Golf and Golf GTI still the experts' favourites

Following in the footsteps of What Car? and Top Gear, Auto Express are the latest this year to recognise the excellence of Volkswagen's Golf and Golf GTI models, awarding them ‘Best Compact Family Car’ and ‘Best Hot Hatch’ respectively at their annual awards.

The Golf was described as "great to drive, excellent value" as well as having "classy looks, high-quality cabin and executive car refinement" and "a brilliant range of engines" - with the turbocharged TSI engines singled out for particular praise.

The current golf is Volkswagen's sixth generation model. It is Volkswagen's most popular car; the original Beetle sold 21 million units, but since 1974 over 27 million Golfs have been bought worldwide - that's an average of three quarter of a million every year. 

The Golf GTI saw off newcomers to win Volkswagen's second award of the evening. Auto Express' editor-in-chief David Johns acknowledged its "all-round ability and appeal", praising its mix of performance and comfort, whether taken as a three door or five door model.

Both the Golf and Golf GTI won their categories last year too. Volkswagen's UK director, present to accept the awards, said that the company was "proud to have retained two such prestigious awards" in recognition of their work to offer quality, safe and comfortable cars at an affordable price.