Forget the Nurburgring: Sydney’s motorway network could be the appropriate arena to test a modern hot hatch.

That infamous loop of German hotmix sucked Volkswagen, Honda and Renault into a literal race to build the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive hatchback, bolting on semi-slick tyres, ripping out air conditioners and coaxing star drivers to risk life and limb in pursuit of YouTube bragging rights.

But hot hatches were never supposed to be stripped-out track monsters – the original intention was that they retained the same practicality and everyday liveability as a compact car while packing extra performance for discerning drivers.

These are cars designed to be used every day.

With that in mind, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI has been the benchmark hot hatch for more than a decade. Though it is not the fastest, most engaging or exotic car in its class, the regular GTI has arguably been the most complete package since the fifth-generation model arrived in 2005.

Crawling along Sydney’s congested motorway network, it feels as though the updated GTI has retained its crown. The car’s revised dual-clutch automatic transmission, active cruise control and lane keeping assistance systems work magic to maintain a safe gap to the car in front, steering the car within its lane as new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 9.2-inch central infotainment screens mirror my smartphone’s entertainment options.

As expected, Volkswagen’s updated cabin is a beautifully executed place, home to soft-touch materials, intuitive controls and retro touches such as tartan cloth trim for its well-bolstered seats. It remains a more polished, welcoming and familiar space than what you’ll find in any other GTi, WRX, RS or ST – and none of those match its everyday capabilities.

Leaving Sydney Airport in search of driving adventures, we slog through the unholy trinity of M5, M7 and M4 motorways before cruising along the Bells Line of Road to secluded tarmac in the lower Blue Mountains.

There, the GTI proves it still has what it takes to impress enthusiasts – there’s that effortless turbocharged torque, quick reactions from a flat-bottomed steering wheel and the comical burp from twin exhausts that accompanies every gearchange.

The Golf feels planted, predictable and friendly at pace on tricky roads, clearly communicating its intent with the driver.

No, it won’t wag its tail quite so readily as more focused rivals, the uprated power output (7kW more than before) is well behind the latest road warriors, and the comfort-oriented suspension isn’t the last word in ultimate control.

But the GTI still represents an effortless, accessible and rewarding option for drivers who want to own something a bit special.

Volkswagen tweaked the car for 2017 as part of its mid-life “Golf 7.5” update that brings crisp new bumpers, lights and wheels as well as a mildly reworked interior available with an Audi-style widescreen digital dash and outstanding 9.2-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay projection, touch-free gesture control and a WiFi hotspot that can interact with multiple phones and tablets brought by front and back-seat occupants.

Priced from $41,490 (plus on-roads), the standard GTI pumps 169kW and 350Nm to the front wheels through six-speed manual or six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic ($2500) transmissions. Standard kit includes an 8-inch central infotainment display with a reversing camera, sat nav and Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels and multi-mode adaptive suspension.

Safety is accounted for by seven airbags, high and low-speed autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors and more.

Drivers attracted to the Golf’s tech appeal may be tempted by a $2300 infotainment package including that widescreen active info dash display, that 9.2-inch touchscreen and premium Dynaudio stereo.

A $3900 luxury package adds leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and more, while a $1600 Driver assistance package brings adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance along with blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alerts and a self-parking system.

Buyers on a budget will soon have the option of a stripped-back three-door Golf GTI Original special edition set to go on sale next year for less than $40,000.

Customers keen on a GTI with the lot can go for the GTI Performance Edition 1, a special model limited to 150 units. Available only as a three-door hatch (the regular GTI features a more practical five-door layout), the Edition 1 brings plenty of extra gear for $47,900 plus on-road costs, including the DSG automatic transmission, driver assistance package, metallic paint and active info display offered as options on the standard car.

It also has a more powerful 180kW and 370Nm version of the GTI’s engine along with 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes and an electronically controlled, mechanical locking front differential that transforms the car’s behaviour when driven with purpose.

That clever diff is key to the appeal of the GTI Performance, helping you use more power, more of the time. It follows driver inputs faithfully, flaunting a reluctance to push the front end wide in tight corners.

VW says the standard car reaches 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, making it 0.2s slower than the Edition 1.

There’s no doubt the GTI Performance Edition 1 is worth the extra cash – as long as you can live with the three-door layout. If not, a five-door version is likely to arrive in the near future.  

The Edition 1 also features a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission that is cheaper to service than before while bringing improved driving behaviour – it’s easier to park, offers slightly crisper shifts and a wider choice of ratios for improved efficiency and performance.

It’s no surprise one in four Australian Golf customers plumps for a performance model as few cars offer this blend of performance, polish and tech for a relatively affordable price.

The GTI’s real-world appeal resonates clearly with Aussie drivers - even if it isn’t the fastest machine around a German racetrack.

2018 Volkswagen Golf 7.5 GTI pricing and specifications

Price: From $41,490 (GTI) or $47,990 (Edition 1) plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 169kW at 4700-6500rpm or 180kW at 5000-6200rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1500rpm or 370Nm at 1850rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual or six/seven-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel-drive

Fuel use: From 6.6L/100km

- For more information visit our Volkswagen showroom