Volkswagen's Golf SV has received a facelift that sees it losing the 'Sportsvan' designation in a bid to reinvigorate the model's image, and the car is all the better for it. The facelifted car has the cosmetic changes to back up its new name as well, with redesigned bumpers front and back, LED head lights, as well as roof rails all fitted as standard, giving the car a more rugged overall look.

Not that the car makes any concessions when it comes to practicality. The 500-litre boot can be extended to 1,520 litres with the rear seats folded, while folding tray tables behind the front seats, as well as multiple storage spaces scatted throughout ensure that the car will still easily pack your entire family and then some more.

The cabin is also entirely familiar, comfortable and well-laid out, while the quality of materials used is good.

Power for the Golf SV is drawn from a 1.4-litre TSI engine, with 123bhp and 200Nm. It delivers power in a perky and responsive enough fashion to support all manners of civil driving, and drivers will have no problems attempting overtaking manoeuvres on the highway. Settle onto a more relaxed drive and the Golf SV also rewards with a cabin that is quiet and well-insulated from the outside world.

As expected of an MPV, the ride in the Golf SV is excellent, with a soft suspension setup that offers good amounts of comfort. Driving on twistier roads will see the chassis doing a decent job of keeping body roll in check given the car's size, and it also steers with a fair amount of precision and accuracy that is uncommon in this class, a testimony to the excellent MQB chassis which it shares with the Golf hatch.

For those looking for a handsome looking compact MPV, the Golf SV delivers plenty enough to pip the rest of the competition.