Order books for the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf have opened in the UK, with pricing starting from £23,875 until more variants are rolled out.

Initially, only two trim levels will be offered. Entry-level Life comes with standard kit such as 16in alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, ambient lighting and keyless start, as well as a 10.25in digital instrument display and 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav.

Wireless phone charging, a wi-fi hotspot and a three-year subscription to VW’s We Connect Plus services are also thrown in, as is ‘Car-to-X’ technology that will eventually allow the Golf to 'communicate' with road infrastructure and other cars around it. A comprehensive suite of standard active safety tech completes the tally.

Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI 130 Life 2020 UK review

The only other trim level for now is Style, which has 17in alloys, adaptive LED 'Plus' headlights, upgraded seats and upholstery, additional ambient lighting, decorative wood inserts and three-zone climate control.

The initial base price buys a 128bhp four-cylinder 1.5 TSI petrol engine, promising 49.6mpg combined. The 148bhp version is £600 extra and a 113bhp diesel is available from £24,875. Style spec starts from £25,470 with the same engine range, although it’s also offered with a 148bhp auto-only (DSG) diesel from £29,170. Prices for the estate have yet to be revealed.

Further engine variants due in the coming months include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol motor and auto-only mild-hybrid 1.0 and 1.5 petrols. Sportier R-Line variants will arrive soon, too, as a prelude to the launch of the launch of hot GTE, GTI, GTD and R models later in 2020.

The latest version of the long-running family car – which was first launched in 1974, with more than 35 million sold since – goes on sale in five-door form only with new mild-hybrid engine options and a raft of new digital technology.