Volkswagen Golf GTI, Arrives next summer

Volkswagen sells a ridiculous number of Golf GTIs, so it's hardly surprising that just a few weeks after we've driven the new sixth-generation Golf, Volkswagen is showing us its new GTI flagship in Paris. Officially described as a concept, the car you'll see on the Volkswagen stand is almost exactly the same as the car you'll find in showrooms this coming spring.

The current GTI is an enjoyable drive and the new car promises to be even more fun. The 2.0-litre TSI engine gets a boost in power to 207bhp, though emits less CO₂ than the outgoing car. An electronic limited-slip 'differential' promises even sharper responses in the bends, while the option of Adaptive Chassis Control borrowed from the Golf's Scirocco cousin allows you to choose between precise control and more comfort orientated settings. The 'concept' is unmistakably a GTI too, with red highlighting around the grille and stitching on the leather steering wheel, familiar 'telephone dial' alloy wheels and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Get your deposit in now...

Kyle Fortune

Wednesday October 1