FOR those who fancy a touch of lightweight off-roading or towing, Volkswagen has launched a four-wheel drive version of the Golf.

Called the 4Motion, it might lack the height and bulkiness of conventional off-roaders, but the Golf should be capable of tackling most fields or lakesides.

Unlike the front-wheel drive Golf, 4Motion models use an electronically controlled transmission, mounted on the rear axle, to split the drive between the front and rear wheels.

In normal driving, 90 per cent of the engine's power is delivered to the front wheel, with the remainder going to the rear. However, as the transmission senses loss of traction, so more power is sent to the wheels with the most grip.

In fact, all the engine power can transfer to the back wheels if needed.

The 4Motion is available either as a 2.0-litre GT FSI 150PS petrol or 2.0-litre GT TDI 140PS diesel.

Trim levels mirror those of the front wheel drive GT FSI and GT TDI models, with standard equipment including climate control, rain sensor and automatic dimming rear view mirror, 16-inch alloy wheels, CD player; and electronic stabilisation programme.

Economy figures from Volkswagen show that the petrol version returns 23.9mpg at then urban rate, 41.5mpg extra urban and 32.8mpg combined; while the diesel returns 35.8mpg urban, 55.4mpg extra and 46.3mpg combined. Emission figures shows the petrol model at 206g/km and the diesel 165g/km.

Prices start at £18,950 for the petrol powered three-door model, and £19,450 for the five-door, while the diesel three-door starts at £19,280 with the five-door £19,780.

Updated: 10:18 Friday, April 15, 2005