Pricing for the new, eighth generation Volkswagen Golf has been revealed.

The German firm says it will start at £23,875 when order books open on February 6.

At launch, the hatch will be available in Life and Style trims – the sporty-looking R-Line is set to join the range at a later date.

Two 1.5-litre petrol engine options will be offered – one making 128bhp and the other 148bhp – while a 113bhp and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit will also be available.

The petrol choices can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox. The diesels, on the other hand, will have a manual in 113bhp form and a seven-speed automatic in 148bhp guise.

A 1.0-litre petrol, as well as 1.0- and 1.5-litre mild-hybrid powertrains, is planned to join the line-up later in the year.

Andrew Savvas, Volkswagen UK managing director, said: “The eighth-generation of our top-selling model provides exactly what our customers want.”

The entry-level Life version gets kit such as adaptive cruise control among other driver aids like an extended pedestrian protection system. Other equipment to note includes 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and rear parking sensors.

For the upgraded Style model – which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, comfort seats and three-zone climate control, for example – buyers can expect to pay upwards of £25,470.

Savvas added: “It blends the usability and familiar appeal of the previous seven generations, but now with increased electrification and the highest level of connectivity.”