VIRTUALLY every brand in the automotive space is currently looking at how its range of hatchbacks are selling and – with the exception of industry stalwarts like Mazda, Hyundai and Toyota – are collectively sucking in air through their teeth.

The SUV crossover juggernaut roars on unabated, and no matter how good a car your hatch might be, it’s just not piquing the interest of Aussie buyers.

Well, if there’s anything we know about said Aussie buyers, it’s that waving a performance wand in a car’s general direction often makes a distinct difference.

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI has been at the pointy end of the hot hatch battle since the 1970s, and has ruled the local roost since 2005 – but it’s also feeling the pain of customers moving away from bread-and-butter five-doors towards SUVs.

Its answer? Add more performance variants!