With 197bhp to call upon from its four-cylinder, turbocharged, 2.0-litre FSI engine, the GTI is certainly not short of essential hot-hatch ingredients. Sprinting to 62mph in just 7.2sec, and with a top speed more than double the national limit, it's very quick. Just as impressively, it's also extremely flexible, with bags of low- and mid-range pull.

With a specially tuned steering rack to sharpen turns into corners, stiff anti-roll bars, and lowered sports suspension, the GTI delivers stunning levels of traction and cornering grip. Despite the emphasis on rigidity, the GTI still retains a degree of suppleness that few of its rivals can match.

The GTI emits a delicious, hard-edged exhaust rasp under hard acceleration, but it is beautifully cultured when asked to plough the motorways. Wind noise is not an issue, although those big wheels and low-profile tyres do kick up an extra degree of road noise compared with a standard Golf. All the controls are smooth, and the six-speed gearbox has a positive, precise action.

All Golfs occupy a special place in UK buyers' hearts, and none more than the GTI. So although the asking price is steep, resale values are the highest in this class. Fuel consumption takes a hit if you use the performance to the max, but cruising should return mid-thirties mpg. Company car tax is levied at a reasonable 25%.

Let's face it, stripped out interiors with minimal regard for soundproofing and comfort just isn't Volkswagen's style. Built to exacting standards, and focusing equally on cruising comfort as much as cutting a dash down undulating twisty B-roads, the GTI is a sophisticated, mature take on a hot hatch.

Like the rest of the Golf range, the GTI doesn't skimp on safety equipment. Front, side and curtain airbags, large-diameter brakes (complete with anti-skid facility) and electronic stability control are all on hand to save the over-zealous. There are also active front head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries. Hot hatches are popular targets for thieves, so deadlocks and an alarm are fitted as deterrents.

Inside, the driver and front passengers gain heavily bolstered sports seats, while a small diameter three-spoke steering wheel, black headlining and aluminium pedal cluster complete the sporting theme. There's a wide range of adjustment for the seats and steering wheel.

Even in three-door guise the GTI offers a spacious, practical cabin layout, while those who prefer extra versatility can specify a five-door model for an additional £500. The three-door models have a tilt-and-slide mechanism on the front seats to aid rear entry and both models come with a good-sized boot and split fold rear seats.

Along with electric windows and mirrors, a CD player and remote central locking, the GTI is also fitted with dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel and sports suspension as standard. Large 17-inch alloy wheels, a black honeycomb radiator grille with a red frame, and a deep chin spoiler are bespoke GTI items, while twin chrome exhaust pipes complete the sporting look.