Jeremy Webb drove the 2024 Volkswagen Golf and found that the latest model continues all the outstanding characteristics of the MKI version. In 1974, VW launched the Golf hatchback as a small, practical, reliable family car, and after fifty years of production, it has undoubtedly met its goals.

I took the Golf Match 1.5 eTSI 150 PS 7-spd DSG version out on review, covering the far southeast motorways. These led me to Canterbury and the stunning countryside of Kent. The county has fabulous back roads, perfect for the VW Golf's impressive handling.

The VW Golf has also kept its looks, which is fabulous for a fifty-year-old. Although it has had some cosmetic enhancements, you can still see through to the original MK 1, which launched in 1974. It holds its own with more luxurious cars like the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 series, and driving-wise

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is the MK8 variation of the hugely successful car that epitomises the Hatchback genre. It was and still is desirable, and yes, as a 17-year-old, I yearned for the GTi, but equally, the 1.5 eTSI is a car I would own now that I am middle-aged.

I have bigged up the VW Golf, so now to the nitty gritty. Ride quality is good, and the vehicle soaks up the worst the UK roads can throw at it. Potholes and bumps are smoothed, so occupants barely feel any juddering. In the 150-engine versions, a more refined rear suspension setup stops the wheels from bouncing off the road surface.

Optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which is adaptive suspension, is an advantage you get with the VW Golf and selecting Comfort mode makes it one of the smoothest family vehicles on the market.

Handling has always been an attribute of Volkswagen Golfs, which continues in the 2024 version with its agility in town and country. Roundabouts are tackled with aplomb, as are the twisties.

The version I drove has the seven-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn’t allow rapid pull away from traffic lights or junctions. It is smooth once on the move, but it could change down quicker when you want to put a spurt on overtaking or similar.

Drivers will find the cockpit accommodating and comfortable with many adjustments in seat height, steering wheel rake, and reach. Most people will find a suitable driving position, and both front-seat occupants get lots of support

The infotainment screen has most dashboard controls, and the driver can control many features from buttons on the steering wheel. They also get a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, which can be set up to show a wide range of driving information.

In addition to a good driving position and ergonomic layout for the user, the VW Golf has impressive visibility with its large windscreen and side windows. If you need extra assistance when parking or manoeuvring, all trim levels come with front and rear parking sensors and on the Match level and above, you get a rearview camera.

All Golfs have powerful LED headlights, but you can opt for the LED Plus headlights that direct light around corners fitted to Style versions. Matrix LED headlights are optional on all models, allowing the full beam to be left on without dazzling others.

A 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted in all Golfs and sits high up on the dash so it is easy to see. It has sharp graphics and plenty of helpful features. You get wireless phone charging, smartphone integration, Bluetooth and sat-nav.

The VW Golf's interior looks clean, modern, and elegant, with soft-touch surfaces on the upper parts of the dashboard and the tops of the front doors. All users will find good headroom, and the front seats return far enough to accommodate those with long legs. The front seating area is expansive, and occupants have plenty of space to spread out.

The front door pockets can hold a 500ml bottle, and the centre console has two cup holders and a tray in front of the gear lever. It has wireless charging and allows for the storage of bits and pieces. Additional storage is in the front centre armrest and the glovebox.

Hatchbacks have always been seen as the second family car or for singletons, possibly lacking the practicality of saloon cars, but the Golf can be a family car, carrying passengers, luggage or weekly shopping.

All the petrol engines offer competitive fuel economy, and with everyday use, you can expect around 53 mpg.

Reliability, practicality, performance, and handling combine to make the Volkswagen Golf a superb choice for anyone looking for a Hatchback. Over the decades, the Golf has consistently delivered the core requirements of owning a car.

The Volkswagen Golf is still glorious at fifty and as desirable as she was when she hit the roads in the 1970s.

£28700 Starting price.