The Mk6 was 245kg heavier than that first Polo GTI, but its extra power, front diff lock and slick 6-speed automatic transmission more than made up for that on paper, chopping a full two seconds ...

Yes indeed. Reception to the new Golf has been lukewarm at best, and while the Mk6 might be the most refined car in its class, it’s no stunner.. Step forward the GTI, with a jutting front bumper ...

Maybe a bit too much, actually. With only the tartan cloth on the seats to signal its ranking (the Mk6 manual doesn’t even get a golf ball gear knob!), this GTI feels fairly bland from inside.