Given 20 miles at the wheel, even the biggest car enthusiast would have to agree that this Golf is a world-beater.
They’d probably notice the reserved handling – something that has characterised Golfs for decades – and they might even wonder, to begin with, what the car’s outstanding selling point is, because no single shining thing stands out.
But it isn’t supposed to. This car’s qualities are not so much easy to overlook as intended to be taken for granted.
On material quality, rolling refinement, usability and functional simplicity, the Golf is outstanding.
Outright performance, ride and handling, cabin practicality and fuel efficiency may not be exceptional, but come highly commended. The Golf’s desirability endures too, of course.
Add competitive pricing and low ownership costs and the armour is complete. Find a chink in it if you can; we certainly can’t, and the mild facelift solves any chinks that may of been on show.
The best hatchback in the world shows no signs of being anything less - no pressure on the Mk8 then.
