By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Nearly five decades old and still going strong! That is the “hot hatch” for you and loyal owners. Ever since its debut, the 2025 VW Golf has won numerous accolades while setting fresh benchmarks in innovation, design, value and available driver assistance features. Not one to rest on their laurels, VW engineers have tweaked the agile car inside out for this year.

Our Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0-liter intercooled/turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine generating 241 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 273 pounds-feet of torque @ 1600 rpm. Power reaches the front wheels via a slick and accurate 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. Unfortunately, the stick shift version has been nixed. But you can be assured that the lively and stylish Golf will get up to speed with urgency, and slow down as quickly and with self-assurance. A strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension soaks obstacles with skill, ensuring a composed and unflappable ride. Steering response with the electric power rack and pinion system is sharp and precise. Eco, comfort, sport and custom modes are at the driver’s fingertips.

The eighth-generation hatchback shows off revised LEDs, tail lamps and bumper with a new front grille hosting the familiar VW emblem and light bar. That this is a GTI trim is evident from the red strip and badging on the grille, front fenders, rear hatch and even the front brake calipers. The GTI theme continues in the cabin with red accents and carbon-gray and gloss-black trim throughout. Passenger volume is respectable at 91.9 cubic feet of space. Trunk space is 19.9 cubic feet and fold down the rear seat to get 34.5 cubic feet. Out goes the previous 10-inch display to be replaced by a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen for all your infotainment controls. Other standard goodies are single auto a/c, flat-bottomed, three-spoke leather steering wheel (push button controls replace touch-sensitive pads) with paddle shifters, heated manual front seats, 60/40 fold rear seat, front center console with cup holders, armrest and storage, and stainless-steel pedals.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, rearview camera, front/rear park distance and hill-hold control, electronic stability control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights along with IQ.Drive, which gets you forward collision warning and auto brakes with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

The sharp-looking Golf is incredibly athletic with a peppy engine, which provides ample punch to maneuver in rush-hour traffic. It also eked out an impressive average of nearly 35 mpg in combined driving, handily beating EPA estimates. And the potential buyer is promised plentiful cabin space. More honors are in order for this remarkably competent and inexpensive hatch!

GOLF GTI (S)

Tires: 225/40R18

Wheelbase: 103.6 inches

Length: 168.9 inches

Width: 70.4 inches

Height: 57.7 inches

Weight: 3,183 pounds

Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 24/32/27 mpg;

Base price: $32,445

Price as tested: $33,860

Web site: www.vw.co