With such a vast array of models to choose from, family car buyers have arguably never had it so good. But while the market is awash with suitable, quality cars, there’s one model that always figures near the top of many a family’s wish list – the Volkswagen Golf.

In production for over 40 years, the Golf has been a mainstay in Britain’s top 10 bestselling cars for seemingly forever, so what’s the secret of its success?

Unwavering popularity
There’s no doubt that it’s a great car, but its unwavering popularity also stems from its rich history and haloed badge. Ford’s Focus sells more in the UK, but it can’t compete with the prestige that many associate with the VW roundel or match the Golf’s 30-year legacy of rock solid reliability. In fact, so dependable was the Golf that Volkswagen felt confident enough to engineer a TV advert around it – anyone remember Paula Hamilton ditching the fur and fancy jewels but hanging onto the keys to her MkII Golf GTi?

Admittedly, many believe it all went a little bit wrong with the MkIII and MkIV variants that Volkswagen launched in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the latest MkVII version sees the Golf back at its best. Importantly, its extensive range includes something for everyone, the line-up spanning three- and five-door hatchbacks, a cabriolet version, spacious estate and even a MPV-esque model. Very few of the Golf’s so-called rivals can come close to offering such a variety of body styles, and it’s the same story when it comes to a choice of what powers it.

A sizeable selection of power outputs
Such is the array of engines, what to choose can pose a bit of a dilemma. Together with traditional petrol and diesels, there’s the option of electric and hybrid units, while there’s also a sizeable selection of power outputs to pick from. For example, you could choose the BlueMotion 110PS 1.6 diesel that returns up to 88mpg, the 1.0 TSI 115PS BlueMotion that is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty, the 1.4 TSI 204PS PHEV that gives you up to 166mpg together with a 0-62mph time of only 7.6 seconds or, for those seeking the ultimate in performance, the 2.0 TSI 300PS engine that propels the family hatchback from 0–62mph in a mere 4.9 seconds.

It’s no wonder then that the newest MkVII version scooped the World Car of the Year 2013 award shortly after its launch and that Volkswagen has sold more Golfs than any other model. For anyone considering a family car, that’s more than enough to recommend it and goes a long way to explaining the Golf’s loyal following – for many owners it isn’t so much a family car, more a part of the family.