Look at the Wheels on That: VW Golf GTi Mk5

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Volkswagen Golf GTi

31 May 2007

Generally speaking, enthusiasts' cars are more pure and focused with less weight and a minimum of computer whizz-bangery.

But the latest Golf GTi not only bucks the trend, it tramples all over it. Stuart Milne has spent a week with one, and is smitten.

I had a Golf Rallye in my youth. It was a supercharged, four wheel drive version of the Mk2 Golf.

And it was a monster.

With almost 200bhp on tap – thanks to some engine tuning – the Rallye was a rapid machine; and one which would grip the road like a limpet.

But if I had one criticism, it was that the Rallye was too raw, too noisy and too rattly.

So when I heard the first rumours about the Mk5 GTi, I was getting very interested. After all, it had about the same power as my Rallye, similar performance, but free from the discomfort.

Last week I finally got to drive one. Volkswagen Golf GTi

Often when manufacturers deliver cars for us to review, they can be pretty ropey colours – certain yellow-y green cars spring to mind.

The Golf was different. It was white, with three doors, some sexy 18-inch alloys and the GTi's trademark tartan upholstery.

In fact, it was the exact car I would buy if I had a spare twenty grand.

It took until the end of the road for me to tell the latest GTi is a very well sorted machine; and to the first winding lane for me to fall in love with it.

It's easy to drive fast in the country and slow around town, its steering is perfectly weighted and offers bags of feedback, it's comfortable – even with the low profile tyres wrapping the 18-inch alloys – and there's virtually no body roll around bends.

But it gets better.

Volkswagen Golf GTi There's loads of space inside for your passengers to enjoy the fun and it's even got a big boot.

The thing I loved best about the GTi was its power delivery. It seems to have a massive amount of grunt and more pulling power than Russel Brand.

It feels faster than the performance figures suggest – its 197bhp turbocharged powerplant pushes the 1,300kg GTi to 62mph in a blink over seven seconds, before maxing out at 146mph.

So finally, 18 years after my old Rallye was built, Volkswagen has a Golf that rocks harder and faster.

The best things really do come to those who wait.

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