Last week I took the opertunity to take one of VW's 24 hour test drives.

Compared with the usual once round the block the 24 hour drive is an excellent idea.

We drove about 100 miles each way through the cotswolds and the performance was very impressive. Over 50 miles to the gallon and I must admit I was not being gentle. Six speed box that always seemed to have a little bit more in reserve - I pulled away like a rocket in top at 80 on the up slope onto the severn bridge!

There were only two flies in the ointment for me, 1) lack of cruise control (I like my toys) and 2) non-working aircon (25C last Monday).

For £18.5K you would think that VW would get the AC right!

I was close to considering one, but having driven British Cars in the '70's my antenae would not stop twitching at this so it will be Japanese (again) for me next time!