Volkswagen Golf GTI first drive - Introduction

Price: £22,410-£24,300
On sale: May
You'll like: Engine; handling; refinement
You won't: Price; some rivals are faster

The Golf GTI has always looked classy and restrained compared with most hot hatches and, despite being the most striking yet, this Mk VI version is still more tailored suit than shell suit.

Upfront, a slim honeycomb grille and a large blacked-out vent in the bumper make the car seem lower and wider than it actually is. Meanwhile, the rear features a discreet roof-mounted spoiler, a diffuser and twin exhausts to help other road users identify what has just blown them into the weeds.

Golf GTI buyer's file
Engine size: 2.0 T
Price from: £22,410
Power: 207bhp
0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Economy: 38.7mpg
CO2 g/km/tax: 170/22%
Insurance group: tbc
Airbags: 7
Doors: 3/5
Seats: 5
Colours: tbc
Likely discount
Order books are just opened and already internet brokers can find you discounts of up to £1000 but you'll have to get in quick to secure it.