IMPROVING THE GOLF GAME

THE Volkswagen Golf has been a phenomenal success story in the over-40 years it has graced the showrooms.

We’re currently on the 7th generation of VW Golf, but the brand always strives to improve the model.

This month an update called the Golf 7.5 will arrive in Australia, and by next January, when the line-up is complete, there’ll be no less than 22 variants to choose from.

The Golf 7.5 range starts with the 110TSI hatchback with manual gearbox, yours for a very reasonable $23,990 before on-road costs.

For the money you get 16-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, an 8-inch audio screen, desirable Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, cruise control and a city emergency braking system to prevent low-speed accidents.

It’s a generous specification list from entry level, but your Golf can get far sexier.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the GTIS, kicking off from $41,490 for the conventional hatch with six-speed manual.

The truly sporting Golf buyer can splash out $52,990 for an all-wheel-drive Golf R complete with a 213kw 2.0-litre turbo engine.

The Golf R Wagon is making a return too, as are special edition Wolfsburg editions of both the Golf R hatch and Golf R Wagon.

The latter is the priciest Golf you can buy at $59,990 before costs, but such is its incredible performance and generous inclusions it is still something of a bargain.

Performance lovers with a thing for nostalgia will also appreciate VW once again offering a three-door version of the Golf GTI to Australia.

Called the Performance Edition 1, we’ll receive a limited run of 150 of these hot hatches, each costing $47,990.

For the less performance orientated buyer, there are the usual different grades of hatchback and wagon, plus the all-wheel-drive Alltrack Golfs. Spoilt for choice? It’s the only way to truly be the car of the people.