“Leader of the Pack:
  VW’s indomitable
  hot hatch is back.
  And it’s the best
  Golf GTI ever...”

THE ONLY THING you really need to know about the fifth and latest incarnation of Volkswagen's seminal Golf GTI is that it delivers a motoring experience guaranteed to set your pulse racing. Although aimed squarely at the enthusiast, there's a hidden bonus. Drive this new Golf and you quickly discover that today's 'GTI' stands not just for 'very quick hot hatch'. It is also a capable driver's car with great refinement and a competent all-rounder that lets you cruise in comfort when you choose.

Buying into Volkswagen's GTI experience will cost you a minimum of £19,995 — enough to see you behind the wheel of a 6-speed manual three-door. Going for the max will cost you £21,825 and for that you will get a five-door GTI equipped with VW's revolutionary dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, as tested here.

The jewel in the new GTI's crown is undoubtedly its Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). This terrific piece of high-tech kit is probably the most significant development in transmissions since… Well, since trans-missions were first invented. As smooth as most conventional auto-matic transmissions, DSG suffers from none of their performance losses. Basically, it uses two clutches so the next ratio is always pre-selected and ready to engage before you need it — all without the need for a clutch pedal. The result is dazzlingly fast gear changes that can either be fully automatic or manually controlled.

Left to its fully-automatic self, DSG performs faultlessly in both normal and sport modes. Gear changes are near-imperceptible. But if it's fast sequential manual gear changes you want, simply move the selector lever across the gate. Shifts are then made by small push/pull movements: forwards (up changes) and back (down changes). Alternatively you can use the easy-to-reach F1-style shift paddles on the steering wheel. Whichever mode is engaged, the selected gear is always clearly displayed on the driver's information screen sited between the rev-counter and speedometer.

However, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's go back to the beginning. Certainly the latest generation Golf is handsome enough, but what immediately marks out the GTI from its less racy brethren is
a longer and more aggressive nose defined by a gloss black, double-stacked honeycomb grille flanked by matching honeycomb air intakes and an upper grille edged in red in classic GTI style.

Branding is nicely understated with a simple 'VW' roundel and chrome 'GTI' badge on both the tailgate and the 'pointy' grille. Exclusive dark surrounds for the headlamps and a unique (to the GTI) front bumper complete the purposeful new front-end. Red brake callipers front and rear, stylish 'Monza' five-spoke scalloped 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 rubber, lowered suspension, deep black side sills, a rear wing that stylishly extends the roofline, a unique rear bumper and twin chrome exhaust pipes complete the definitive 'GTI' rationale.

And as much as the new 'skin' does the business, it's beneath it that you'll find the GTI's real appeal. Thanks to FSI (direct fuel injection),
a turbocharger and an intercooler — not forgetting continuous inlet camshaft adjustment and a variable intake manifold — the 2.0-litre engine under the bonnet delivers a healthy 197bhp and 207lb ft of torque. Drive is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or, in our test car's case, the optional Direct Shift Gearbox. Performance is as blisteringly quick as it is smooth, with 62mph coming up in an impressive 6.9 seconds from standstill. Top speed is more
than twice the UK's national limit: 145mph.

Build quality is of the standard you would expect from Volkswagen
and the smart centre console and recessed instrument cluster are superbly laid out. Swing open the GTI's substantial door and you'll find the GTI theme continued inside. The cabin is spacious and — along with plenty of shoulder, head and excellent legroom — the driver and front passenger both enjoy superb, figure-hugging leather sports seats that, especially on long journeys, proved to be supremely supportive and comfortable. Substantial side bolsters grip you firmly, and both
the low-slung seats and the steering column offer such a huge range of adjustment that the perfect driving position becomes a reality for just about everyone.

Additional sporting clues in the interior include black headlining, a brilliant leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with a racing-style flat-bottom and a classy-looking aluminium pedal set. Overall, it's one of the best hot hatch cabins we've sat in. Not only is it good to look at, but it's well-crafted and satisfying to live with. The leather-trimmed wheel, with a perforated section on the left- and right-hand grip areas, is contoured for a controlling grip and feels great in your palms, adding tactile pleasure even when driving slowly.

The 'GTI' badging says it all. But in spite of its overtly sporting nature the GTI is happy to double as a roomy, practical everyday car with
a fair amount of rear leg-room and good access through large, wide doors. There's ample space in the back — plus a large, wide padded armrest — for two large adults or three children. And more than enough boot to go round. Folding the 60:40 split/fold rear seat (you can do this with the headrests in situ) increases luggage space from 350 litres (12.4 cu ft) to a highly practical 1305 litres (46.1 cu ft). There's a handy net under the rear parcel shelf, tie-down hooks in the boot floor and the obligatory 12v socket. And, in common with the New Beetle, the boot handle is neatly integrated into the large circular VW badge.

The GTI's standard specification clearly reflects its flagship status. Equipment levels are high, with 2Zone climate control, front fog lights, sports seats with lumbar support, Electronic Stabilisation Programme, radio/CD player with ten speakers, multi-function computer, rain sensor wipers, auto lighting, auto-dimming rear view mirror, sports instrument-ation cluster, electric windows, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, electro-mechanical power steering, 17-inch alloys and sports suspension — all standard fit items along with aluminium gear lever, pedals and footrest.

On the move, the lusty 16-valve 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant is
a delight. A keen revver, it spins eagerly round the rev-counter to the red line. The maximum torque of 207lb ft is available all the way from 1,800 to 5,100 rpm. Throttle response is sharp with no hint of turbo lag, and the lightest of extra pressure from your right foot is translated into an immediately-perceptible stepping up of the pace.

