VW gets serious with new Golf GTI

One of the world's best selling cars will return with a fresh face and a more forceful persona when the reinvigorated fifth-generation Golf GTI makes a comeback.

The 2.0-litre Golf GTI looks to be making a return to form, with an impressive new suit thanks the 2005 model's redesign, more spring in its step thanks to a better chassis and a more decisive nature thanks to forced induction.

While the Mk. IV Golf GTI was fun to drive around corners, it's 110kW engine ensured it never got promoted to the rank of 'hot hatch', and it's 1256kg kerb weight ensured it could only ever belong to the 'warm hatch' category.

Things have changed rapidly since the beginning new millennium - there's more models from more manufacturers and the small car landscape is more competitive than ever as a result.

And Volkswagen's recent complacency has cost it the top spot. 22 million Golf's or not - old tech engines, and lardy bodies do not cut the mustard in today's marketplace.

Mazda has come out firing with its impressive Mazda3, a new Ford Focus is looming large and Audi's new A3 has also lifted the bar.

With it's next generation Golf, VW is dead keen to meet the likes of GM/Opel's new Astra head on, as well as keep BMW's exciting rear-wheel drive 1 and 2 Series models at bay.

And you can bet your bathtub that BMW's hot M2 and the 175kW Astra turbo will be doing their best to nullify the Golf GTI's impressive reputation.

At the time of writing, VW had yet to confirm a GTI production model, but sources indicate it will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004.

Last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, however, VW showed off what it called the Golf GTI Concept, which the production model is expected to be very close to, both in terms of exterior design and powertrain.

As such, the next-generation Golf GTI is expected to ship with a 2.0-litre FSI (direct injection) turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, good for about 147kW (200bhp).

In addition to a twin-clutch sequential gearbox (DSG in VW nomenclature), the GTI will get a dual brake assist system, electromechanical steering and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), handy for when an overabundance of lateral Gs push you off your racing line.

At first the GTI will be offered as front-wheel drive model when it launched in Europe at year's end, but the German automaker has indicated that an AWD '4Motion' version is on the cards for 2005, which will be an absolute cracker.

In addition to the Mk. V's boosted power, a more rigid chassis is also expected and, when combined with the Golf GTI's new independent 4-link rear suspension package and 18-inch wheels with chubby rubber, this should result in a more eager cornering tool.

The two-door GTI design is also more dynamic than the 4-door models, with a higher waistline towards the rear.

A deeper front apron and larger airdams ensures the engine has a fresh supply of oxygen, which is matched by side skirts, a lower rear apron, twin chromium exhausts and a roof-mounted spoiler.

It's encouraging to see Volkswagen getting serious with the hot hatch segment once again, after what seemed like a nice little vacation for the marque.

While selling truck-fulls of generic models is one thing, having a flagship performance model, a sharp-looking, keen handling, aspirational car is an essential tool in keeping interest levels in the entire line-up high. And the new Golf GTI looks certain to keep interest levels high.

There's even talk of the next-generation Golf R32 making it's way to the main stage in the mid-term future. This will make things very interesting indeed, as the mother-of-all battles will commence when BMW joins the small car market with its highly-anticipated 1 Series line-up.