Volkswagen

VW Golf R
It’s the ultimate Golf. Storming in with a 263bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive, the much anticipated R will really put the heat into Volkswagen’s hottest hatchback. Sitting above the new GTi, the R replaces the slow-selling R32.

It might not boast a V6 engine, but thanks to a weight saving of 35kg, the new four-cylinder turbo unit gives the R even better performance, with 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds – some 0.7 seconds quicker – and a top speed of 155mph. And it does 33.2mpg, while emitting 199g/km of CO2 – big improvements on the
R32’s 26mpg and 257g/km.

As well as a musclebound bodykit  featuring deep front and rear bumpers, a bold roof spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels, the R gets a heavily modified chassis with VW’s Haldex clutch-equipped 4x4 system, plus lowered and stiffened suspension. Inside, there are sports seats, with Recaros on the options list. Expect to pay around £27,000 for the three-door six-speed manual Golf R, although if you’re prepared to dig deeper, you can have it in five-door form and with a DSG auto. And if you’re after an R-badged VW with more style, there’s also the Scirocco R, which boasts the same engine, although it’s front-wheel drive only.

VW Polo Bluemotion
If it’s penny pinching running costs you’re after, VW’s eco-friendly Polo BlueMotion has to be on your shopping list. Thanks to a 75bhp 1.2-litre diesel and a host of other efficiency tweaks, it returns 85.5mpg and emits 87g/km of CO2 for free road tax and a clear conscience.  

VW Touareg The mighty new 4x4 VW flagship motor makes its debut in 2010 – and this time it’s more spacious than before, with a longer wheelbase and the option of a third row of seats. Engines will include V6 and V8 units from VW Group partner Audi, and there’s also a hybrid in the pipeline, too.