VW Golf GTi - Iconic hatch is back

In this environment the Golf excelled. One minute it was a hooligan, the next it was Mr Sensible, writes Caroline Beamish.

Before talk returns to driving, you need to understand why VW's iconic hot hatch is so important. In a bygone era the Golf GTI was a lithe and responsive machine, but generations three and four lost their way.

Fifth time lucky? Volkswagen certainly hopes so, and has engineered in a more communicative and responsive helm, sharper handling and a potent 197bhp turbo petrol motor. Engine aside, the on-paper changes appear to put the new model closer to the Mk2, a car often praised as the most complete of GTIs one to four.

In regular guise the Golf is a familiar sight, but it's fair to say that it's no head turner. Classy and sophisticated yes, but not one that prompts your head to race.

Not so the GTI; it looks sufficiently different to warrant a double take. The most obvious change is to the car's grille. The deep, extrovert frontage, boasting a mix of black honeycomb material and a plunging bumper design, is your first clue to this car's performance aspirations. The view from the rear includes a more substantial bumper, bold GTI tailgate badge and twin exhaust pipes poking menacingly from under the re-shaped bumper.

Now, about that driving experience The cabin of a current shape Golf is a nice place, but the inclusion of figure-hugging front seats covered in GTI-throwback chequered cloth improves the ambience ten-fold. The same is true of the aluminium-faced pedals and clutch footrest, plus the flat-bottomed steering wheel all very boy racerish.

Ambling around town is a doddle in the Golf. The engine's 207lb/ft of torque is more than capable of hau ling you from traffic light to roundabout with the minimum of effort. And while the car's suspension is on the firm side, fillings stay firmly in your teeth over even the worst examples of highway decay.

Yet even around town, the first sign of the GTI's playful personality is evident. Once warmed up, the Golf's engine and exhaust conspire to announce your arrival to other road users with unfailing willingness. The car's twin rear pipes do a fine a job of emitting a cultured growl at low revs and a somewhat more urgent and louder note when you lean heavily on the throttle pedal.

And uncorking the Golf away from the city limits is what it's all about. Motorways highlight the GTI's impressive cruising ability; stick the car in sixth and watch it glide serenely to an immodest speed of your choosing, leaving you to listen to the powerful stereo unhindered by a rev-happy and intrusive engine.

The ride feels more grand tourer than eager hot hatch on the motorway, but once you make for an exit the Golf soon switches into fun mode. Some critics still shudder at the prospect of 200-odd horsepower and front-wheel drive but the Golf is well able to handle the FSI turbo engine's potential. Fear not if the road is slippery or especially bumpy, as the friendly traction control light will illuminate and the electronic gubbins will kill wheelspin and steady your trajectory in a jerk-free manner.

Whether you push the car hard or decide to stay within your own limits, the Golf always turns in a winning performance. Take the latter route and progress is swift and safe. Even when travelling at modest speeds the car's naughty exhaust plays a suitably sporty tune. Decide to up the pace and even hardened enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised by the Golf's abilities.

Delve deep into the car's copious power reserves and don't be surprised if you find yourself grinning like a mischievous child. That first proper prod of the floor-hinged throttle pedal had me beaming like a lighthouse - the Golf takes off like the proverbial scalded cat not bad for a family hatch. And yes, the brakes complete with ABS and the rest - are just as impressive when you have to stop in a hurry.

But it's the way the car tackles tight bends, sweeping bends and dodgy off-camber surfaces that will have even the disillusioned fans rejoicing. The way you can point the Golf at a corner, turn in and feel it working through the seat of your pants is nothing short of thrilling.

Yes the traction control light will occasionally flicker, but the electronic intrusion is measured and actually helps you from making a Horlicks of things. Best of all, the Golf will happily do this all day or for as long as you're able. Its ability to gobble up corners and devour straights makes it a potent cross-country and overtaking tool.

Fancy a break from the automotive high jinks? No problem. Simply choose a high gear, turn up the stereo and chill out. The Golf's once angry exhaust bark will be no more, leaving you to concentrate on the road ahead and rest your weary right foot. Well, it's what I did.

Seriously though, if you're after a seriously swift car but don't fancy a flash Japanese rally replica or rev-happy French hatch and need to transport a family, shopping or even friends and business clients on a regular basis, the Golf GTI especially in five-door guise will surprise you.

Laugh-out-loud quick when you're in the mood and refined, practical and capacious when you're not, the Mk5 skilfully lays to rest the ghosts of its most recent predecessors and artfully blends the all-round competence of the Mk2 with the balance and energy of the Mk1.

Verdict: A pleasant surprise and more fun than you think.

FACTS AT A GLANCE...

Model: Volkswagen Golf GTI 5dr, £20,495 on the road.

Engine: 4-cylinder turbo petrol unit of 1984cc developing 197bhp at 5,100rpm and 207lb/ft torque from 1,800 to 5,000rpm.

Transmission: Front-wheel drive through 6-speed manual gearbox.

Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear, with ABS.

Performance: Maximum speed 146mph, 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds.

CO2 emissions rating: 194g/km.

Economy: 25.4mpg on the urban cycle, 44.8mpg extra urban, 34.9mpg combined.

Warranty: 3-year/60,000 miles mechanical, 12 years' anti perforation.