Volkswagen Golf GTI

Introduction

You don't need us to tell you much about this car; the Golf GTI's place in history is already secured. The mark V Golf GTI was a triumphant return to form for the legendary hot hatch after going into the wilderness during the fourth generation, and because the newest Golf is more an update than an all-new car, there's no reason to think this GTI won't be sublime too. We're happy to report that sublime it is.

What are its rivals?

Pick any one of the current set of hot hatches (the ranks of which are both swelling and getting hotter) and you've got the rivals. On paper, the Golf certainly doesn't have things all its own way - quite a few of its enemies trump it for power and are a lot cheaper to buy, often both. The new Mazda3 MPS is one such car, whose price undercuts the Golf by a good few grand, while offering an equipment roster and power that embarrasses it: the Golf has 207bhp, the Mazda 256.

Then there's the issue of the already iconic Focus RS, which has a blistering 301bhp and handling to sell a kidney for. Honda's Civic Type-R provides high-rev thrills for thousands less than the Golf too, and Renault is about to launch the Renaultsport Mégane 250, which history dictates will be pretty special.

How does it drive?

The Golf pulls off that impressive feat of being a squidgy and supple armchair of comfort around town, while also serving up a sharp back road driving experience. Our test car rode on optional 18-inch wheels, but also featured VW's ACC adaptive chassis system, which adjusts the steering and suspension three ways between Comfort and Sport. The middle 'normal' setting is adaptive, which means it firms up progressively the harder you drive. In its softest setting the steering is light and the ride squishy - though never wallowy - while in Sport the ride and steering are noticeably stiffer, adding an edge of dynamism and feel to cornering. The Golf is never the most engaging car, yet it's much sharper than its day-to-day comfort and usability suggest it will be.

What's impressive?

Apart from its ability to simultaneously cosset and thrill, the Golf is marked out by its sheer quality. Some might find the step up from standard Golf to GTI a little too discreet - it's distinguished by red flashes on the grille, a set of unique alloys, twin tailpipes and a mildly re-worked interior featuring a flat-bottomed wheel and, of course, the trademark red tartan seat cloth - but we think the visuals work a treat. Lairy it isn't, but it's still unmistakably a hot hatch.

And because it's a hatch it's practical too; the Golf GTI really is the consummate all-rounder, staking a claim as one of the most complete cars money can buy. The quality is exceptional: a feast of soft touch surfaces and classy, simple design - and it features one of the best touch-screen stereo and satnav interfaces on the market.

It's also cheaper to run than the outgoing car, despite offering more oomph thanks to an engine change: power goes up to 207bhp from 197bhp, yet emissions fall to 170g/km from 189 g/km, and combined economy jumps to 38.1mpg from 35.3mpg.

What's not?

It is expensive, with a £23k list price for a kick off. Add two more doors, satnav, the active chassis, bigger wheels, xenon headlamps and a CD changer, for instance, and you won't be too far away from £30,000 - a great deal for a hatchback regardless of ability, you'll agree. Mind, its cabin is well on par (excuse the pun) with many cars of that price.

It's also lacking drama, to put it simply, and, to be honest, a bit of outright pace. The Civic Type-R, for example, feels much quicker because it's rawer, and the Mazda3 MPS blows it away for straight line acceleration. The VW would benefit from more power, especially when the chassis is so accomplished. Fortunately, the solution is coming in the form of the Golf R, which will have 267bhp when it arrives this December. We can't wait.

Should I buy one?

Yes you should. If you can afford the GTI's substantial purchase outlay there's no better all-round hot hatch. The Focus RS is still the overall king, but its running costs and general ostentation will put many people off. If you desire something that both satisfies on a weekend drive and won't annoy you Monday to Friday on the way to work and back, the Golf is almost flawless. Not perfect, but exceptional all the same.