Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTI: The best ever?

Ever since Volkswagen reignited the Golf GTI flame with the Mk5 version back in 2004 they have made it harder for themselves to improve the next iteration. And yet, they did. The Mk6 was a modest improvement over the Mk5, but an improvement nonetheless. So how about the new Golf VII GTI, will it have what it takes to extend the legend of Volkswagen’s most iconic model?

It looks like it might. Here’s what the UK media has said about the new GTI following its recent launch in France:

Autocar (Steve Sutcliffe): It is a quite phenomenally well-resolved car to drive. And by that, I don’t just mean that it’s unusually secure or stable near the limit (even though it is exactly that). It’s also razor sharp, dynamically.

Auto Express (Mat Watson): We’d go as far as to say the Mk7 is the best GTI ever. We knew VW could make it faster and more comfortable, but there was always a question mark over the fun factor. Not any more.
(Video review available below.)

Top Gear (Jason Barlow): The dice haven’t rolled as far as they should have. It’s a fine car, and you will never regret choosing one. The new GTI, then. The hot hatch equivalent of a good accountant.

Not quite universal praise, then, but very close to it. And all waxed lyrical about the VAQ tricky diff available in the Performance Pack model. Can’t wait until later in the year when the Mk7 GTI hits our shores.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip]