Big brand heavy hitters that should stand the test of time

Which are the ultimate new-car name plates? And can you compile a three-car garage based only on brilliant badges? We reckon so – here are three all-time icons that will never be beaten...

- By Richard Ingram

AS new car brands continue to make headlines, legacy manufacturers are doubling down on heritage. Just look at the cars we’ve driven this week: SEAT Ibiza, Honda Prelude – even the Suzuki Vitara and Vauxhall Frontera. These names unlock memories in ways that Ora, Jaecoo or Omoda can never do.

1 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF £21,499

THE Volkswagen Golf is as much of a household name as Tesco, Cadbury or Coca-Cola here in the UK and for good reason. It's the quintessential family 1 car, summed up by the "like a Golf" tagline used in its advertising.

The eighth-generation car, launched in 2020, has plenty to recommend, especially if you go for one of the later facelift versions.