Accelerating hard focuses your attention on two likeable aspects of this GTI's character. First, there's the seamless delivery of power as the turbo goes to work. And second, give it some stick and you'll be entertained by a delicious-sounding exhaust note that's as evocative as the growl from a well-honed six.

It's not obvious, but the GTI is 12mm longer than an ordinary Golf. This is to accommodate the exclusive-to-the-model grille and doesn't in any way affect the same excellent body control demonstrated by a regular Golf. The GTI's fully independent rear suspension — lowered by 15mm compared to a standard Golf — also benefits from stiffer springs and damper and thicker anti-roll bars.

Press on and you'll enjoy a nimbleness unspoiled by understeer as the GTI responds directly to your steering inputs, literally flowing through weaving B-roads with real tenacity and at a prodigious rate. The electric power steering has been reprogrammed for the GTI to provide more useful feedback through the wheel. Turn-in is crisp, and all the controls are nicely weighted. Handling dynamics are well supported by a genuine composure, with impressive levels of traction and cornering grip from the 17-inch 225/45 ZR Dunlop SP Sports.

Volkswagen's engineers are to be congratulated for harmonizing the GTI's handling with a supple ride that soaks up bumps without passing them on to the car's occupants. Keen drivers will also praise them for the GTI's electronic stability control system because — unlike many
of these systems — it actually enhances your enjoyment rather than spoiling things just when it seems they're getting interesting. Lift off suddenly mid-bend and there's no worrying tail swing, just some mild oversteer allowing you to steer the car through the throttle. Should you switch it off, it automatically cuts in to save you any embarrass-ment at the first sign of a serious loss of control. A case of heads you win; tails you can't lose!

Brakes are likewise well-fettled, with a bigger servo and larger ventil-ated discs (312mm front: 286mm rear) and they bite reassuringly, shedding speed effortlessly.

Refinement is a key factor in the GTI's appealing arsenal. First-class gearbox and engine refinement contribute to the Golf's quiet progress, as does the static torsional rigidity — improved by 80 per cent over
its predecessor. A firm, sporting suspension with large alloys running low-profile tyres is not usually a good recipe for a calming driving environment, but in the GTI's case road and wind noise is not a problem. Neither, thanks to the stiffer Mk V bodyshell is other noise, harshness or vibration. Cross the Channel and you'll find it's just as satisfying at three-figure speeds.

Other factors that make for relaxing journeys in comfort include 80mph at 3,000rpm in 6th gear and the 2Zone climate control air conditioning which allows the front-seat passenger and driver to enjoy a climate difference between their personal zones of up to 4 degrees Celsius.
Yet another neat touch is that the system switches automatically to recirculating-air mode when reversing or when the windscreen washers are used in order to prevent either exhaust or windscreen wash
odours entering the cabin. The music system is top-notch with good clarity, and is especially easy to use through the SatNav's 6.5-inch colour screen.

More thoughtful touches include the multi-spray pattern screen washers, the option of turning off the auto-dimming rear view mirror (when reversing at night, for example), puddle lights fitted in the underside of the door mirror housings, the chilled glovebox, good-sized door pockets and a number of neat, lidded cubbies.

Fast as it is when the mood takes you, the GTI can also be agreeably frugal. We achieved an excellent 31mpg overall with a best touring figure of 40mpg — helped by an engine with the flexibility to allow a good pace to be maintained on a light throttle. Remember, for the purpose of our test we tend to drive pretty hard. Most drivers should easily match VW's official figures of 35.3 and 44.8mpg respectively for combined and touring. At these levels the 12.1-gallon fuel tank should achieve a touring range of 500 miles.

Volkswagen has been as zealous about safety as it has been about driving enjoyment. To keep you and your passengers safe there are front and side airbags for the driver and passenger and a curtain air-bag system for front and rear passengers (covering the side windows from the A- to the C-pillar and from the headlining down to over the doorsill). There are also active head-restraints, ABS with brake-force distribution and hydraulic brake-assist (in an emergency this can reduce braking distance by around 25 per cent), traction control, ESP and an electronic differential lock. And just to make sure your GTI is waiting for you exactly where you left it, Volkswagen has fitted class-leading security systems.

In addition, there's an Active Engagement Module which constantly monitors yaw and pitch to ensure the fastest-possible reaction if the car does step out of line. And to NCAP it all (sorry, couldn't resist that one!) there's the reassurance of the Golf's 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

The latest Golf GTI is something few hot hatches ever manage to be: all things to all men. It's fast, fun, foolproof and impressively capable under virtually all conditions and on all roads. It's refined and versatile enough to accommodate your day-to-day needs for space and family and you can rely on the on-board computer to ensure that you never miss a service or an oil change. It will inform you in good time, via the dashboard display, when attention is due — as dictated by the Golf's convenient variable servicing times. Financially, the prestigious badge ensures best-in-class residuals of approximately 55 per cent of the original price after three years.

The GTI will pander to your varied driving moods like few others, letting you play hard-charging racing driver using the steering-wheel paddles or whisking you and your family cosily off on your annual holiday. While it looks particularly striking in red, black or white, if you're fortunate enough to be in the market for the Golf GTI there's only one colour you won't be — Green with envy.

Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T DSG | £21,825 Maximum speed: 145mph | 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds Overall test MPG: 31mpg | Power: 197bhp | Torque: 207lb ft Visit Volkswagen's website