Gr8 expectations

It's more sophisticated than ever but remains one of the most balanced hot hatches you'll encounter

Price: R669 300 0-100 km/h: 6,48 sec Top speed: 250 km/h Power: 180 kW Torque: 370 N.m CAR fuel index: 8,40 L/100 km CO2: 159 g/km

In its eighth iteration, the Golf GTI has gone from the performance-orientated flanker of a broad model range to being the everycar of a local line-up that will now solely comprise it and the fire-breathing Golf R. Consequently, the pendulum of defining liveability-entertainment scale has swung towards the former. With more technology aimed at a broader audience, will the 8 GTI exceed expectations?

Finished in metallic Kings Red and replete with such traditional GTI addenda as red pinstriping, a body kit that neatly treads the line between sporty and upmarket and the particularly striking light bar spanning the nose and quintet of LED foglamps that wink out of the honeycombed front air dam, the 8's styling is a neat amalgam of modern and historically accurate touches. The adoption of touchscreen and those everdivisive haptic ancillary controls impart a smart, minimalist air to the spacious and solidly crafted cabin. Factor in seats that have sporty bolstering and longdistance supportiveness, along with plentiful rear leg- and headroom, and a boot that can accommodate between 256 and 968 litres of luggage and the 8's interior makes for a welcoming and practical space.