Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.2 TSI S 5d

Last year VW introduced the 1.2 TSI – a turbocharged petrol variant delivering 103bhp that promises just under 50mpg and, as is the norm at Parkers, we had one in for a week- long test.

It was a real surprise, particularly when you consider that this is quite a small engine for this size of car. You might expect a 1.2 petrol engine to be more at home in VW polo for example, but the turbocharger makes all the difference and, as a result, you could consider this engine, coupled with six-speed manual, the perfect combination. It’s frugal, peppy and it’ll keep the visits to the fuel station to a minimum.

I had a shortlist of demands: it had to be comfortable, handle well, have a decent ride and it needn’t be too complicated. I’m easily pleased.

We decided to go for the £17,135 S version and try to rein in the options. We kept the standard cloth seats but we added 15-inch alloys wheels (£405) over the steel wheels, front fogs (£230), a multi-device stereo with MP3/iPod (£350) connection, front and rear carpet mats (£75). The only mistake we made was not including a multi-function steering wheel with stereo controls on it because it is proving to be a pain keep reaching over to adjust the volume control. Still, apart from this omission, this is a no-nonsense machine with few extra goodies and that should keep me happy.

So, it’s a logical buy that doesn’t look that enticing, but after a few days behind the wheel, we were pretty pleased with our choice...