Car reviews

The Volkswagen Golf GTI launched the trend for hot hatches in the late 1970s and has grown from a cult car, to - in its current incarnation - perhaps the best all-round fast family hatchback. This sixth-generation Golf GTI is effectively a thorough re-working of the previous car, itself a superb performance hatch. Volkswagen, therefore, had a strong base upon which to develop this car. It comes with a new, more powerful 2.0-litre TFSI engine and sharp handling, but doesn't compromise on comfort. And while it provides most of the thrills that more powerful rivals can offer, it is utterly painless to use as everyday transport for a family.