WHAT’S NEW

PRICE

From $46,441 drive-away (up about $200) for a GTI manual to $61,125 for an auto Golf R before options. A new, cut-price three-door GTI (just over $40,000 drive-away) and R ( just over $50,000 drive-away) are due at the end of the year.

TECH

The regular GTI persists with what VW boldly describes as an electronic diff but it’s enhanced stability control to send power to the front wheel with the most grip in a corner. The GTI-P’s mechanical limited-slip diff is electronically controlled. The R gains intelligent high-beams that mask oncoming cars. A new digital widescreen instrument display is standard on the R and GTI-P, an option on the GTI but not available on the limited editions.

PERFORMANCE

An updated 2.0-litre turbo four powers the entire line-up — GTI is up from 162kW to 169kW, GTI-P from 169kW to 180kW and R from 206kW to 213kW. The GTI-P and R get a seven-speed dualclutch auto (previously six) and the GTI options are six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch.

DRIVING

VW claims all are 0.2 secs quicker to 100km/h: the GTI does 6.4 seconds, GTI-P 6.2 and the R 4.8.

DESIGN

Look closely for new headlights and tail-lights (the GTI-P and R get scrolling LED indicators) and new front and rear bumpers. Inside, there are larger central touchscreens.