Sector: Lower medium Price: €18,950-€30,850 Fuel: 3.9-5.3l/100km CO2: 102-124g/km

This, the new VW Golf Variant, is the largest and most practical load-lugging Golf to date. It boasts 100 litres more cargo space than its predecessor; 1,620 litres with the back seats folded flat or 605 litres with them left in situ.

And there’s an attention to detail we haven’t seen before in a Golf Variant – this is more than just a Golf hatchback with an extended rear end. The load bay has been thoughtfully squared off, to make access easier, and the entry-lip flattened, ensuring heavier items won’t snag. 

The cargo floor is adjustable too, making the load area completely flat when the backseats are folded flat. And, whilst on the subject of folding the rear seats down, this is done by pulling a pair handles in the boot, which drops the sprung-loaded seatbacks in one, easy, clever movement. There is also the option of a folding front seat, for those thinking longer items might be carried.

The rest of the cabin is reassuringly much the same as its hatchback brother, the car on which it’s been based upon. There are three trims levels – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline – with prices starting at €18.950.

Despite the extra cargo area, the Golf Estate’s handling characteristics haven’t been radically affected either and still delivers a ride similar to that of the hatchback version.

On sale now for October deliveries, there are seven engines to choose from – four petrol engines and three diesels, with 4MOTION four-wheel drive available on the 2.0 TDI. Volkswagen expects the 1.6TDI 105PS, five-speed manual in SE trim to be favoured most by fleet buyers (although this might change when the super-efficient BlueMotion version is introduced later this year). For now though, this is the lowest emissions engine at just 102g/km, and a fuel consumption figure of 3.9l/100km.