DEAD, SOLID, PERFECT; Fifth-generation GTI redefines the hot hatch.(Product/Service Evaluation)

Byline: ROGER HART

Funny how plans change in the car business. When Volkswagen introduced the high-performance GTI version of its compact Golf hatchback, only 5000 cars were made in what was termed a "limited edition.'' But those 5000 models of Grand Tourisme Injection in 1976 spawned 1.5 million more in subsequent years. The fifth-generation GTI, available now in Europe and due here next fall, will further cement the car's sporty reputation.

The new GTI, unveiled at the Frankfurt show last year as a concept, made its official debut two weeks ago in Paris. We sampled pre-production three-door GTIs (it also comes as a five-door) on a drive from the factory in Wolfsburg to the Paris show, over a variety of roads.

VW's design team looked back nearly 30 years to the first GTI for inspiration, picking up both exterior and interior cues from GTI No. 1, including a black grille with red frame strip, and plaid fabric seats. Groovy.

While paying tribute to the past, this new car takes full advantage of VW's high-tech goodies; namely, a potent, direct-injected (T-FSI) 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The engine has a wide powerband, delivering maximum torque at 1800 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm (redline is 6500). Special attention was paid to tuning the exhaust note to sound meaty at the command of your right foot.

Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, the GTI will go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. Top speed is 150 mph. While we did not sample versions fitted with VW's Direct Shift Gearbox, the company claims even quicker times: 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds, in automatic mode.

We found while driving on twisty two-lanes near the Nurburgring that we could leave the car in third gear, accelerating from tight, 25-mph corners up to 80 mph with no lugging. Of course it is much more fun to work through the six-speed gearbox. The clutch feels heavier than we have experienced in other VWs, but the takeup is spot-on and the stiffly sprung shifter is fun to use, with precise gear engagements. We also found no turbo lag and no torque steer.