One of the most eagerly anticipated new diesel cars of the year has arrived, promising impressive performance and the sort of fuel economy that's tempting proposition for fleet users with money to spend.

The VW Golf 2.0 GT TDI 170 is the new range-topping diesel. But it's more than that; there's enough under the bonnet for this car to claim third spot in the entire Golf range. Only the 200PS 2.0-litre TFSI in the GTI and the 250PS 3.2-litre V6 unit in the R32 are more powerful.

Power is delivered evenly and with no drama. The steering is measured and firm while the brakes are sharp and smooth with limited front-end dip. The rest of the vehicle is standard Golf, meaning an easy to drive, well put together machine that will retain its value well.

In the cabin the rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel is leather-trimmed and comes with chromed GT badging. Black decorative inserts in the dashboard and centre console also mark out the GT. Our vehicle came with a host of extras including the DVD-based colour screen navigation system, plus front centre armrest with CD autochanger. That's £1845-worth of options.

The new engine is also in the Audi A, A4 and Seat Leon FR, and it will spread through the VW Group range in due course. Fleet buyers will be interested to note the next vehicle to get it will be the Passat later this year. In the smaller Golf, the 170PS performance means it's heading towards GTI territory, but can't be badged as such to avoid diluting the resurgent Golf GTi branding.

Despite that, the newcomer provides a driving experience that's virtually as good and delivers 11mpg more.

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