Volkswagen Golf

VW's 4MOTION system has just been added to the Golf range, but will it appeal more to those wearing Wellingtons or racing boots? Available only in GT guise, the four-wheel-drive VW comes with a choice of either a 148bhp 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine or a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel.

Powered by the unleaded unit, the car we drove did the 0-62mph sprint in 9.2 seconds - that's 0.3 seconds slower than the front-wheel-drive variant. On the road, the Golf's drivetrain takes its toll on refinement, with more mechanical noise emphasising a thrashy engine note. Under normal conditions, the Golf feeds 90 per cent of its power to the front wheels, while the 4MOTION system can switch the torque to the rear ones if they have more grip.

As a result, VW's 4x4 transmission only offers a handling advantage when the car is pushed to its limits. Where the extra traction would come in handy is in wintry conditions or on gravel. Yet despite delivering few everyday benefits, at ΂£18,955 the newcomer is ΂£1,050 more than its front-drive equivalent.

What's more, economy falls by 6mpg in the combined cycle. If you want the security of 4x4 transmission then you might justify the higher costs, but few buyers will be willing to foot the bill.