Singapore — It’s amazing to think that the Volkswagen Golf GTI started out as a side project among the Wolfsburg firm’s engineers in 1976.

Thirty-seven years later, it’s an undoubted automotive icon, despite a few slip-ups along the way, and is a synonym for the quintessential all-rounded, high-performance hatchback.

Volkswagen isn’t fooling around with the new, seventh-generation Golf GTI either — it’s a straight, sharp and very strong evolution of everything those three letters stand for.

The car doesn’t shout its performance credentials, instead using subtle styling details to establish its identity when you get up close.

The same story applies inside too, with few clues giving away the fact that you’re sitting in the performance version of Volkswagen’s venerable hatchback.

Aside from the flat-bottomed steering wheel (complete with red leather stitching), unique instrument cluster, and red ambient lighting, the rest of the cabin is pretty much standard Golf. So you get the generously-sized touch-screen infotainment system, plenty of space for five occupants, and the usual Teutonic build quality.

But the point of a hot hatch is driving fun and the Golf GTI delivers that in spades. Considering how accomplished the starting point of the regular seventh-gen Golf is, the GTI is rather superlative.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with 220bhp and 350Nm of torque makes for one fast car.

The 0-100kmh sprint is completed in 6.5s — not bad for a car that easily doubles as your everyday drive.

Corners are where the Golf GTI really shines. It slings through bends with a neutral poise, inciting much driver confidence thanks to plentiful grip and quick, direct steering.

The XDS+ electronic differential helps control the braking to each individual wheel for more precise cornering, and the Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system uses electronically-controlled dampers to help the car achieve the right compromise between a comfortable ride and an exciting drive.

The new Golf GTI is a car that truly indulges you, offering the driver an almost-unbeatable combination of fine handling, invigorating performance, and all-round practicality. What started as a side-project, is now one of hot hatchdom’s main events.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Engine: 1,984cc i4, 220bhp & 350Nm

Performance: 244kmh, 0-100kmh 6.5 seconds, 6.6L/100km, 148g/km CO2

Price: S$199,800 with COE