HIGHER performance and improved economy are the keynotes of summer power unit additions to the ever-widening Volkswagen Golf range which, according to the manufacturer, now boasts one of the most comprehensive engine line-ups of any model sold in the UK.

There's a new, more economical EVO engine while a significant power upgrade for the top of the range GTI unit sees the return of the GTI Performance model.

In addition, all models in the range have upgraded specs with LED daytime running lights, a colour touchscreen of at least eight inches in size and an electronic parking brake now standard fit across the range. Also standard is Front Assist, which monitors the distance to the car ahead and alerts the driver if a collision is imminent.

Two versions of the new turbocharged, four-cylinder, 1.5-litre EVO engine are available with outputs of 150 PS and 130 PS and can be ordered with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. The 150 PS unit is available now and the 130 PS derivative will join later in the summer.

The new engines feature Active Cylinder Management (ACM) which shuts down cylinders when the driver lifts their foot off the throttle. In the 150 PS unit two of the four cylinders are shut down while in the 130 PS BlueMotion version, all four cylinders are paused when the car is coasting.

Combined economy is put at 55.4 mpg for the 150 PS 1.5 TSI EVO hatchback in six-speed manual form (56.5 mpg for the DSG-equipped model), with COâ figures of 116 g/km for the manual and 114 g/km for the DSG automatic.

The updated Golf GTI Performance model is even more potent than before with a 245 PS engine- up by 15 PS compared with the previous model - and with a signifcant increase in torque resulting in a 0 to 62 mph time of just 6.2 seconds and a top speed is 155 mph in manual form.

Larger brake discs, with red-trimmed front calipers, and an electronic front differential add to the compelling dynamic ability of the Golf GTI Performance, which is available to order priced from £29,280.