Golf today

“You won't believe this car has a 1.4-litre engine,” the Volkswagen representative intoned as he handed over the keys. And he was right. From the off, bets could have been placed on the size of the engine and no one would have plumped for such an economical number. The fact that the new Golf is so quick off the mark and at no point strains for power is testament to Volkswagen's precision engineering and knowing how to get the best out of small packages.

In Europe a VW Golf is a rite of passage. Most people either have one when they're young or know someone who does. Many youngsters aspire to have the latest Golf, but have to settle for its more diminutive sibling, the Polo, as a result of various insurance laws. Thankfully in the UAE this is not an issue and everyone is free to enjoy one of the most fun cars on the road.

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It is not that the Golf is particularly flashy, neither is it ridiculously cheap, but for some reason this handsome little car is one that lights up even the gloomiest of journeys. Driving it is simply fantastic and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in the industry who doesn't agree. The Golf puts you back in touch with what is rip-roaringly brilliant about driving, like being behind the wheel of an old Mini or Fiat 500. It's a basic automobile that somehow evokes that sense of magic needed to make you proud of owning one.

The best aspect of driving the Golf is the cornering. As espoused to anyone in the passenger seat, this car is so tight around a U-turn it is astonishing. There's no roll, no over or under steer in any bends even when going at high speed.

Speed was the one factor that could potentially worry any prospective buyers. Fear not, however. The 1.4-litre engine has been mated with a supercharger as standard with its TSI range, which the Golf is part of, and produces 160bhp. With a body this light, you can therefore absolutely fly and accelerate past most cars on the road until your heart's content.

Inside the basic theme has been carried on. The seats are, for once, not decked in leather, but do have a racy edge about them. The technology, however, is far superior than expected with the car boasting a rear-view camera – still unfortunately a luxury in this segment.

Overall there is no better word for the Golf than, 'excellent.' It is so very good the only way to realise it is to try one out for yourself.

david@khaleejtimes.com