Specifications

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf GTi 5dr 6-spd manual, Volkswagen Golf GTi 3dr 6-spd DSG
Price as tested: £22,275.50, £22,995.50 (£21,690.50 - £23,580.50)
Range Price: £21,690.50 - £23,580.50
Buy: Used Volkswagen Golf
Insurance group as tested: N/A
Insurance group range: N/A
CO2 emissions as tested: 170g/km
CO2 emissions range: 170g/km
EuroNCAP result: *****
Date and place tested: March 2009, Nice, France
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Thirty years after the first right-hand drive VW Golf GTi went on sale in the UK the car's sixth generation model is revving up to hit the streets.

Faster and more powerful than its predecessor, the VW Golf GTi Mk VI also promises improved fuel economy and lower emissions to tempt hot-hatch fans to part with their cash.

So what's under the bonnet?

A new four cylinder 2-litre TSI engine replaces the 2-litre T-FSI unit and incorporates modified pistons and piston rings, an improved oil pump, new induction system and high-pressure fuel pump.

More powerful, faster

So what does that mean? Well the words might not trip off the tongue but Volkswagen says it's these developments which improve performance to the tune of:

• 210bhp (an extra 10bhp)
• 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds (0.3 second quicker)
• Maximum speed 149mph (3mph quicker)
• 206lbs/ft torque (the same as the outgoing model but delivered slightly lower in the rev range)

Fairly subtle changes from the MkV GTi, but they become more noticeable when coupled with the refinement improvements of the standard MK VI Golf, an altogether more grown-up and up-market car than its predecessor.

Click below to view our Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk VI image gallery:

DSG or manual

The new engine is mated with a six-speed gearbox available in manual or DSG guise. On the first day we drove the manual and were happier letting it sit in second and third through challenging corners rather than execute slightly awkward gear changes (testing the car in the UK will determine whether that is a case of our right-hand clumsiness).

On the second day we switched for a paddle-shift DSG, expected to be the gearbox of choice for 50 per cent of GTi buyers who clearly don't see linking a hot-hatch with an auto' as any kind of sin.

And rightly so. Aside from freeing both hands for the wheel it also benefits from the sweet sound of that DSG gearbox four-cylinder kickdown – especially in sport mode. First impressions would have us siding with the lazy half of the GTi-owning population.

Better through corners

VW says traction is improved on the Mark VI so the car is better able to cope with varying power and braking demands from different wheels, for example when cornering hard, thanks to the standard XDS electronically controlled differential.

Designed to reduce wheelspin and improve control we found the car very competent through corners, giving us plenty of confidence to tackle at speed. Second day familiarity saw us push this a little more and still the car impressed.

New anti-roll bars feature and Adaptive Chassis Control has been introduced for the first time to enable drivers to toggle between normal, comfort and sport modes to vary suspension, steering and accelerator responses. The adjustments are fairly small but make a difference on longer journeys.

Also, compared to the regular Golf the ride height on the GTi is l22m lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear.

Our test route between Nice and St Tropez ranged from motorway driving to hairpin climbs and descents and we were glad of the refinement improvements which make the MK IV such a liveable car while more than happy with its ability to reveal its fun side at the prod of a pedal.

Cheaper driving

The global recession means even hot-hatch models have to show their credit crunch credentials and the new GTi engine lowers CO2 emissions (meaning a lower tax bill) AND improves fuel economy:

• 38.7mpg (an extra 3.4mpg)
• 170g/km (down 19g/km)

So how about some bling for our buck?

Available in 3- or 5-door guise the GTi is based on the same chassis as the standard Golf but has very cool-looking 17-inch Monza alloy wheels, red brake callipers, more aggressive bumpers, GTi badging, honeycomb grille, vertical foglights, spoiler, twin tailpipes and diffuser.

Click below to view our Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk VI image gallery:

Eye-catching alloys

First impressions reinforce the view that the VW Golf GTi Mk VI is a consummate all-rounder, combining driving fun with grown-up looks, quality and comfort.

The standard GTi-specific interior includes red and black tartan sports seats (harking back to the MkI), flat-bottomed steering wheel, and logos.

The GTi gets a knee airbag for the first time has a full five star EuroNCAP rating and also features driver aids Anti-Lock Brakes and Electronic Stabilisation Programme.

All in all the new Golf GTi is a very compelling proposition.

The all-rounder benchmark

It lacks the in-your-face hot hatch thrills and looks some will seek. It's more about adding some spice to the much-refined standard MK VI and providing a slightly more liveable alternative to the VW Scirocco.

And on those terms the VW Golf GTi should be most hot-hatch buyers' first port of call. 

The VW GTi goes on sale on May 22 and is available for order now.