By James Batchelor, Oct 4, 2012

Volkswagen's new Golf is lighter, safer, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped. It's also £95 cheaper than the outgoing model.

Prices will start at £16,330 when the new generation of Europe's best-selling car goes on sale later this month.

There'll be three trim levels and six engine options (four petrol and two diesel) at launch, but you'll have to wait until next year to get hold of the eco-friendly BlueMotion or the hot hatch favourite GTI.

Until then the range will start with an 84 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine through to a 148 bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit.

There's also a 138 bhp 1.4 litre petrol option with Active Cylinder Technology; this deactivates two of the four cylinders under light loads to reduce fuel use and emissions. All models come with a Stop/Start system as standard.

Despite the lower price, there are more toys to play with. Even the base model will come with a 5.8-inch colour touch screen, digital radio, iPod connection and "Climatic" air conditioning.

Chrome detailing, dark tinted rear glass and 17-inch alloy wheels mark out the GT model. Sports seats, glass black interior detail, ambient lighting and a European sat-nav make the interior stand out too.

Hold out until next year though and you can have 227 bhp, LED lighting and that iconic GTI badge on the boot.

But if you can't wait for it, take a look at the photos below.