OUTRIGHT power and all-wheel drive isn't necessarily the "be all to end all" in the sporty small car game.

W’S Golf GTi can’t match Subaru’s WRX or Mitsubishi Ralliart for grunt or Mazda3 MPS for that matter, but it still sells up a storm because it’s the complete package offering sporty performance, handling and grip, with plenty of class as opposed to crass.

It’s the discerning buyer’s go-fasty, a hot hatch with style and pace at an affordable price.

The sixth generation GTi is here offering more of the winning formula that Golf GTi ushered in about 30 years ago.

It’s still a front wheel drive hatchback, but this time around it is a whole lot sharper thanks to the inclusion of a limited slip differential and a power boost from 147kW up to 155kW.

Better yet, the price remains the same as before, due in part to the five per cent tariff reduction that comes into force on January 1.

VW has pulled this forward and offers the Golf GTi three-door, six-speed manual from $38,990, with the highly desirable DSG double clutch manu-matic transmission adding $2500.

Plenty of options are available including leather, bixenon headlights, audio upgrade, rear view camera and GPS.

We would definitely fork out for the three mode Adaptive Chassis Control offering Comfort, Normal and Sports characteristic at the touch of a button. It alters GTi’s power delivery, steering and suspension.

The power gain compared with previous GTis is modest, but VW focused on driveability rather than outright numbers.

Versions of this 2.0-litre, direct injection, petrol turbo four can churn out up to 200kW without trouble and, in fact, the new Golf R32 is a high output, four-cylinder and not a V6 as was the case in the previous model. Fuel efficiency and emissions are better than before despite the power boost.

The 280Nm engine pulls hard from idle to redline at about 6000rpm and runs sweetly with a distinctive burble and even an exhaust pop on upchanges if you have the DSG transmission.

Improvements to the car’s dynamics yield more feel, sharper steering, better bump resistance and faster, flatter cornering, even in Comfort mode on the test car that had Adaptive Chassis Control.

Safety is of a high order with a five-star crash rating. Standard kit includes stability control and seven airbags.

The new GTi is slightly wider than the previous model and has plenty of room inside for four, five at a pinch.

The load space is generous and easily accessible.

Styling reflects the previous GTi with a honeycomb mesh grille, deep front bumper with a splitter, rear spoiler, low side sills and an athletic crouch on the road.

It weighs in at a reasonable 1360kg for the three door manual, not much more for the DSG equipped model.

Steering is electro-hydraulic and provides plenty of feel and rapid response.

We were able to have a good crack at the new GTi five door model with DSG and came away mightily impressed on all counts apart from the space saver spare tyre.

It has oodles of grunt and is quick as you like through the twisties aided by that locker differential. Gear changes take a blink with DSG. It sits flat with impressive grip while maintaining a high degree of comfort.

The exhaust burble is stimulating punctuated by the pop on upchanges – makes you want to wind down the window.

Our car had the premium audio system that really rocked and 3d GPS on the centre-mounted widescreen but you’ll pay extra.

The large screen is a trip computer if GPS isn’t fitted. Convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, auto-dim rear view mirror and auto headlights.

We love the way it goes, the look and the finish. It says quality, sporty and luxury all rolled into one and that is the essence of the Golf GTi.

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