Back to basics: fifth-gen VW GTI prototype driven and enjoyed

The UK publication AutoExpress has the goods this time around— so take that, Edmunds. AE is familiar with the standard Golf V, and one of the first items remarked upon is the aggressive lowered stance of the GTI. A neat retro honeycomb grill and vintage badges call back to the MkI GTI. The interior oozes quality and simplicity, in line with what one expects from VW, with a few subtle touches like checked seat material mimicking that of GTIs from 30 years ago. Once in motion, it's obvious that the GTI is serious about ruling the hatch segment again, with a 2.0 liter FSI engine cranking out 200-hp that makes the car feel lighter than it is. And although it's statistically slower, AE claims the car seems faster than the R32, with plenty of torque at low rpms. The chassis is fantastic in the corners, with grip to spare and confidence-inspiring stability. Plus the brakes are up to of keeping the GTI out of the woods, which foruntate, because there're trees in them thar woods. When perceived as an overall altogether total complete whole, the car is a (re)fine(d) modern tribute to the original. We should get the car here in America in roughly 17 years.