All-new Volkswagen Golf revealed

The MVII Volkswagen Golf is 100kg lighter than its predecessor, but offers more space for passengers and more features. As well as being 23 per cent more efficient than the car it replaces, it’s also safer, with a stronger body and a raft of optional passive and active safety systems.

The new VW is based on the MQB platform, which also underpins the new Audi A3 and SEAT Leon. The Golf is powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which have stop-start and battery regeneration systems. At launch, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrols will be available, returning 57.6mpg and 113g/km, and 58.9mpg and 112g/km, respectively. A 1.6-litre diesel returns 73.3mg and 99g/km, while a larger 2.0-litre diesel returns 68.9mpg and 106g/km.

The new Golf is 56mm longer than the previous car, with the front wheels moved 43mm further forward to create more interior space. It’s also 13mm wider and 28mm lower, which all contributes to a 10 per cent improvement in efficiency. There’s more room for luggage in the 380-litre boot (an increase of 30 litres), while the front passenger seat can be folded down for carrying longer items.

Inside, the centre console has been angled more towards the driver for better access. It features a new 5.8-inch touchscreen system that comes as standard in the UK. You can also get an eight-inch colour sat-nav version as an option. Other functions include DAB digital radio, USB, Bluetooth and trip information. There’s also an optional centre-armrest compartment with a universal phone holder containing an inductive aerial to boost mobile phone signal strength and reduce drain on the phone’s battery.

Safety features include multi-collision braking, which automatically brakes the car after a collision to minimise the chance of a second impact, the pre-crash system seen in the VW Touareg that pre-tensions seatbelts and closes windows if it detects the possibility of an accident, adaptive cruise control (standard in SE models and above), and city emergency breaking. A driver alert system, first seen in the Passat, is also included, along with lane-keeping assist and dynamic light assist as an option. You can also order park assist as an extra: this allows the Golf to park itself in a space only 80cm longer than the car.

Drivers can also select from four driver profiles, Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual. A fifth, Comfort, is available if you choose VW's DSG twin-clutch gearbox.

You can buy the new VW Golf from October, with UK deliveries starting in January 2013.

To view the full Volkswagen range, visit the CarBuyer Volkswagen reviews page.