The Volkswagen generation 8 Golf and is now officially on sale in the UK. V-Dub reckons the predicted best-seller will be the Golf Life 1.5 TSI 130 PS 6-speed manual. Prices start will start from £23,875 RRP OTR. Initially, it can be specified in two trim levels, Life and Style, with four engine and gearbox configurations. The R-Line trim will join the model range at a later date. From launch two petrol and two diesel engines are offered. The petrol line-up consists of two 1.5-litre TSI engines with 130 and 150 PS, both mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while diesel options include 115 or 150 PS 2.0-litre units, the former with a 6-speed manual. The more powerful diesel engine benefits from a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard and is available only in the Style trim.

In addition to the sporty R-line trim level, more engine options will arrive over the coming months as production in Wolfsburg ramps up. These include 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engines, as well as eTSI 48V mild-hybrid 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines. These class-leading eTSI power plants are fitted exclusively with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Prices for these will be announced nearer the time of launch.

All new Golfs feature cutting-edge Car2X technology. Wireless communication between the new Golf and other Car2X-equipped vehicles on the road, as well as so-called ‘street furniture’, allows the car to more effectively pre-empt hazards on the road such as stationary traffic ahead, approaching emergency vehicles and more.

The entry-level Life is equipped with 16-inch ‘Norfolk’ alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights. Rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors with memory feature, and keyless start add to the convenience of the model. Also offered is 10-colour interior ambient lighting. Both front seats have height and lumbar adjustment, with high-quality ‘Maze’ cloth upholstery front and back.

The Volkswagen generation 8 Golf Life also features Volkswagen’s Innovision Cockpit, which incorporates a 10.25-inch Active Info Display in the car’s instrument binnacle, as well as a large and clear 10-inch Discover Navigation touch-screen infotainment system.

For the 2020 model year all Golfs will be equipped with Discover Pro Navigation. This comes complete with DAB and FM radio, as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity with Wireless App-Connect. It also includes a three-year subscription to We Connect Plus, unlocking a wealth of information and services ranging from media streaming to parking space information, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

Customers will also get wireless charging functions for compatible smartphones, while natural voice control allows the driver to activate many of the car’s features without raising a finger.

The Golf Life’s suite of driver assistance systems includes Adaptive Cruise Control, a Driver Alert System, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Lane Assist and Front Assist, with extended pedestrian protection measures, also installed on the model.

Another acclaimed system available on the new Golf is Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Available across all engines and in both Life and Style trims, DCC (£950) brings adaptive dampers to tailor the car’s comfort and handling to each driver’s preferences.

These features are for the entry-level car, before options. Obviously the higher you go up the trim level ladder the more equipment is revealed. But apart from larger wheels, do you need any more than what the entry-level offers? that is the question of the day.