VW have always known how to build crowd pleasers – one of the reasons it has become the world’s biggest car maker. But the biggest of its big hits is the Golf, which is now available in its seventh incarnation.

So what goodies have the boffins from Wolfsburg crammed into the new Golf? Aside from being longer, lower and lighter than Golf MK 6, it also claims to be 23 per cent more efficient – a real winner in today’s petrol pump phobic society.

It has also had its body re-worked, with some nice creases here and there, although the line cutting through the headlamps may raise a few eyebrows.

Inside there isn’t a great deal new to report. It’s had its infotainment unit updated and the switchgear faces the driver more directly. The boot gives you an extra 30 litres of space.

In common with its predecessors, you can select either a 3 or a 5 door, choose from 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines, and 1.6 and 2.0 turbodiesels. Five or six speed manual gearboxes are available, or alternatively you can opt for the 6 or 7 speed dual-clutch (DSG) gearboxes.

You can also choose from 4 driver modes – Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual. The DSG transmission gives you an additional Comfort mode. These modes have gone down well in the motoring press, since they do offer distinctive driving experiences, unlike the ‘samey’ modes of some rivals.

All things considered, the new Golf appears to be a solid, dependable family-friendly hatchback that is still the pride of European car making. Indeed, it shouldn’t have you making too much use of your UK or European Breakdown Cover insurance.