Prices for the all-new Volkswagen Golf have been revealed. Not only is the new car lighter, safer, more advanced, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped than previous generations of Europe’s best-seller, of which over 29 million have been sold, but it also offers better value, with UK prices starting at just £16,330 (RRP OTR) – that’s lower than those of its predecessor. From launch, the Golf will be available in the UK in three trim levels: S, SE and GT (the GTI and BlueMotion models will join the line-up in 2013). Four petrol engines and two diesel engines will be available to order. The petrol engine range starts with a four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI unit producing 85 PS, rising via a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS and a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS motor to the all-new 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS engine with Active Cylinder Technology. This helps to create an extremely efficient engine capable of 60.1 mpg (combined cycle) and 110 g/km (when fitted with a seven-speed DSG gearbox), thanks to the ability to deactivate the central two cylinders under light loads. The two diesel engines at launch are a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS and a new 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS unit. Both feature the latest common rail diesel technology for maximum efficiency. All new Golf models – both diesel and petrol – come with a Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration. Gearboxes are a mixture of five- and six-speed manuals, and six- and seven-speed DSG units, depending on the engines’ power and torque outputs. Standard specification levels build on those of the outgoing Golf, bringing new items of luxury and technology to the class. All Golf models come with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, five three-point seatbelts, ABS with ESP, XDS electronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats. The entry-level Composition Media system includes a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, DAB digital radio, a CD player, MDI interface (for connecting iPod or MP3 player), Bluetooth telephone preparation and audio streaming and eight speakers. Also standard is ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, among a host of other features. Moving up from S to SE trim brings an outstanding range of features, including standard ADC Automatic Distance Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, which can even bring the vehicle to a complete halt if necessary, a Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventative occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection (with four modes and five on DSG-equipped cars), rain-sensitive wipers, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and dusk sensor (automatic driving lights). Interior trim includes brushed stainless steel decorative inserts, and ‘Zoom/Micro’ cloth upholstery, along with a leather-trimmed handbrake grip, gear lever and multifunction steering wheel. A black radiator grille with chrome trimmed-inserts and ‘Toronto’ 16-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior. From the outside, the GT model can be recognised by its 17-inch ‘Dijon’ alloy wheels, front fog lights and air intakes with chrome surrounds, ‘Cherry Red’ rear light clusters, and heat-insulating dark-tinted rear glass. Inside there are gloss black decorative inserts, Alcantara and cloth sports seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting in the doors and centre console, electrically foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, and front and rear parking sensors with visual display. As standard the GT comes with the Discover Navigation media system. This includes a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen preloaded with European mapping data (with three years of free upgrades), traffic sign display, and twin SD card reader (as well, of course, as the same multimedia functionality as the Composition Media unit). Optional equipment includes high beam assist, lane assist, park assist (which is able to parallel-park the Golf in spaces only 80 cm longer than the car itself in addition to providing automatic end-on parking), ACC adaptive chassis control and a rear-view camera. Drivers can also select from a choice of alternative alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter, bi-xenon headlights, ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery (optionally with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats), 2Zone climate control, the Discover Pro navigation system with 8-inch colour touchscreen, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof, among other options. Volkswagen Retailers will start taking orders for the new Golf on 18 October, with first deliveries due in January. For full details, see the price list. For more information on the Volkswagen range visit www.volkswagen.co.uk. From Motorin news