The updated Volkswagen Golf has gone on sale with prices currently starting at £18,665 OTR.

With the option of all-new engines, more technology, improved connectivity and revised styling, the new Golf arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of March, when an entry level Golf S 1.0 TSI 85 PS three-door will then also be available to order (March 2).

The UK line-up, in hatchback guise, ranges from the S - rising through SE, SE Nav, GT, R-Line, GTE, GTE Advance, e-Golf, GTD and GTD BlueLine to GTI, GTI Performance and, ultimately, R. The Estate family is available in S, SE, SE Nav, GT and GTD and GTD BlueLine models being joined by Alltrack and R.

Prices for the entry Golf S start at the aforementioned £18,665 OTR (and then £17,625 in March) while the Golf GTI starts at £27,865 OTR and the range topping Golf R starts from £31,865 OTR.

Estate models start from £20,370 for the Golf S Estate to £34,985 OTR for the Golf R Estate while the Alltrack Estate costs £28,575 (or £30,990 OTR with DSG).

The new Golf is supported by the debut of highly efficient engines, says VW. Even the new base petrol engine – the turbocharged direct-injection 1.0 TSI with 85 PS – with fuel consumption of 58.9 mpg (combined).

The 2017 Golf sees the debut of the turbocharged petrol 1.5 TSI Evo powerplant – a new four-cylinder engine that generates 150 PS and features Active Cylinder Management (ACT). This is accompanied by a BlueMotion version producing 130 PS and featuring a complete engine shut-down function (as in the hybrid Golf GTE).

Meanwhile the Golf GTI now develops 230 PS, or 245 PS in GTI Performance guise. The range-topping Golf R gets more power than ever before, with a peak output of 310 PS, aiding a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds.

A new 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox) also helps to deliver CO2 figures that have in some cases been improved by up to 10 g/km. All Golfs also feature BlueMotion Technologies such as a stop-start system and a mode for storing braking energy (regenerative braking).   

Design modifications include new bumpers front and rear, new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights or full LED headlights – standard in higher specification cars and optional in other models – instead of xenon headlights; new front wings; and new full LED rear lights as standard for all Golf versions.

New wheel designs and body colours round out the exterior update, while new trim panels and materials also upgrade the interior of the Golf.