On test at the 'tiser: Volkswagen Golf GTE

Powered by a 148bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 100bhp electric motor the sparky premium hybrid can deliver a maximum of 201bhp to the road via its front wheels, accelerating to 62 mph in a claimed 7.6 seconds.

But, thanks to its electronic wizardry and ability to run on pure electricity for around 20 miles at a time, the big-selling German brand can claim astonishing 166mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km.

Several drive modes are available through a remarkably easy-to-operate touchscreen system which will affect this performance dramatically, however.

Among the standard kit is a stunning blue-themed take on the Golf GTI’s iconic tartan seats and cool blue lighting strips on the door inserts and kick plates.

Distinctive signature LED daytime running lights also make the GTE a stand-out sight among the eco-friendly crowd.

That said, so does a price tag of over £35,520 when specced with optional sat-nav.

The GTE is eligible to the government’s £5,000 subsidy for environmentally-friendly vehicles, but it remains a very expensive hatchback.

For the Rotherham Advertiser Motoring section’s full Golf GTE road test ensure you buy the print edition of the newspaper, available every Friday for just 80p.