UK customers are now able to place their orders for the new Volkswagen Golf SV, which packs in all the advanced technology of the award-winning Golf hatchback range, but in a larger, even more practical body. Prices start at £18,875 (OTR RRP) and first UK deliveries are expected on 22 July.

The Golf SV is the third variant of the seventh-generation Golf, alongside the hatchback and the Estate, and has a look that clearly follows the design of its siblings. At 4,338 mm long, the new SV is 134 mm longer than the Golf Plus that it replaces. These larger dimensions translate to more interior space and greater flexibility. Compared with the boot of its predecessor, capacity is increased by 76 litres to 500 litres with the back seats at their rear-most position (versus the Golf’s 380 litres and the Estate’s 605 litres). Moving the rear seats forwards increases the luggage capacity to 590 litres, while folding the rear seats liberates up to 1,520 litres of room. Like the Golf, the Golf SV comes with a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems, including automatic post-collision braking system which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision and a PreCrash system, which pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof if it detects the possibility of an accident. Other electronic aids include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, all of which are standard from SE specification upwards. A first for the Golf SV is the optionally available blind spot monitor, dubbed Side Scan, with an assistant for exiting parking spaces. This monitors the area behind and to the sides of the vehicle, ensuring easier and safer egress when reversing from a parking bay.

Powering the SV is a range of petrol and diesel engines. There are two turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engines with 85 and 110 PS; two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 125 and 150 PS; and three turbodiesels: a 2.0-litre 150 PS, a 1.6-litre 90 PS and a 1.6-litre 110 PS.

Trim levels for the Golf SV mirror those of the hatchback, ranging from S through SE to GT. A BlueMotion model based on the S specification is also available.

All models include Bluetooth; DAB digital radio, SD card reader and CD player with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen; iPod connector; a front centre armrest; dual rear ISOFIX fittings; seven airbags including one for the driver’s knees; XDS electronic differential; an automatic post-collision braking system; and air conditioning.

Some of the highlights on SE models and above include: ACC adaptive cruise control, body-coloured door handles and door mirrors; rear map-reading lights; an additional 12 Volt socket and air vents in the rear of the front centre armrest; three-spoke multifunction steering wheel; automatic lights and wipers; a Driver Alert System and driver profile selection.

The Golf SV is available to order now, with first deliveries expected 22 July 2014. For more details visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.