Motoring editor Malcolm Baylis reviews Volkswagen's new Golf GTi.

THE countdown has begun for the launch of Volkswagen's new Golf GTi. This week prices were announced for the range of four models that go on sale in January next year, starting from £19,995 on the road.

Prospective buyers have been able to pre-order their own vehicle since a dedicated website was launched in August, before the car made its world debut at the Paris motor show last month. Volkswagen say there has been a growing number of orders, with customers choosing model, colours, options and upholstery before getting a unique reference number which they take to their dealer next year to complete the order.

The latest generation of the original hot hatchback offers both three and five-door versions, all powered by a 2.0-litre 200PS turbocharged direct injection engine. The four cylinder unit produces a flat torque curve, with maximum pulling power of 207lbs.ft available all the way from 1800 to 5100rpm, matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or Volkswagen's own direct shift gearbox, much like an automatic.

For years the GTi has appealed to a wide range of buyers, and the new model has been remastered to provide more individual styling compared with other Golf models in the range.

There is a "plunging" black honeycomb grille with a red frame, lowered sports suspension, double stainless steel exhaust pipes, new front and back spoilers, and visible red brake callipers.

At the back only the VW roundel and the three letters GTi are on view. The word "Golf" has been dropped.

Inside, unless a customer chooses otherwise, there is chequered upholstery, which harks back to the Mk 1 version.

Standard equipment will be comprehensive, with key items including two-zone electronic climate control, 10-speaker CD player, multifunction computer, driver, front passenger and front seat side and curtain airbags, and automatic driving lights.

There is also an electronic stabilisation programme to ensure a smooth ride. Finally, the car rides on striking 17-inch alloy wheels, although 18-inch versions will be available and likely to prove popular at £445 extra.

Prices of the new GTi are £19,995 for the six-speed manual three-door; £20,495 for the five door; £21,320 for the six-speed direct shift three door and £21,820 for the five-door model.

Volkswagen cars are available locally from Layerthorpe Ltd, Centurian Park,Clifton Moor,

York, YO30 4WW Tel: 01904 479666

Des Winks (Cars) Ltd, Pickering Road, West Snainton, Scarborough. Tel 01723 859447

Updated: 11:39 Friday, October 15, 2004