VW Golf 1.5 eTSi 150 Style 5Dr DSG

Trim: Life

We’d stick with this entry-level trim. It comes with pretty much all you really need, including single-zone climate control, 16in alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a digital Active Info Display, 10-colour interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, front and rear centre armrests, front-seat adjustable lumbar support, and a 10.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and a DAB radio.

Engine: 1.5 TSI 150

The 1.5 eTSI 150 petrol mild hybrid also has 148bhp, but with assistance from its electric motor it has a broader spread of shove than the 1.5 TSI 150. It’s happier to lug harder in higher gears and feels pretty brisk flat out — enough to see you past a BMW 118i should you line up next to one at the lights — and its standard auto ‘box is responsive when you kick it down. Should also manage to average well over 40mpg if you drive it sensibly, although the 1.5 TSI 150 with a manual gearbox is actually more fuel-efficient.