VOLKSWAGEN has upgraded diesel versions of its Golf and Bora with a power boost and price hike of £275. Both Golf and Bora models will now be available with the 130bhp version of the 1.9TDI PD unit introduced in the Passat in January.

The engine replaces the 115bhp units previously used and produces 9% more torque. Six-speed manual versions of both the Golf and Bora qualify for the minimum VED rate for diesels (£110). With carbon dioxide emissions of 146g/km for the Golf hatchback and 149g/km for the estate and the Bora, both cars will keep their drivers in the minimum company car tax band for diesels (18%) for the first three years of the new system to be introduced next April.

While the new Golf TDI in both three- and five-door versions is available in manual-only GT trim, the Golf estate and Bora are also available with five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmissions, with CO2 ratings of 181g/km and 178g/km respectively. Manual versions should exceed 50mpg combined, while Tiptronics are expected to return 42.8mpg.