Volkswagen Golf GTI

Reviews for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI vary between the good and the outstanding. Those who rate it highly really sing its praises, with more than a few "best hot hatch yet" phrases thrown around.

Others suggest it's merely a very good car, but like previous generations of Golf GTI, doesn't truly excite.

Interior

The Golf GTI's interior takes all the benefits of the regular Golf's interior and clothes it in familiar tartan trim and subtle sporting touches. That means it's as comfortable, quiet, well-built, high quality and spacious as any other Golf - just a little more interesting.

The dashboard is quite driver-focused and the steering wheel a sporty-looking number. The Alcantara-faced seats and golf ball-style gearknob get nods of approval, and one tester describes the overall ambience (and indeed the touchscreen infotainment display) as "best-in-class stuff".

Driving

Here is where opinion divides some reviewers. For the most part, testers agree that the Mk7 GTI is better than its predecessor in several key areas, with a sharper feel - "razor sharp" according to one test - with a much quicker, full-of-feel steering rack, and a feeling of agility the old model lacked.

At the same time, a few testers feel it's not quite as exciting as it could be. Those weaned on RenaultSport Meganes and Focus STs may miss that last degree of interaction and excitement at which the best hot hatchbacks excel.

One reviewer even goes as far as to say the previous generation GTI felt a little more edgy, thanks to its different rear suspension setup. Another says the new car is "unarguably efficient but rather aloof".

Engine

There are few complaints about the GTI's engine. Most tests have so far featured the manual gearbox - a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is optional - and several have driven the Performance pack. This bumps power up to just shy of 230 horses (from 217), and adds a clever electronic differential to help yank the GTI out of tight corners.

The engine itself is powerful, torquey and smooth, and produces a satisfying exhaust note as it goes about its business. At 47.1 mpg combined, it's also remarkably economical - if you're not using all that power, anyway.

Value for money

At the thick end of £25,000 before any options are added, the Golf GTI is certainly at the higher-end of hot hatchback pricing. Whether that sounds like good value to you depends on how much weight you place on the GTI's heritage and quality, but at the upper scale the GTI doesn't just have Meganes and Focus to deal with, but BMW's ballistic M135i.

On the other hand, it's better value than the old GTI for the extra performance, and the much lower insurance group too. The Performance pack is also good value - £980 brings you extra performance and more features.

Standard kit is fairly generous, but misses out on sat-nav as standard, which features by default on the standard Golf GT.

Worth noting

Aside from the almost inevitability of an even hotter Golf R model at some point, there's little about the GTI that will surprise.

The Performance package is worth the extra dosh, DSG is there for those who prefer it to stirring a stick, and for those wanting more economy, there's also the otherwise similar Golf GTD.

Conclusion

The Golf GTI is dead, long live the Golf GTI. That's probably the most accurate assessment of the new model - better than before, and unbelievably good at what it does, but still unlikely to change the minds of those who've never been swayed by previous GTIs.

Few other cars are quite as classless and enduring as the GTI.

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