Whether the Golf GTI's restrained and refined low-speed and motorway manners appeal to buyers is a matter of taste. For some, they will be the key to the car's all-round, everyday appeal, but others may find that the GTI is too similar in feel to the bread-and-butter Golf. Whip some speed up, though, and the Golf GTI morphs into something far more exciting.

With only 197bhp under the bonnet, the Golf is the least powerful car here, but there's more to speed than simple horsepower. Not only did the Golf post a competitive 6.7-second 0-60mph time at the test track, but the GTI's handling is so accomplished that it will comfortably hold its own over cross-country roads. For a start, you can exploit every bit of that 197bhp because the chassis can handle it. There's very little torque steer; the engine's power delivery is unusually linear for a turbocharged unit, so there's no sudden surge to throw the front wheels off line.

It's easy to judge steering inputs, since the electrically assisted system is very progressive and well weighted, although you have to learn to trust the steering to some extent as there's too little feedback through the wheel; Turn-in is sharp and eager, and body roll is expertly contained. The damping is well judged too; the Golf never feels too firm, but the body control is first-class on undulating roads. If you overcook it, you can rely on eager, well-assisted brakes.

However, even when using the full rev range, the engine is slightly disappointing. It's a soulless unit, highly effective at whisking the Volkswagen up to speed and keeping it there but never emitting an interesting noise in the process. A different engine note would give the GTI some much-needed character, and perhaps the fact that this particular turbocharged 2.0-litre FSI unit is also shared with various Audis, Seats and Skodas takes the edge off its appeal slightly.

VW's GTI advertising campaign, which depicts a young man who bought the first Golf GTI back in the 1970s returning, older and wiser, to purchase this latest version, is pretty well spot-on. The MkV GTI is a more mature hot hatch. It appeals to middle-aged buyers who wouldn't look twice at a Vauxhall Astra VXR, as well as a younger crowd who want a fast hatchback that's a bit more sophisticated than your average hot hatch. As a car to buy, own and enjoy, it's very tempting.


PERFORMANCE: The GTI did well against the stopwatch 0-62 mph 7.2 secs despite its power shortfall, and feels quick on the road. Its engine is effective but characterless and the brakes are responsive and powerful

RIDE & HANDLING: Ride is compliant at low speed and smooth on the motorway. The GTI also relishes corners. Its chassis handles the power well. Steering is sharp and accurate

SAFETY: The Golf has a five-star EuroNCAP crash rating, supplemented by front, side and curtain airbags. Stability and traction control are standard

INTERIOR: The cabin is the best quality here, and its design is understated and classy. There's plenty of room for four adults, and the boot is the most practical

FINANCE: The GTI has a high list price compared to the Ford and Vauxhall, although its residual values are strong. It proved the most economical on test

PRICE : FROM £20,495

AVAILABLE COLOURS :

(NON METALIC PAINT) Black, Candy white, Ink Blue, Tornado Red.

(METALIC PAINT) Shadow Blue, Steel Grey, Reflex Silver.

(Pearl Effect Paint) Blue Graphite, Laser Blue, Diamond Black.

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