AS PART of Volkswagen's 2003 model year changes, the Golf has benefited from significant improvements in standard specification.

All Golf Hatch and Estate models are fitted with the Electronic Stabilisation Programme as standard - a first in each model's market segment.

ESP is not the only Golf enhancement. General specification improvements begin with the entry-level E model, which now has central locking and two rear head restraints included as standard. This is on top of the Golf's standard equipment list which features ABS, four airbags, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat height adjustment.

Move up to S trim and air conditioning is now fitted as standard, in lieu of the previous sunroof, while SE models benefit from a multifunction steering wheel and cruise control. GTI models - including the 150 bhp GTI PD diesel - now have climate control instead of manual air conditioning.

The high performance Golf V5 and V6 4MOTION models offer the same specification as before - apart from the V5 gaining ESP - but with enhanced value. The 170 bhp V5 is £395 less than before, with a new on-the-road price of £16,835 for the three-door model. The 204 bhp V6 4Motion now starts at £19,005.