Model tested: Volkswagen Golf GTi 2.0 TSI 3-dr
Price as tested: £22,410
Date tested: July 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 88%
The Golf GTi is such an icon, getting it wrong could lead to a pitchfork-wielding mob turning up at VW's headquarters. Luckily, the designers and engineers are safe for now – the Mk6 is one of the best cars on sale.

1. Looks
Darker tones make the GTi a blink-and-you'll-miss-it hot hatch, but we love the 18-inch 'telephone dial' wheels, razor-sharp headlight clusters, twin exhausts and subtle side skirts.
9/10

2. Looks inside
No hatchback interior offers better quality or ease of use. The major controls are clearly labelled and built to last, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the gearstick are among the best to hold in any car.
9/10

3. Practicality
The Golf has a 350-litre boot, extendable to 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded. There's plenty of space for rear occupants, and an extra seat compared with the Scirocco.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The GTi has a light and fluid feel on the move, conveying enough information to be entertaining, without being uncomfortable or tiring. The XDS differential provides more traction when you need it most.
9/10

5. Performance
Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds and it's capable of 149mph flat-out. The engine almost makes gathering speed seem too easy. A slightly greater increase in volume and response near the red line would give it an added edge.
9/10

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6. Running Costs
Make the most of the GTi chassis and consumption dips into the mid twenties; letting the low-down torque do the work, we achieved 43mpg. CO2 emissions are 170g/km, giving a 22% Benefit in Kind tax rating.
8/10

7. Reliability
There were few problems with the GTi Mk5, and many of its components have been carried over to the Mk6.
8/10

8. Safety
There's a five-star EuroNCAP crash test score thanks to a full complement of standard airbags and electronic safety devices. A new type of sensor judges crash severity to deploy airbags intelligently.
10/10

9. Equipment
USB and iPod connectivity, eight-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, auto wipers and interior mirror, and cooled glovebox are all standard. Optional extras include bi-Xenon headlights, Park Assist, DVD touchscreen radio/CD and navigation unit and a Dynaudio sound system.
8/10

10. X-Factor
At £23,000 the latest GTi is in reach of a huge number of UK motorists, and it's a great sign of design and engineering progress a car this good will find its way on to so many driveways. Time to start saving.
10/10