Review Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback

"For over thirty years the Golf GTI has been synonymous with performance, style and quality. It's still a great package today" The latest 207bhp Volkswagen Golf GTI is a lesson to other hot-hatch makers in design, build quality and image. Factor-in impressive performance and genuine day-to-day practicality and it's no wonder the famous GTI still proves so popular. Available as a three or five door hatchback and based on the standard Golf, the GTI has recently faced tough competition in the form of Renault's Megane Coupe and Ford's Focus RS. Powered by a 2.0-litre engine the sportier version of the iconic Golf is available in two different models, the GTD diesel and GTI petrol. Both versions boast high quality interiors, the GTI featuring a modern take on the original chequered seats fitted all those years ago, when it was first launched in 1976. Performance is strong too, whilst handling is sporty but well judged not to jar occupants providing an excellent balance between comfort, economy and speed. Drive4.6 /5 The GTI displays a fine balance between power, cornering ability and long-distance comfort An excellent driving position and delighfully weighted controls provide a highly rewarding driving experience, the GTI range happy to cruise over long distances, potter around town or seek-out favourite back roads. The 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine found in the GTI produces 207bhp which is enough power to propel it from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. Not as quick as the Renaultsport Megane, the Golf is also less attention seeking but still takes corners with huge confidence. Selecting the Adaptive Chassis Control system allows fine tuning of suspension, engine and steering, for even more ability. The Edition 35 model is a combination of the more powerful Golf R's engine but with the front wheel drive chassis of the GTI. Comfort4.3 /5 Sophisticated and stylish, the GTI's interior feels fabulous Fitted with VW's sports suspension both GTD and GTI models have a firmer ride than the rest of the Golf range but it rarely feels harsh or too compromised. The seats provide excellent support and are beautifully finished with the traditional red and black chequered cloth featured in GTI models. Class leading interior quality is a stand-out feature of the Volkswagen Golf and in the performance models, the understated cabins successfully manage to inject enough excitement without being too gaudy. Reliability4.8 /5 VW reliability and full marks in crash testing makes the Golf an attractive choice Excellent, class-leading build quality and an almost faultless reliability record provides buyers with total piece of mind and a genuinely attractive ownership propostion. Recent Euro NCAP crash testing resulted in the latest Golf receiving the full five stars, scoring 97% for adults and 84% for children, so it's very safe in the event of an accident. Practicality4.5 /5 The GTI offers exactly the same levels of practicality to the rest of the Golf range The five door models are more practical providing easy passenger access to the rear cabin, the larger windows also making for a lighter cabin. Offering ample leg and headroom for a family hatchback, the rear seats can easily take three adults. The boot has a wide opening and measures 350-litres in GTI and GTD spec which is slightly smaller than in a Ford Focus. Useful flat-folding rear seats reveal a huge 1,300 litres in GTI spec. Handy cubbies, door bins and bottle holders are also provided. Value for money3.9 /5 Premium feel reflected in price-tag, costly options soon mount up The VW Golf GTI is a premium product but it is well priced to compete with other up-market hatchbacks from BMW and Audi. GTD models are cheaper to buy and although the high-performance R model is expensive it's significantly cheaper than the Audi RS3. Strong re-sale values make owning a GTI an attractive proposition too. Buyers wanting an automatic should select the DSG option, which along with steering wheel mounted gear-shift paddles, carries a £1295 premium. Standard kit levels are hardly impressive, but air conditioning is included in the asking price. Optional extras to condsider include parking sensors (£440), Bluetooth (£225), DVD touch-screen radio/navigation system (£1,750) and a sunroof (£630). The useful Winter Pack (£380) represents good value if you do lots of cold weather driving. Running costs4.1 /5 GTD model offers impressive fuel economy but petrol GTI still greener than some Combined fuel consumption figures of 55.4 for the GTD and 38.7 for GTI models are impressive for a large, practical hot-hatch, beating the Megane Renaultsport. The DSG automatic gearbox has a more negative effect on GTD models compared to the GTI, but none can compete with BMW's highly economical 1 Series 118d. GTD models have impressively low emissions resulting in an annual tax bill of just £115. GTI versions produce slightly more CO2, costing £190 to keep on the road. Volkswagen's fixed price 20,000 mile services seem good value however, priced at £249.