In the good ol' days, you knew where you stood when it came to car makes. Skoda was a joke, SEATs were things you rented on holiday, Audis were full of vorsprung durch technik and Volkswagens were just that - people cars.

But now, with the VW/Audi Group's platform-sharing antics, it's all got rather confusing. All the group's models share running gear and parts, and any differences are largely cosmetic - the only way to differentiate between marques is by the marketing strategy.

Take this V5 Golf. It's clearly a VW; look at that boxy body - you can trace its lineage back to the original Giugiaro Golf. Step inside however, and it could be an up-market Audi. The seats are the same multi-adjustable items you get in an Audi, allowing your choice of low-down racy seating or 'old lady', with your nose pressed to the windscreen. The dash is simple (apart from the optional satnav), and elegant, with big, clear buttons. Even the cupholder has a smooth damped action. Very Audi.

Spec is up to exec standard, with electronic aircon, six-disc CD and powered windows and mirrors all standard. Safety kit includes four airbags, ASR traction control and ABS with electronic brake distribution. I'll just check that badge again.

But it is in the engine bay that this car's Audi aspirations go furthest. Too far for my small brain. Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine that's smoother and torquier than anything you'll find in an A3. So here's a Golf that'll nudge 140mph and belt to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and do so with more refinement than a 1.8T Audi.

This Golf handles as well as an Audi too. The steering has a meaty feel to it and the brakes are slightly grabby until you get used to them (another Audi trait). Get too heavy on the throttle and the ASR stops you running too wide of the mark (should that be marque?). In fact, the only difference between the V5 and an A3 is that the Golf has a little more body roll, but consequently a rather better ride.

And, of course, it's cheaper. The equivalent Audi would cost an extra £2,000. But even that's not an end to this baffling business. Elsewhere in the VAG there's a car that makes the V5 look expensive - the even-swifter SEAT Leon Cupra is £3,000 cheaper still. But don't get me on to that, I'm having enough trouble as it is.p>

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