THE new Volkswagen Golf GTI has big shoes to fill, because its MK6 predecessor set the standard for all other circa-$40k five-door hot hatches when it launched in 2009.

Understandably, VW has not messed with the winning formula, with this new Mk7 offering evolutionary styling inside and out, and similar characteristics from behind the wheel – and that is a good thing.

That said, this is no mere evolutionary product underneath, with a brand new MQB platform, a new EA888 turbo engine and a new progressive steering system leading the way.

The GTI, as before, offers something that more hard-edged rivals do not: it is as comfortable doddling around town as it is on twisting mountain roads.

It is still no fire-breathing beast like a Renault Sport Megane 265 – that brief is filled by the $50k Golf R – but it is no doubt the nicest to live with day in, day out.

Read on by clicking the link below.



Click here for the full review...