VOLKSWAGEN'S iconic Golf GTI is back, with more power than its predecessor as well as the latest technologies and the sharper styling and interior fittings of the latest Golf range.

With 261bhp - an increase of 20bhp over the previous GTI - the newcomer is capable of sprinting from zero to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds.

Features of the new GTI include LED matrix headlights, which have a range of 500 metres and an illuminated VW logo at the front, as well as redesigned LED tail-light clusters and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin there's a revamped infotainment system controlled via what appears to be a free-standing 12.9-inch touchscreen which can also be controlled by voice assistance with ChatGPT integration. Premium sports seats featuring the familiar GTI check pattern, along with red decorative stitching, emphasise the fact that the interior is unmistakably a Golf GTI.

The latest GTI costs £38,900 and comes equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard with paddle-shifters on the GTI-badged multi-function steering wheel, which now has physical buttons in response to customer feedback.

Other standard features include keyless access, heated front seats, three-zone air conditioning, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic jam assist and emergency assist.

A pair of plug-in hybrid models are joining the GTI in an expanded Golf range, which already comes in Life, Match, Style and R-Line variants. Both are fitted with a new 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine and a hybrid system with a 19.7 kWh battery and an electric only range of up to 89 miles.

Two versions are available - Style and a more powerful GTE model both of which have a six-speed DSG transmission.

The £36,760 Style eHybrid comes with three-zone air conditioning, lane assist, traffic jam and emergency assist while, for £39,750, the GTE adds keyless access, heated front seats, tinted rear glass, front fog lamps and cornering lights.