New Volkswagen Golf prices revealed

Volkswagen has announced that prices for the seventh generation Golf will start at £16,330 on the road - lower than the outgoing model. The new Golf was officially launched at the Paris Motor Show along with the new GTI version.

While the new Golf doesn't look that different from the model it replaces, it is more spacious inside while a lower overall weight means impressive economy and low emissions. The smallest engine is the 1.2 TSI with 85PS plus there's a more powerful 105PS version of the same engine.

There is also a 1.4 TSI with 122PS and a new 1.4 TSI 140PS with Active Cylinder Technology. We've already tested this engine in the Audi A1. It switches off two of the four cylinders when they're not needed which reduces fuel consumption and as a result averages a claimed 60.1mpg with CO2 of 110g/km when fitted with the optional DSG gearbox.

The two diesels are the 1.6 TDI 105PS and a new version of the 2.0 TDI with 150PS. All models come with an engine start/stop system along with battery regeneration.

There will be three trim levels - S, SE and GT with the BlueMotion and GTI versions arriving in 2013. Standard specification builds on the outgoing Golf and all models come with seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), ESP, XDS electronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats.

Inside there's a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, DAB digital radio, a CD player, MDI interface (for connecting iPods or MP3 players), Bluetooth and ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning. The SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels,  ADC Automatic Distance Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, which can even bring the vehicle to a complete halt if necessary, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic lights. Inside there's brushed stainless steel trim, cloth upholstery, plus a leather handbrake, gear lever and multifunction steering wheel.

The GT gets 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. The interior features gloss black trim, Alcantara and cloth sports seats, ambient lighting, electrically foldable door mirrors with puddle lights and front and rear parking sensors with visual display. It also 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.