The latest generation Volkswagen Golf, the Mk VI, currently holds the title of World Car of the Year 2009. More indicative of the success of the VW Golf, however, is the sheer volume of units sold since its inception more than 30 years ago. 26 million VW Golf sold in more than 120 countries of our world, make it one of the best-selling cars of our time. Then there is the GTI version.

Ever since the first generation Golf was launched in 1976, VW has been assigning the GTI badge to those Golfs that have been given more power, a stiffer suspension and subtle aerodynamic tweaks, and which originally helped coin the term ‘hot hatch’. Over the years the Golf GTI has evolved and has always been a crowd favourite, able to strike the balance between performance and practicality, with an understated athletic look. Many claim that the new Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI is simply an upgrade from the previous generation Golf 5.5 GTI rather than an entirely new version. And they wouldn’t be wrong, after all, what’s wrong with upgrading the Golf 5 GTI, which accounted for more than 40% of all Golf 5s sold in this country? This is the question we set out to answer.

The new GTI’s biggest change is at the front end. The bumper, the radiator grille and the interior design of the headlights are a new creation. The exterior grille, painted in gloss black, is once again a flat surface, as on the first generation GTI, which made the car appear wider than it was. The red grille surround is legendary, framing the grille at the top and bottom. Beneath is the honeycomb radiator screen, bordered by vertically aligned front fog lamps located on each edge of the bumper that help give the new GTI a wider, lower appearance.

The black side skirts that run between the two wheel arches on the Golf 5 GTI have been replaced with a shorter, sleeker design.

At the rear, a new diffuser has been added with the twin tailpipes now residing at opposite ends. The only element that remains unchanged from the Mk5 GTI are the 18-inch “Detroit” alloy wheels. The openings in the 5-spoke alloy wheels are finished in ‘piano black’, but a new set of wheels to complement the GTI’s new face wouldn’t have been a bad idea.

The overall styling of the Golf 6 GTI continues the heritage of sporty looks with a touch of class – we like it.

When we tested VW’s new 1.4-litre TSI Golf 6, we commented that “we immediately felt at home behind the controls, like putting on our favorite jeans.” Well the new GTI is no different, except for one thing, it’s a GTI!

Heavily bolstered seats, a chunky 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, brushed stainless-steel covered pedals, and red accent stitching on the steering wheel, leather shifter surround and handbrake, tell you right away this isn’t it. an average Golf. Instruments and controls are clearly legible, easy to reach and operate. The decorative inserts on the doors and instruments are finished in a high-gloss black metallic look, which serve to round off a high-quality interior.

Another key to the GTI’s success has always been its ability to comfortably carry four people with a respectably sized trunk for your luggage. This latest variant is no different and with a cargo capacity of between 350 and 1305 litres, it will easily cover most of your cargo needs. These attributes help make the Golf GTI a compact car with a family focus, and if you’re traveling with your loved ones, you’ll be pleased to know that the new GTI is equipped with an arsenal of safety features. Suffice to say, the Golf 6 has received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and even includes whiplash-optimized head restraints.

The steering wheel fits perfectly in your hands so you can quickly find your ideal driving position. Paddle shifters are at your fingertips for quick gear changes. Sport seats hug you in anticipation of the journey ahead. Turn the key and the engine comes to life and settles into a quiet idle. Put the DSG in gear and as it pulls away, the twin exhausts leave a bubble in their wake. The ride is what you’d expect from a GTI, firm but not jarring and comfortable on all but the roughest roads. Initially, it looks like the suspension might be too flexy, but this theory is quickly dismissed as cornering pace picks up.

New to the sixth generation GTI is the addition of what VW calls the XDS differential. Essentially, this is an extension of the electronic limited-slip differential and helps eliminate understeer by anticipating conditions where a front wheel is likely to come loose and then applying braking force preemptively. As a result, the GTI has fantastic handling on the road and really handles well, even when pushed to the limit, the ESP brings everything under control smoothly and efficiently. Steering response is positive and provides a good feel for the road, though cornering is sharper than expected and took some getting used to.

The DSG gearbox offers quick, precise shifts, and the automatic throttle beep on downshifts is great, but… We couldn’t help but feel that the DSG’s efficiency took some of the fun out of driving. It can’t provide the connection to the engine and wheels like a manual gearbox does, and in a compact car that’s part of the fun. Being responsible for coordinating steering, brakes, throttle and gears is what a driver’s car is all about. It’s a rewarding feeling when you do it right and the reason driving is such a thrill for most. So what we’re saying is that the DSG is great 90 percent of the time, in traffic it’s a joy, but for the other 10 percent, when you really want to have fun, the manual can force a bigger smile.

Among today’s lineup of compact cars (think R26, OPC, and ST), the new GTI remains the least powerful, and the numbers are unenthusiastic. Power continues to come from VW’s 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged ‘EA-888’ engine. Now in its second stage of development, VW engineers haven’t just added new or updated ECU software. The engine has received new components, such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump, and a new air mass sensor. The result is 155 kW at 5,300 rpm and 280 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm to 5,200 rpm.

Driving the new Golf GTI, the additional 7 kW compared to the previous model is noticeable. This GTI feels fast. Paired with the DSG box, VW achieves zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h, ensuring the GTI can run with the pack. A flat torque curve gives the GTI great all-round driveability. Whether roaming around town, overtaking on the open road or racing through corners, torque is always at your disposal and ensures rapid progress.

What we like…

• The new VW range face and rear diffuser add a touch of style to the GTI.

• Well-balanced chassis and handling provide a fast and exciting ride.

• Enough power, comfort and space to carry four people, or leave them at home and burn rubber.

What we would like…

• A new set of 18-inch wheels to match the rest of the styling changes.

• We’d spec a few optional extras for luxury and comfort, but overall the GTI is still the best all-around compact car, for now.

Fast facts

• Engine displacement: 1,984 cubic cm

• Number of cylinders: 4 cylinders, in line

• Aspiration: Turbocharged

• Power: 155 kW at 5200 rpm

• Torque: 280 Nm at 1700

• Transmission: 6-speed DSG

• Drive type: Front-wheel drive, with XDS differential

• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds (claimed)

• Top speed: 238 km/h (claimed)

• Fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km (claimed combined)