LABOUR is cheap in many of the countries Volkswagen produces cars, but we have seen no evidence in this country of diminishing quality. Quality is the defining aspect of the Golf. The panel fit is second to none, and as good as any other European marque. The bodyshell was completely redeveloped to improve levels of safety and quality. New fastening techniques such as punch riveting, laser welding and bonding were employed for the first time in such a mass-produced car. Panel gaps are narrower than ever before, and together with tight shut lines and flush-mounted windows and head lamps, an excellent drag coefficient of 0.31 was achieved. All steel panels are galvanised, a process which involves bonding a layer of zinc to the sheet metal. Golf comes with a rust perforation warranty of 12 years.