Volkswagen Golf GTI first drive - Fast and flexible

Fast and flexible
It’s certainly got the performance to match those looks. Like its predecessor, the new GTI uses a 2.0-litre turbo engine that loves to be revved, but power is up 10bhp to 207bhp. The 0-62mph sprint is over in just 6.9 seconds and it doesn’t stop accelerating until you’re nudging 150mph.

If anything, the low- and mid-range urge is even more impressive. Maximum pull is available across a broader range than before, so even when cruising along in a high gear at a handful of revs, you can floor the throttle and flash past slower traffic.

Don’t think it’s an unruly beast, either. While many powerful front-wheel-drive cars try to drag you into the scenery whenever you put your foot down, the GTI gets its grunt to the road with little drama thanks to clever new electronics that work like a limited-slip differential.