There was always a chance that this would go well. Regular readers will need no reminding that I am a fan of basic cars, often preferring the cheapest model in a range to those further up, and I dare say that my enthusiasm for the latest Volkswagen Golf is a byword from Debenhams to Debrett's.So, while others may have shied away from the opportunity of driving the most basic current Golf, I leapt at it with such vigour that I nearly vaulted clean across it. And - not to keep you in suspense for any longer than necessary - it was worth it. This is a car I like very much indeed. It may even be that it will prove to be among my top ten of 2013.I should point out that even the least well-equipped Golf has a specification that would make a Dacia owner call for the liquidation of the bourgeoisie. The £16,495 list price of the S three-door buys you air-conditioning, stop/start, height adjustment for both front seats, a front centre armrest, a split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone preparation, DAB digital radio and the facility for connecting your personal music device with the audio system, so as base models go this one verges on the lavish.(You don't, however, get carpet mats, though I confess that these were fitted to the test car. They're an £80 optional extra.)The standard specification also includes 15" steel wheels with 65-section tyres. This is as uncool as all get out, but it makes a positive contribution to the ride, which is excellent, and does no noticeable harm to the handling, which is splendid and unlikely to be troubled by an engine that produces no more than 84bhp at full blast.I've mentioned before that the seventh-generation Golf scores very highly for build quality. In fact, if it loses any ground to the closely related but more expensive Audi A3, I'm not sensitive enough to be aware of it.This is a positive feature of any Golf, of course, but the fact that it applies to the one costing less than £17,000 makes the S even more appealing.So, what we have here is a beautifully put-together, reasonably well-provisioned, not overly expensive version of perhaps the finest family hatchback of its age, with delightful on-road behaviour included in the package. I have to say, it's difficult to see a downside. Engine 1197cc, 4 cylinders Power 84bhp Transmission 5-speed manual Fuel/CO2 57.6mpg / 113g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.9 seconds Top speed 111mph Price £16,495 Details correct at publication date
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