VOLKSWAGEN'S latest Golf goes on sale here early next year. It will be the fifth generation and, no doubt, will add more than a few thousand to the 20 million sold worldwide since it was first launched more than 30 years ago.

The Golf is the UK's best-selling Volkswagen, so it should be no surprise that it is also the most successful German car to be built, beating even the Beetle.

Both three and five-door hatchbacks will be available, but detailed specification and pricing will not be made public until much nearer to the car's public appearance.

However, what is known is that Golf MarkV is seen as the biggest step forward so far in the evolution of the model, both visually and technically. The front end is completely new and designed to improve its aerodynamics, with its dynamic looks helped along by the distinctive twin circular headlights with the covering glass tapering towards the centre of the car. Move to the back end and there are circular tail-lights, now a recognisable feature of all new Volkswagens in the family.

Also it is larger than the present model, particularly in the rear seat area, where leg and head room have been increased. The car's length has been increased by 57mm to 4204mm, its width increased by 24mm to 1759mm and its height by 39mm to 1483mm, which allows for more cabin room, especially for those in the back.

Volkswagen has given the new Golf new suspension settings too. The aim to give a more sporty and comfortable ride.

Under the bonnet there will be a choice of engines, featuring the latest petrol and diesel units, all matched to a six-speed gearbox, although a direct shift gearbox (offering auto and manual selection) will follow later.

Standard fittings will include six airbags, active head restraints and three-point seatbelts.

If you cannot wait for the arrival of the new Golf, then you still have a chance of buying the high performance R32, the most powerful production Golf to be built. Sadly, only 1,700 will find a home in this country but it has only just gone on sale and, says Volkswagen UK, there are some still available.

The Golf range has always featured a string of high-performance models, from the original 1.6-litre 110PS hot hatch, through the 1.8-litre 139PS 16-valve and 174 PS 2.8-litre VR6, to the 180PS 1.8-litre turbo and 150PS 1.9-litre TDi PD of the present range, there has always been a Golf with the emphasis firmly on performance.

The R32 continues this tradition, but taking it to an even higher level. It is driven by a potent 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and its 24-valve unit produces 241PS at 6250rpm for a zero to 62mph burst of 6.6-seconds and an oh-so illegal top speed.

Economy motoring is not exactly part of the R32 portfolio. Around town expect little over 17mpg, with the extra urban return a more acceptable 32.5mpg. The combined figure is 24.4mpg.

Together with its 4Motion intelligent four-wheel drive system, lowered suspension (by 10mm compared with a standard Golf V6), plus an electronic stabilisation programme, the R32 also features a specially designed exhaust system with twin pipes.

On the road you cannot mistake the R32: with new front and rear bumpers, side sills, blue brake callipers and 18-inch Aristo alloy wheels, while silver R32 badges are displayed on grill and tailgate. Inside there is lots of aluminium trim, sports seats with integrated backrests as well as extensive use of the R (for Racing) logo.

If a flashy high performer is not your scene, then also just launched is a special edition Polo Twist, a family of 10 models offering a choice of four petrol or diesel engines.

The Twist is seen as a stylish way of tackling city streets, with its distinctive alloy wheels and a choice of metallic or pear effect paint as standard. Other standard features include semi-automatic climate control, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes, driver and front seat passenger airbags, together with seat side airbags, central locking, and powered heated and adjustable door mirrors.

Petrol engines are a 1.2-litre 65PS and 1.4-litre 75PS units, and diesels are a 1.9-litre SDI 64PS and 1.4-litre TDi 75. Both the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel are three cylinders designed for economy. All engines are fitted with five-speed manual gearboxes as standar.

When it comes to prices the Twist is a real money saver when compared with the equivalent Polo S. Prices of petrol-powered models start at £8,995 for the 1.2-litre 65PS five-speed three-door rising to £10,495 for the five-door 1.4-litre 75PS four-speed automatic, and for diesels from £9,295 for the 1.9-litre 64PS SDI three-door to £10,495 for the five-door injection turbo-powered 1.4-litre producing 75PS.

The Twist is actually £415 less than the equivalent Polo S, but with its extra equipment actually saves more than £1,000 on each model.

Updated: 11:22 Friday, August 01, 2003