Golf GTI - turbo-charged

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI was the first VW with a turbo-charged direct-injection petrol engine.

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo FSI delivers 200 bhp and a top speed of 235 km/h, getting to 100 km/h from standstill in 7.2 seconds through a manual six-speed gearbox, while the DSG double-clutch gearbox gets there in 6.9.

Volkswagen design chief Murat Günak said: "This Golf GTI comes full circle - it unites the origins and future of an ingenious idea." These origins date back to 1976, when the top speed was 182 km/h. Over 1.5 million units of that model were sold.

The safety chassis as seen in the fifth-generation Golf with front struts and a rear multi-link axle combined with ESP has been given a considerably more dynamic set-up for the new Golf GTI. The suspension has been lowered by 15 mm to sports chassis level, and there are stronger stabilisers.

For the first time in its 30-year history, the nose is different to the other Golf models, as it has its own radiator grille design. The black radiator grille features a honeycomb structure and has a red frame.

The rear end of the Golf GTI also offers quite an eyeful, with a striking roof spoiler, chrome twin exhaust tail pipes, a lower bumper section and the GTI badge. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels come as standard with 225/45 tyres and red brake callipers on a 16-inch brake system with ESP, while the black widened sill panels and the black high-gloss B-pillar trim ensure that the side appearance complements the overall look.

Just like the first Golf GTI, the new generation is steered with a three-spoke steering wheel. Today it is covered with leather as standard. A special breathable perforated leather has been added to the left-hand and right-hand grip areas.

The aluminium and leather GTI gearstick knob, the trim inserts and the aluminium pedal cluster are also new. Another GTI hallmark is the black headliner. Last, but not least, the new instruments have also been designed exclusively for the GTI. The rev counter goes up to 8,000 rpm and the speedometer has also been given a greater range.