You can keep your EVs, hybrids and hydrogens — nothing compares with the growl of a full-fat, fuel-injected engine twinned with the rasp of a sports exhaust.
If it happens to be wrapped in a stylish German suit and bears the VW logo and iconic letters GTi, then you are in company of a true legend.
Granted, the boffins in Wolfsburg hit the performance jackpot back in 1976 and have merely tweaked and refined it ever since into what is probably the most perfect machine ever made.
Yes, there have been a few hiccups over the years where the delicate balance between raw power and everyday comfort swung like a pendulum and, of course, the more recent tech glitch which left some more than a little vexed.
Now, halfway through its eighth generation, the latest 8.5 model could very well be the finest and perhaps last to be truly worthy of the HH accolade. As with all of the VW range, the GTi has adopted the “evolution over revolution” ethos and only real anoraks will be able to spot what’s new.
For the record, the latest offering gets IQ Light matrix LED headlamps (as standard), which complement the lightbar running across the bonnet, while the VW logo in the centre also illuminates.
Hidden in the lower apron are five separate spotlights in the shape of a chequered flag and nestled in a piano-black honeycomb grille.
At the rear, you get redesigned 3-D light clusters with strobing indicators, while twin chrome exhausts take pride of place either side of the diffuser. It comes with 18-inch rims as standard, or you could upgrade to the 19-inch Queenstown alloys (inspired by the iconic MKV) shown on the test car pictured.
Inside, you’ll get super-snazzy bucket sports seats covered in the traditional tartan material (there is an option of two-tone leather) with the GTi logo embossed in the centre.
There is a much-improved 12.9-inch touchscreen with clearer graphics and quicker responses.
There’s also new voice-control software that incorporates ChatGPT to gain instant access to navigation, phone and music streaming.
A look inside the Golf GTi
Thankfully VW has ditched the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and the slider tool below the infotainment screen is also backlit for easier operation.
Under the hood, there have been a few tweaks and the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine increases the power to 265bhp – up 20hp on the last model – shaving a few milliseconds off the 0-100kmh sprint, which now stands at 5.9 seconds.
Dynamic Chassis Control comes as an optional extra (€1,105), which is a must-have for drivers looking to be seriously engaged.
The set-up adapts the suspension to suit various drive modes (15 settings from soft to firm) and really pays off in Sport mode where the GTi comes into its own.
Couple that with the electronically controlled front differential and progressive steering which reacts to the road surface and speed – guaranteeing pin-point precision on more challenging roads.
When not in total hooligan mode, the GTi is remarkably refined and with four doors and 374 litres of bootspace, it makes for the ideal family runaround.
It also returns a not-too-shabby 6.9 litres/100km, or 40mpg. All-in-all, you’d be hard pressed to find a car that offers this kind of kudos, performance and practicality.
Prices for the new VW Golf GTi start at €59,470.
Price of Peugeot’s new 5008 EV likely to be a hit
Peugeot 5008
Peugeot is getting ready for a bumper 251 registration with the launch of the new 5008 – available with both hybrid and fully-electric powertrains at the same price.
Built on the advanced STLA Medium platform, the roomy seven-seat SUV has up to 502km of electric range (WLTP) for the all-electric version, making it a leader in its segment.
A 98kWh, 668km long-range version is set to be released in the new year.
The hybrid features a 48V system, which Peugeot says allows for up to 50pc electric driving in urban settings.
Top-of-the-range GT trims are equipped with Pixel LED headlights, a Black Diamond roof, and 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you’ll be treated to the all-new 21-inch Panoramic i-Cockpit, which combines a head-up display and touchscreen in a single curved screen (standard on all versions).
All models also include the i-Connect Advanced system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a sliding and tilting second-row seats for easy third-row access.
Available in Allure and GT trims, the 5008 comes standard with seven seats, tri-zone climate control, and an array of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control.
The electric version can charge from 20-80pc in 30 minutes via DC fast charging.
Like the 3008, the larger 5008 is priced the same for both electric and hybrid powertrains, from €50,995, giving customers the power of choice.
Prices include grants.
Volvo EX30 given five-star NCAP safety rating
Volvo EX30
It may be the smallest SUV in its fleet, but the Volvo EX30 is big on safety – earning a five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.
The fully-electric compact crossover also comes with an advanced suite of active safety features, including the advanced driver alert system with lane-keep assist, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.
It also has AEB (autonomous emergency braking), which will stop the car automatically if it detects an imminent collision from the front or the side.
The EX30 also includes a door opening alert, which can warn you of a passing cyclist or pedestrian.
It is powered by either a 51 or 69kWh battery and has a range of 344-476km. Standard spec includes 12.3-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking assist, 360-degree camera, 22kW AC battery charging and two-zone climate control.
See volvo.ie for more info.
