Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: £22,415 to £23,000
Accessible performance and loads of it, fun but foolproof handling, civilised yet involving, looks the business
Sophistication makes for a high price, many owners may never have the opportunity to savour the GTI's true abilities.
The Golf GTI is reincarnated just as it should be, but others deliver a better drive.
The front seats feel as sportily supportive as they look, and they have plenty of adjustment as does the steering wheel. Rear seat space is generous, too, which is a major advantage the Golf has over, say, a Mini Cooper S Works. It makes the Golf the practical hot hatchback choice, much as it was in the past glory days, helped by a decent boot and good storage opportunities in the cabin.
Noise levels are low overall, with little thumping from the wheels and minimal wind noise, all the better to hear the engine's cultured but vocal song.
Climate control is standard, as are a CD player, a trip computer, a tyre pressure monitor, an automatically-dimming interior mirror, illuminated footwells when you open the doors and that very important adjunct to a sporty car, a melodious two-tone harmonic horn. Sat nav is optional.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Volkswagen Golf GTI
wrote on 04 02 2008
wrote on 19 09 2007