USED BUYING GUIDES: Volkswagen Golf

THE Volkswagen Golf has been the compact family car choice for decades, and with good reason. Its combination of quality, durability and practicality is impressive, while the cachet of the Volkswagen badge adds desirability.

Then there’s the choice: the majority of Golfs in recent times have been offered in various bodystyles and trims, and with a host of interesting engines.

There’s scope with the line-up to be entirely pragmatic with a bare-bones five-door hatch, or push the boat out with a supercar-troubling Golf R estate. There are even convertible models in some cases, as well as solid plug-in hybrid and all-electric options available.

The Golf started life in 1974 with the Giugiaro-designed first generation, the car that was intended to replace the Beetle in most markets. It was a great success for VW and paved the way for the larger and