![\"Golf](\"https:\/\/cdn.yallacompare.com\/car-deals\/2017\/12\/Golf-GTI-5-1024x615.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nThe quintessential hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the yard stick against which all other hot hatchbacks are measured. It\u2019s been the daddy since the first generation was launched back in the 1970s, and even today, in its seventh generation, the Golf GTI is a class leader. It\u2019s quick, comfortable, spacious \u2013 and actually quite good value, despite it sitting at the more premium end of the class.<\/p>\n
What we have here is the new one, which has been through a mid-life refresh. Not much has changed, but you get a slightly redesigned front end, with new LED headlights and front bumpers. There\u2019s also a new infotainment system (including a digital instrument cluster display that\u2019s pretty much the same as Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit), and the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine has had its power hiked by 10 bhp, meaning you now get 230 bhp in total.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the Golf GTI is now slightly overshadowed by its big brother, the Golf R, which develops 300 bhp, goes like a rocket ship, and has four-wheel drive. But driving this one, we were struck by just how convincing the classic GTI recipe is.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nReally rather well. Power is fed through the front wheels via a six-speed DSG gearbox (you can spec a manual if you want, but no-one in this region will). And though, on paper, the 0-100 km\/h time of 6.4 seconds sounds a little tame, in practice, the GTI is an absolute riot when you put the hammer down.<\/p>\n
The traction control system is reasonably forgiving, meaning that, from standstill, the front wheels will spin a little when you give it the beans. Through second and third, you find yourself wrestling for control of the steering wheel as the stability control light flashes orange in front of you. You\u2019re never in any danger of having an accident, but certainly the GTI keeps you on your toes. Oh, and the exhaust noise is pure filth \u2013 there are pops and crackles between gear changes, and there\u2019s a naughty boy-racer charm to the engine note as it revs up to the 6,500 redline.<\/p>\n
Through the corners, the GTI is nothing but composed. There\u2019s not a bit of understeer \u2013 just endless grip. Turn the traction control off, and you can get the GTI to cock its rear wheel, but you\u2019ll be going so fast that you really won\u2019t be able to do this on public roads. Best to leave everything in normal mode and enjoy the ease with which this thing devours bends. The steering is light and delicate, but still provides enough feel for what\u2019s happening with the front wheels. And the ride is properly, properly good.<\/p>\n
The one (small) criticism you could make of the GTI is that you can sense the chassis can handle much more power and speed. Which is obviously why VW gave us the Golf R. And while it\u2019s nice that VW has endowed the new GTI with an extra 10 bhp, there are brief moments when you wish you had a little more speed.<\/p>\n
Apart from that, though, there\u2019s no fault whatsoever with the GTI\u2019s drive. It\u2019s a fabulous car, this.<\/p>\n
![\"Golf](\"https:\/\/cdn.yallacompare.com\/car-deals\/2017\/12\/Golf-GTI-3-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nOn the inside, it\u2019s standard Volkswagen fare, which is no bad thing at all. What\u2019s really impressive about the Golf\u2019s interior, though, is that it feels like all those components from the VW parts bin were actually designed to fit the Golf first. In terms of tech, you get a new, eight-inch touch display on the centre console, and it\u2019s the best iteration of the system yet, with smooth animations and intuitive controls. There\u2019s also a new digital instrument cluster that\u2019s all but identical to Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit system, which means you get to customise the information you see in front of you.<\/p>\n
Naturally, you plenty more tech such as all-round parking sensors, a rear-reversing camera, and easy Bluetooth pairing. There are also loads of vehicle gauges. If you want, you can have the display show G-force readings, oil temperate, power generated, and turbo boost. There\u2019s even a lap timer function. Basically, you won\u2019t be wanting for toys.<\/p>\n
Apart from that, the seats are excellent \u2013 body-hugging and firm, but comfortable enough for long drives, and there are plenty of cubby-holes in which to store your things. There\u2019s enough room in the back for two adults, and the boot space is just about generous enough. The sun roof is a nice touch as well. And everything you touch feels solid and chunky, like it would last a lifetime. It\u2019s well put together, this car.<\/p>\n
![\"Golf](\"https:\/\/cdn.yallacompare.com\/car-deals\/2017\/12\/Golf-GTI-1-1024x609.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nWe did about 400 kilometres with the Golf GTI, and it devoured about a quarter of a tank. We reckon you\u2019ll get 1,000 kilometres between fills no problem. On top of that, insurance is reasonably priced \u2013 you should be able to get a fully comprehensive policy for as little as AED 2,500. And, because these things are so popular on the second-hand market, you won\u2019t see much depreciation, either.<\/p>\n
![\"Golf](\"https:\/\/cdn.yallacompare.com\/car-deals\/2017\/12\/Golf-GTI-6-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nAs far as we\u2019re concerned, the Golf GTI is almost without fault. It remains the gold standard among hot hatchbacks, and offers a whole lot of value for money. If you\u2019re in the market for a fast hatchback that\u2019ll move you and your family about comfortably, you\u2019ve got to give the GTI a test drive.<\/p>\n
![\"Golf](\"https:\/\/cdn.yallacompare.com\/car-deals\/2017\/12\/Golf-GTI-2-1024x583.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nEngine:<\/strong> 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder
\nGearbox:<\/strong> 6-speed DSG automatic
\nPower:<\/strong> 230 bhp
\n0-100 km\/h:<\/strong> 6.4 s
\nTop speed:<\/strong> 250 km\/h
\nPrice (starting):<\/strong> AED 129,900
\nPrice (as tested):<\/strong> AED 146,200<\/p>\n