Best Sports Car

In motoring history, the original Golf GTI was an icon, laying the framework for a new motoring genre, the ‘hot hatch’.

Today’s car, now a dual ABC winner, combines spirit with modern levels of comfort, safety and performance.

A long list of standard equipment and VW’s high standard of fit and finish give the Golf a head start.

Performance is a critical factor in this category and the GTI’s direct-injection turbo engine doesn’t disappoint.

There’s a healthy supply of mid-range torque to keep things moving, and the slick-shifting, six-speed manual’s ratios are perfectly matched to the engine’s characteristics. Just as good as the manual gearbox is the optional DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), with its fast, seamless shifts.

This car is comfortable around town or on the open road.

It shines with its combination of power and impressive chassis dynamics.

Handling is nimble and direct, the sharp steering providing good feedback, and there’s remarkable overall grip. As speeds increase, the GTI’s agility and secure feel are unchanged, although large bumps can find the limit of the suspension’s travel.

Comfort isn’t ignored, with supportive sports seats, and the squared-off roofline means there’s plenty of headroom.

GTI can’t match the storming performance or g-force defying dynamics of others. But the GTI’s strength is that does so many things remarkably well.

Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.