Wondering if anyone can shed a bit of light on this for me...?

I've got a VW Golf 1.4S 2001 / 51 Plate.
I've never had a VW before, so not sure how much to believe...
It says in the documents about using the correct type of oil for VW's...

Now is this just VW chat trying to make some extra cash when they say "You must use this brand etc etc" ?

Can I use any brand, and if so what do others who have the same model or close use in their engines? is there a cheap, but good brand any folks can recommend?

Any info would be well appreciated...