FOR THE GOLF TRAGIC

The GTI is one of those special cars that’s been at the top of the pile for decades

In the road-testing business, it’s always instructive to go back to the benchmark car in each class once in a while, take it for a drive and see if it’s still the pick of the bunch.

Some cars stay at the top for several decades and multiple generations. Porsche’s 911 has been in this position for almost 60 years. Toyota’s LandCruiser has been the best 4WD wagon since the 80 Series of 1990.

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI created the hot hatch concept in 1976. Since then, there have been meaner, sharper and better value rivals — in fact our 2018 Car of the Year, Hyundai’s i30N, has the Golf’s measure on each of these counts — but none has delivered the breadth of ability, or everyday liveability, of the VW.

VALUE

In 2018 VW Australia offered a five model Golf GTI range, priced from $37,490 for the threedoor, 169kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo/six-speed manual Original. There are still a few left, with a $38,990 drive-away deal until March 31.

The 2019 GTI is a one-model only, five-door offering — for now. Priced at $46,190, it includes go fast hardware from 2018’s Performance Edition: a 180kW/370Nm engine, seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, electromechanical front diff lock and ventilated disc brakes from the Golf R.

A customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is included for 2019, along with adjustable suspension dampers, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights with auto high beam, semiautomatic parking, keyless entry and starting. Touchscreen infotainment features smartphone mirroring and navigation.