Paris concept: Volkswagen Golf GTI

The name might say Concept in its title but for all but a few tiny details the car that's standing on a plinth in France is the same Golf GTI that you'll be able to buy in Volkswagen showrooms next year.

What's all the fuss about?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is THE GTI, the car that really started the hot hatch genre. So, unsurprisingly, any new model is going to be a big deal. Like its regular Golf relatives this new GTI is evolutionary in its look and feel inside and out. That's no bad thing though, as the Golf GTI is one of the best selling hot hatches out there having sold 1.7 million examples over its five generations - making it a real money-spinner for Volkswagen. With the 'concept', power is increased, emissions reduced, economy improved and equipment levels improved. All you could want from a modern hot hatch, really.

Any new technology?

Volkswagen has been very restrained with its new GTI. It's largely based on the old model with a few improvements and refinements to the styling and technology. The concept GTI features an improved 2.0-litre turbo engine, its output increasing only marginally to 207bhp. Key improvements include the addition of a new electronic limited slip differential, (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP system. The Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) from the Scirocco will also be offered on the new GTI, this adaptive suspension system allowing the driver to choose between cosseting comfort and focussed firmness.

Will it ever see the light of day?

Absolutely: the GTI Concept is a very thinly veiled production car. The fact that Volkswagen is detailing CO₂, consumption and performance figures - 37.6mpg, 178g/km and 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds respectively - underlines the fact. This is the car you'll be able to drive next summer. Production starts this coming spring, so if you want one early you'd better speak to your Volkswagen dealer right now.

Kyle Fortune