Since then, it's appeared in numerous models, having been revised periodically and now it's into it's 4th generation. The Golf has a great heritage and a big name to live up to. Who remembers the GTI from the 1st and 2nd generations and the VR-6 from the 3rd generation? These cars are amongst the world's classic cars. The Golf has been the inspiration for other VW's too..... the Jetta, the Scirocco, the Corrado, the Bora and, of course, the new Beetle. The Golf, therefore, is an important car for Volkswagen.

Driving the Golf is, put simply, a delight. There's very good vision all-round. The steering is precise.The foot pedals are well positioned. The ride is comfortable. The 1.6 litre engine isn't overly powerful, but it's willing to work for the driver and it's quite suitable for a car this size. If you need and must have more power, there's a 2.0 litre engine available. This car is easy to get into and out of, it's easy to find all the controls, it's easy to point it where you want it to go, it's easy to stop, it's easy to go, it's easy to drive, it's easy to park..... it's a pleasure to drive. Faultless. Full stop.

The test car was the base model 5-door hatchback, fitted with the 1595cc 4 cylinder engine and mated to the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. This was a good combination, as it performed quite satisfyingly, even with 3 adults and luggage on board. Speaking of luggage, there's plenty of space in the boot for the holiday luggage of 3 adults. Amazing amount of space considering this is a small car in anyone's language. The interior of the Reflex Silver Metallic test car was, bearing in mind the car's physical size, quite roomy, with adequate leg room and a comfortable driving position is just a few adjustments away. If any suggestion for improvement was canvassed, it would be the typical European car problem...... they put the wiper and blinker controls on the wrong side of the steering column! You do get used to the lay-out though. The colourful dash lighting was a novelty, as it was pleasing to witness the blue and red effect.

Even the base model is well equipped..... wheel covers, driver and front passenger air bags, power steering, power windows, height adjustable driver's seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, cd player, reading lights and air conditioning amongst other items.

For those wanting even more Golf.... there's an S version with 2-litre engine, an SE version (1.6 or 2.0) and a GTi version, too. All S and SE models have a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The GTi comes with manual transmission only. Overseas, there's even more models!

Clearly, the packaging of the Volkswagen Golf is well thought out and very well executed. There's plenty of style, too. The body styling is quite attractive. One aspect deserve special praise. Look side-on to see how the taillights and the back bumper is designed and how they blend in with and match the back door..... very stylish! This must be, in my opinion, the most attractive rear quarter in the world!

The test Golf, which was produced in late 2002, was driven around Melbourne and suburbs. Approximately 200 kms was covered over the 2 days of the test. This included freeway, city and suburban driving.

Prices for the Golf models range from $25,990 to $38,500 (without options) (as at March 2003), plus the traditional dealer and state government charges.

The test car (1.6 S auto with metallic paint) is priced at $28,640 (as at March 2003) plus the usual dealer and state government charges.

To summarise..... the Volkswagen Golf is a winner, due to it's excellent driveability and excellent packaging.