Volkswagen's 150 horsepower V5 engine has been substantially revised, giving it ten per cent more torque and a power hike of 20 horsepower.

The extra power is the result of the introduction of multi-valve technology. The five-cylinder, ten-valve unit now has four valves per cylinder, making a total of 20. Multi-valve technology means the engine revs more freely and smoothly than the version it replaces, has increased power and improved performance higher up the rev range.

The unit complies with the stringent Euro 4 emissions regulations and produces less carbon dioxide and delivers better economy. The new Golf V5 is now available in three and five-door body styles, where before it was offered only with five doors.

Prices start at 17,230 for the three-door and rise to 17,850 for the five-door. VW's manual Bora V5 costs 18,000, with a 1,150 premium for the five-speed automatic Tiptronic box.