Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG

Make no mistake, the new Golf is a hugely desirable hot hatch. It’s fast, grippy and practical, plus it has low running costs. Yet it feels a little soulless after driving its rivals; this is a car you’ll choose with your head as much as your heart.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been setting the hot hatch standard ever since the original started the pocket-rocket revolution in 1976. Yet in recent years, it’s come under attack from a host of rivals that are faster, even more fun and cheaper to buy.

However, the all-new GTI aims to return VW to the top of the hot hatch tree. Based on the latest, seventh-generation Golf, it’s lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, plus promises to be cheaper to run. And that’s not all, because the suspension and handling have been fine-tuned by the engineer responsible for the incredible 997 series Porsche 911 GT3.

The improvements haven’t only been reserved for the mechanicals, though, as the GTI looks sportier than ever. It’s not quite as extrovert as its rivals, but a lower and wider stance, eye-catching 17-inch alloys and carefully integrated bodykit help give the Golf just the right amount of visual aggression. Neat additions include the GTI’s trademark red stripe, which now runs the full width of the front grille and extends into the headlamps, plus prominent twin-exit exhausts.

The racy upgrades continue inside, with heavily bolstered sports seats, a thick-rimmed three-spoke wheel and plenty of red stitching. Elsewhere you’ll spot some nods to the past, such as the distinctive tartan fabric trim, while manual versions get the trademark dimpled golf-ball gearlever. As you’d expect, quality is first-rate, with soft-touch plastics, precise switchgear plus excellent fit and finish.

Better still, there’s lots of seat and wheel adjustment, so finding the perfect driving position takes only a few moments.

As with the standard Golf, there’s plenty of space. Rear passengers get a touch more head and legroom than in the Ford, while the availability of three and five-door versions underlines the car’s versatility. Both bodystyles get the same well shaped 380-litre boot, which is a healthy 36 litres more than the Megane’s.

However, it’s not all good news. Despite being the most expensive car here, the VW has the least standard kit. Adaptive cruise and dual-zone climate control plus a DAB radio all feature, but you’ll pay extra for luxuries such as leather-trimmed and heated seats – both standard on the Focus and Megane. Still, most owners will happily overlook the odd gap in the kit list if the GTI delivers on the road.

On paper, the 217bhp Golf is at a significant disadvantage to its more muscular rivals here. And even if you fork out £980 for the GTI Performance Pack, power is increased to only 227bhp – that’s 34bhp less than the Renault. Still, thanks to a muscular 350Nm of torque, a quick-shifting six-speed DSG twin-clutch box and launch control, the rorty-sounding Golf sprinted from 0-60mph in only 6.3 seconds.

Out on the road, strong in-gear acceleration allows it to comfortably keep up with the Ford and Renault. And while the VW doesn’t have the Megane’s frenetic power delivery, its more progressive nature is less tiring on long trips.

Head off the motorway and you’ll find the latest GTI benefits from incredible grip and composure – few rivals can carry more speed through a corner. The steering is also quick and naturally weighted, the DSG box responds crisply to its steering paddles and our model’s £795 optional Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) dampers provided rock-solid body control. Yet despite this impressive display, the car just isn’t as entertaining or engaging as its rivals, which is a significant flaw for any hot hatch.

What the GTI lacks in fun it makes up for with refinement. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, while the ACC dampers gave a supple ride. Your heart rate will be lowered further by the wallet-friendly running costs. Yes, the GTI is pricey to buy, starting at £25,845 for the three-door, but it benefits from excellent residuals, a pre-paid service pack and, in manual guise, low 148g/km CO2 emissions. Yet while it appeals to the head, it struggles to warm your heart – and that could hold it back.