For The Golf GTI combines strong performance, agile handling and precise steering with impressive refinement and a supple ride. It's also practical enough for everyday use and is very classy inside.
Against Some rivals are faster, the GTI is expensive to buy and it doesn't look as striking as its cheaper in-house rival, the Scirocco coupe.
What Car? says
A brilliant all-rounder that's as good to drive as it is to own. Yes, it's pricey, but resale values are strong and this is one instance where you get what you pay for.
Reader review rating
4.135135
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Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 2.0 TSI 210 GTI 3dr full review
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Performance
There are faster hot hatches, but the Golf GTI is still seriously quick. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 6.9 seconds and it doesn't stop accelerating until you're nudging 150mph. If anything, the low- and mid-range pull is more impressive, though. Even when cruising in a high gear at a handful of revs, you can floor the throttle and flash past slower traffic.
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Ride & Handling
The GTI feels poised and alert, with loads of grip and little body lean. Meanwhile, the steering adds to the fun, letting you know what the front wheels are up to without suffering from nasty kickback. So far we've tried it only with the optional Adaptive Chassis Control, which gives three suspension settings of sport, comfort and normal, resulting in a supple ride compared with most hot hatches.
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Refinement
This is another of the GTI's strengths. It's quieter than some executive cars when cruising on the motorway, but crack open the throttle, and you'll unleash a glorious, rasping exhaust note. Specify the optional DSG semi-auto gearbox and it pops and bangs every time you shift gear at high revs – utterly addictive.
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Buying & Owning
The Golf GTI is expensive compared with rivals that have similar power. However, it should hold its value better, and running costs are quite low for a car with such strong performance. It averages 38.7mpg and emits just 170g/km of CO2.
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Quality & Reliability
As with all Golfs, the GTI is about as swanky as small family hatches get. Many of the interior surfaces are soft to the touch, and those that aren't are rubberised for a better texture. Even tucked-away plastics are fairly good. The switches feel slick and the build is solid, but Volkswagen's record in our reliability surveys could be better.
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Safety & Security
It's hard to think of a box that the GTI doesn't tick. You get stability control to help you stay on the road, and if a crash is unavoidable, seven airbags are on hand, including a driver's knee 'bag. Security is equally comprehensive, with deadlocks, an alarm and a visible vehicle identification number all included.
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Behind The Wheel
There's a huge range of adjustment to help the driver get comfortable, plus the tartan-trimmed cloth seats are heavily bolstered to hold you in place during hard cornering. Other sporty touches include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and drilled aluminium pedals. Meanwhile the controls are simple to use and all-round vision is good.
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Space & Practicality
Even in three-door guise the GTI is a practical hatchback, while those who regularly carry rear passengers can have a five-door version for a few hundred pounds extra. Whichever you choose, there's room for four to travel in comfort, and transporting five isn't out of the question thanks to good rear shoulder room. The boot is big and well shaped, although it's a bit disappointing that the rear seats don't fold down completely flat.
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Equipment
The GTI is well equipped, with electric windows, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control. However, the price can still spiral if you get carried away with the options because leather upholstery, satellite-navigation and Active Chassis Control are all expensive extras.
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