Volkswagen's updated version of its seventh-generationTI have been given a rousing thumbs up from the critics. The revamped hot hatch features a handful of subtle styling changes to the headlights and front bumper.

While Volkswagen has also tweaked the tail light cluster and sharpened the design of the reflectors at the bottom of the rear bumper. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from outgoing model is under the bonnet, but it has had a power boost of 10bhp for a total output of 227. An optional performance pack it to 242bhp and car reaches 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.

The updated engine will mean the Volkswagen Golf barely feels like "it's breaking any sweat" under any power. It is more than fast enough to enjoy on country roads and is far more consistent noticably than its high-profile rivals.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is defined by its ability to generate substantial "point-to-point pace" and engage drivers from an engine that is not as powerful as the likes of Honda or BMW. As good as the engine is updated, there is also a new 7.1 inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes as standard and gesture controls can be installed as an extra.

It doesn't have any buttons, so drivers won't get shortcut keys either side of the screen. However the Volkswagen Golf GTI is quite comfortable and a pleasant place to spend time. The rides are compared to that of Mercedes S-Class.

Autocar says that while competitors resort to "ever-firmer" suspension and added horsepower, the Golf also sticks with the same dynamic compromise Volkswagen has refined for four decades. The headroom space is enough for four tall adults, although the back rest for the middle seat isn't that comfortable, and there is a small rise in floor that reduces legroom.

The adaptive dampers add a suppleness to the Volkswagen GTI's ride quality that effortlessly copes with long distance driving, the steering is also good crisp and direct. It gives the drivers the perfect sense of connection to the front axle, which helps in finding the limit of the grip.

Orders for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI are open now and deliveries are expected in the spring time. Prices start at £27,865 for a three-door with a manual gearbox and a DSG models enter the pricing range of £29,280.

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