Volkswagen Golf GTI 2005 review: snapshot

Anything to talk it up before you hit the road. Move over, it's my turn.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is deceiving in its appearance. From the outside, it looks like an innocent hatchback just waiting for its twentysomething owner who cares more about fitting into tight spots than becoming acquainted with g-force.

But, inside, it's a different story – and that's before the engine revs up. GTI, like WRX, were previously just letters to me. Letters to dress up a car and make it sound sporty.

Explore the 2005 Volkswagen Golf range

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• Volkswagen Golf DSG 2005 review
• Volkswagen Golf GTI 2005 review
• Volkswagen Golf GTI manual 2005 review
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• Volkswagen Golf GTI 2005 review: snapshot

Oh, how naive I was. GTI actually stands for Gran Turismo Injection. Whatever, in my language it's fast.

After weaving my way through the city traffic, it's time to test this baby out on the open road.

With my hands wrapped comfortably around the leather-clad steering wheel, I prepare for the "g-force".

Foot to the alloy pedal, off I go – zero to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, the cheat sheet tells me. Whoa, this hatchback has attitude.

A big screen in the centre tells me everything I need to know, without having to strain the eyes to read. A quick shift to the six-stacker CD function and the tunes come on, although the mellow Missy Higgins is much better suited to my other role as the "wagon girl" (for first-time readers of this column, I am the one the motoring editor turns to when he gets a wagon to test).

The centre console looks something like a plane's cockpit, there are plenty of buttons and it looks fancy, but sometimes it's just easier to keep it simple.

But that's not to say a girl doesn't want a bit of luxury and it can be just the little added touches that go a long way. Enter seat warmers. Almost as cosy as an open fire (OK, I am getting carried away). A warm butt makes the drive even more enjoyable. Of course, heading into summer this function may not excite – but it's there if you need it.

Alas, as I boast of this function to my back-seaters, they shoot back a cold reply: "We don't have them". What are they complaining about, there is plenty of room for them. No problem with cramp back there.

About the only thing missing with this car is the trademark gerbera flower – I know it's reserved for the VDub Beetle but surely they could bend the rules?

LOVE IT LEAVE IT

Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG

Price: $42,290

LOVE IT

Seat warmers. It gives you a head start when the weather is a bit nippy.

Leather upholstery is so much better than vinyl.

Power.

LEAVE IT

Too many buttons. It looks impressive but trying to decide what goes with what while driving can be tricky.

No flower: come on, it just sings out for a cute gerbera.

Out of my price range.