VW reveals new Golf GTI

Though we've already driven the new sixth-generation VW Golf, it actually makes its first public outing at the Paris Show next week and so too will the new GTI version.

Whereas VW took conservative steps to restyle the regular Golf, its designers have been allowed a freer rein on the GTI version, with more prominent design cues than before differentiating it from its siblings.

Up front, new Xenon headlights feature a menacing internal design, emphasises further by the wide mounting of the vertically-shaped fog lights. A new interpretation of the traditional GTI honeycomb grille encompasses two bold red horizontal stripes.

At the rear, a new bumper takes on the appearance of an aerodynamic diffuser, while two exhaust pipes feature for the first time. It's all topped off by a roof spoiler. Although the alloys are of similar design to the current car's, they are larger in size as standard.

The interior of the new GTI houses sports seats in a tartan design and a special GTI steering wheel and gearknob.

Performance has been enhanced only slightly, as the current car's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is retained. Updates release 10bhp more than before, bringing the total to 207bhp, while maximum torque is available lower down the rev counter than before. The upshot of these changes is reduced CO₂ and fuel consumption.

As before, both manual and DSG gearboxes will be available, though VW will also offer an electronic limited slip 'differential' and adaptive damping.

Following the new car's world debut at the Paris Show it will go on sale in the UK at an expected starting price of £21,500, representing a modest increase over the outgoing model.

Shane O' Donoghue