finally, for now, there are 201bhp or 268bhp plug-in hybrids in the hatchback style while a 2.0-litre 201bhp petrol is joining the line up.

The new 1.5-litre petrol engine with six-speed box is a very smooth unit with a really slick, well defined gear-gate and at steady motorway speed should return over 52mpg as we briefly saw but after some mixed road motoring an average of 46.2mpg was recorded.

We put this down to the long-legged fifth and sixth gears which saw it struggling on long gradients or when laden and progress was maintained only by selecting fourth gear and extended use of third during acceleration to keep up with traffic flow.

It was no hardship because the clutch pedal was light and progressive and the change action very slick and quick.

Brakes were nicely balanced with assistance and power while the steering was easy and turning circle tight without being twitchy at speed.

Secondary controls are now tightly grouped on the wheel spokes or a small fascia panel to the right of the wheel, with the usual lights and wiper stalks just behind on the column, but partly hidden nevertheless.

The wipers front and rear were very effective at clearing the glass, the slim LED headlights particularly bright and far reaching. Visibility was excellent all round.

The safe and secure synergy extended to front and rear sensors with alerts and cameras watching both front and back, speed monitoring and radar reaching down the road to keep a safe speed and distance as well as warnings if anything was overtaking or on the inside before pulling in.

The simplified but big near 13-inch infotainment screen was packed with features which could be selected from about 14 functions, quickly changed and always highly visible without being over complicated.

Heating and ventilation controls are now touch-sliders beneath the screen but work in conjunction with it to show temperature and there is also a similar arrangement for the speakers' volume.

Output controls for the temperature and distribution were plentiful, easily set and strong, backed up by four powered windows but no sunroof on our Match spec model.

Oddments space was good infront, slightly less useful in the back for a family car and it was the same with the seating, being roomy infront and short on legroom behind but elbow, shoulder and headroom space was generous throughout.

Moving to the boot, the fifth door was heavy to lift and revealed a long, wide and deep compartment,particularly if you removed the floorboard and used the space normally kept for a spare wheel. The offset split rear seatback of the 60:40 arrangement quickly dropped almost completely flat to rapidly and gradually raise capacity with easy access from the rear doors as well.

Passengers could conveniently get into the backseats or front and the driving position was near ideal with plenty of seat, column and wheel movement.

We liked the way the cushion and backrest helped locate those infront even if they were not well padded for comfort and may have contributed to the overall firm riding nature of the Golf on anything but smooth roads. On motorways it was very smooth.

The Golf's handling was safe and roadholding sure-footed with no real vices to concern anyone. Press on through tighter turns and it would naturally want to run wide but immediately came back on line when the throttle was lifted or steering eased off.