VOLKSWAGEN has launched the Golf V5 five-door hatchback priced at £18,895.

At its heart is the new five-cylinder Volkswagen engine, which is derived from VW's acclaimed VR6 engine, but with one cylinder less.

Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph, with the car loaded to half payload, takes 8.8 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 30.4 mpg.

The top speed, where legal, is 134 mph, according to Volkswagen.

Standard features on the V5 include: three-year unlimited mileage warranty and 12-year anti-perforation warranty, fully electronic 'Climatronic' air conditioning, driver's and front seat passenger airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and remote control central locking with alarm.

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