To begin the day, after arrival at Canberra's airport, a fleet of Golf GTIs hit the road, just as soon as the assembled media could get their seat belts buckled. The first task was to clock up 130 kms around the city and out to Cotter Dam and onto Uriara Crossing. Then it was down past Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station and over to Tuggeranong via the scenic route. After the delights of this drive it was then time to assemble at a driving range north of Queanbeyan.

The drive in the Tidbinbilla Range proved one thing and it proved it quite decisively. And that is that the new Golf GTI is one mighty fine driving machine. The particular course which we followed demonstrated that the GTI has excellent handling, superb steering and a sporty nature which is bound to thrill when the need arises. Those who know the Tidbinbilla Range in the Australian Capital Territory will recall it is paved with winding roads which in some stages can be somewhat mountainous. And nearer to the flood plains the roads can be undulating, sweeping and/or long and straight. There are many contrasts in this area.

The driving dynamics of this car make it an easy car to live with on a daily basis, even as a daily commuter car. But the throttle can be exercised at will and thus changes the car to one of the most delightful packages you could ever imagine. The acceleration is good, so too is the braking. But best of all, the traction provided by the front wheel drive is impressive. Even though this car is relatively powerful, I found no evidence of torque-steer despite being behind the wheel of several GTIs for two hours or more.