The facelifted new Volkswagen Golf will cost from £27,035

Are you after a car that just... works? You’re in luck because the new, facelifted eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf, complete with revised powertrains and a more tech-focused cabin, is now available for purchase.

From launch, customers can choose between ICE or mild-hybrid versions of its 1.5-litre four-cylinder, accompanied by either manual or automatic DSG gearboxes in both hatchback (£27,035) or estate (£28,400) body styles. Opt for the greener Golfs, and VW says they’ll manage up to 62 miles of all-electric range, too.

The styling has also been given a small tweak, so the new front bumper has been paired with refreshed LED headlights, with the option of making them Matrix. The illuminated horizontal strip also continues to be a hallmark of modern Golfs.

Media software and hardware have both seen big upgrades, too, with VW’s latest MIB4 system integrated into the 12.9in multimedia screen. The multi-function steering wheel also now has ChatGPT incorporated so you can call on Skynet right from, er, your fingertips. In the event you don’t get too sidetracked by your personal robot, you’ll look ahead and find a 10.2in digital instrument cluster which can be reorganised to suit your preferences.

The safety suite has also seen a mild shake-up, with systems such as a 360-degree aerial camera view and Park Assist Pro now thrown in. The latter even means your Golf can drive in and out of parking spaces by itself via smartphone commands for the first time. The tech is still some way off from being able to pick up a Burger King for you though. Boo.

For those willing to wait a little longer, VW has also confirmed the ‘R-Line’ models will be on sale within the next few weeks. Your patience will bring 17in ‘Coventry’ wheels (maybe ‘Birmingham wheels’ just didn’t sound fancy enough?), a bigger 12.9in infotainment screen and a tad more leather within the cabin. Prices for these models will jump slightly to £30,285 for the hatch and £31,650 for the estate.

And for those with even more patience, the Golf lineup will be furthered by the eHybrid, GTE and GTI versions within the next few months. Decisions, decisions…