Ah, the Volkswagen Golf. It’s about as iconic a family car you can buy, and it’s been a staple hatchback for over 50 years. The latest (eighth generation) model is comfortable, comes with a wide range of engines to choose from and it’s practical enough for most needs, but you’re better off elsewhere if you want a car that’s fun to drive. Like a pair of Levi jeans or a white T-shirt, the Golf’s key strength is its mass appeal. This is a car that ignores classes, one you can cross-shop against a sensible Vauxhall Astra and Toyota Corolla, or even a posh BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class. Even its cousin - the Audi A3, isn’t miles ahead of the Golf in terms of badge appeal, though the latest Honda Civic does a similar job of being more upmarket than its brand would suggest. That being said, like a white tee, the Golf looks a little bit generic compared to the alternatives. Where the previous generation was all sharp lines and angles, the current car is a bit softer; its slender LED lights and wide grille look tidy, but far from head-turning.