S eeing as we’re almost at the end of 2026, I thought I’d best get a few words in before it’s too late about the Volkswagen Golf GTI, deservedly celebrating its half-century with a special 50th anniversary edition.

The famous GTI has been around for so long that I confess I had taken it for granted rather too easily, forgetting both the remarkable story of its origins and the sad fact that I don’t think this pure-petrol-not-even-a-mild-hybrid car will be around to celebrate its 100th birthday. Then again, neither will I.

In due course, depending on politics and the periodic revisions to the zero emissions vehicle mandate, passenger vehicles such as this propelled solely by fossil fuels will pass into history, and finding a petrol station in which to fill up will become as frustrating as locating an NHS dentist.…