Volkswagen Golf

The Golf name might be new here, but GTIs aren’t — we had the Polo GTI some years ago. The Golf GTI is larger, about the length of a Hyundai Creta, though its hatchback stance and 136mm ground clearance make it look smaller. GTI cues include a red line across the grille and headlamps, and there’s also an illuminated VW logo, aggressive honeycomb lower grille, and 18-inch alloys with red calipers. The rear gets animated LED tail-lamps, a roof spoiler and dual exhausts. Clean-cut and understated in typical VW fashion.

Inside, the Mk8.5 Golf GTI balances restraint with sporty details. You get Alcantara-trimmed seats with GTI embroidery and classic tartan inserts. The iconic golf-ball gear lever is sadly replaced by a toggle, but red stitching and accents liven up the cabin. A large 12.9-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Quality is typically VW good, though design remains a bit muted. Space up front is excellent, rear room is decent for two adults, and the boot’s a useful 380 litres — but no spare tyre.

Being a CBU, it’s well-equipped: Matrix LED headlamps, 3-zone climate control, AI voice assistant, wireless charging and a sunroof. However, options like the Harman Kardon audio, powered leather seats and adaptive dampers are missing in India. Safety kit includes 7 airbags, a rear camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and emergency braking.

At its heart is a 265hp, 370Nm 2.0 TSI paired with a 7-speed DSG and front-wheel drive with a limited-slip diff. It clocks 0-100kph in 5.9sec, hitting a top speed of 267kph. The DSG shifts cleanly, with little jerkiness. Torque steer is contained, and the diff helps the GTI claw its way through corners confidently. It’s smooth and refined in Comfort mode, while Sport mode adds some synthetic exhaust sound for drama.

Official WLTP figures claim 13.70-14.08kpl, but real-world figures, especially with spirited driving, will likely fall into single digits. Like most turbo-petrols, fuel economy is highly sensitive to your right foot.

Despite lacking adaptive dampers, the GTI impresses. It eagerly dives into corners with quick, precise steering, and feels playful without being intimidating. Its 1,454kg weight is well-managed, feeling taut and nimble. It remains composed at high speeds, too, with 267kph on a banked oval feeling rock solid.

Rs 50 lakh for a hatch sounds like a stretch, but this isn’t about logic — it’s about fun. The 150 buyers who snagged one care about pure driving joy, not ground clearance or rear seat width. It’s expensive and a little irrational — but gloriously emotional.