If the phrase ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ must go to one car, then it must be the VW Golf. Not much has changed over the years, and why should it, when it always sells by the bucket loads.

It’s the same story this time, where it’s received a slight Scirocco-inspired redesign and a slightly better interior. Nothing major. Below the surface, you have completely reworked suspension with new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars which gives the new Mk6 slightly better handling and slightly better ride. Again, nothing major. If you want to go further, then we can talk about the added refinement and safety, which in driving terms means it’s better in every sense and won’t give even the most clumsy driver any problems: it is hard to upset its composure. Not a bad thing, considering most basic Golf buyers aren’t exactly looking for balls-out action.

The TSI engine is also impressive: capable and smooth, and progressive throughout the rev range so you hardly notice the turbo sitting under the bonnet. Not bad for a 1.4-litre unit. The best way to describe the new Golf is ‘potent’ and ‘solid’, which is another way of saying it’s well-engineered and better than almost all of the cars in its class.