Everyone needs a car that just works! This family runabout is a late 2023 1.5 eTSI 150hp in Life spec with DSG, arriving in near new condition with plenty of warranty left. The combination of this particular petrol engine and DSG means it gets a 48V mild hybrid system and the posher rear suspension. Pre-facelift Golf 8s had a mixed reception for all the tech, but I must say that I really enjoy it. So long as you don't try to fight it, all that lane keeping and other assistance is helpful and mostly works well. Without asking it to, for example, it will gently slow down once a speed limit changes, maintains distance with the car in front and anticipates changes like an upcoming roundabout. I suspect some of the earlier Mk8 software gremlins had been improved by the time this car was built. On balance, though, I'd say it works better around town than on country roads. Seems to be running close to the economy of our previous Golf GTD for fuel economy as well. Impressive, then, for what is the base spec with a mid-tier engine. The main things I miss compared to the GTD are the folding mirrors and of course the torque. It does seem to get less respect on the road though, perhaps due to the sedate style and smaller wheels - whereas I get left totally unbothered in the RS3, probably because it looks like it'll eat you. PH'ers will appreciate the purchase tactic of taking PCP for a small deposit contribution and 2 inclusive services... both of which I kept after cancelling the finance straight away.