THE late winter sun is doing its best to peek through sullen, threatening skies. It's unquestionably fighting a losing battle, but each time it momentarily finds a cloud-free pocket its tepid rays dazzle off the new Volkswagen Golf GTI's pearly white paintwork, warming the icy atmosphere.
But then its determined fight is lost for the day and it's finally encompassed in a morose gloom as the elements shroud the roads in a murky mood. It's midday, automatic LED headlights sense what lies ahead by switching on and although the roads are thankfully dry - at least for the moment - the ominous clouds are threatening an iniquitous downpour at any given time.
But there's no need to worry. We're in the latest iteration in the 40-year-plus history of this iconic hot hatch and although there's been some low points during previous decades, the seventh-generation GTI looks, on paper at least, set to re-write past cars' considerable wrongs.
It doesn't take long to be impressed, either. Looks are a subjective thing, but I'm yet to meet anyone who hasn't commented on the new car's handsome looks. Although it goes without often crass, look-at-me visual styling cues of its rivals, telltale GTI touches remain to provide a healthy dose of sporty bite.
The red pinstripe, which skirts the front bumper and works its way into the headlight design, looks magnificent, while the honeycomb grille, twin exhaust pipes and integrated, gloss black rear spoiler set the car apart.
Step inside and the Golf's party piece reveals itself. The quality is second to none; although its £28,000 on-the-road price is by no means cheap, its interior belies that and you'd believe you're in a car even more expensive.
Twist the key and the digital instruments come to life, before the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system takes away your attention. This gizmo controls the car's easy-to-use satellite navigation system, audio and four driving modes - Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual, the latter of which can be tailored by the driver.
A few hundred yards and a handful of corners are all that's needed to usually gauge a car's set-up, and the GTI feels special within an instant. Modern-day steering systems have a habit of causing me concern due to the lack of feel they provide, so it's pleasing to report the GTI doesn't suffer with any of that confidence-sapping spongy vagueness.
Instead there's an assuring fluidity to its responsiveness and the feedback it provides to the fingertips is communicative, while there's a lovely bite in the way the car's front end pitches in to a corner.
Its engine is a familiar one - the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit which has appeared in multiple VWs, Audis, SEATs and Skodas throughout the years - and in 2018 spec it produces a healthy 227bhp and 258lb ft of torque. Although those figures may not appear to be headline-grabbing, especially when the car is being released in an ultra-competitive market where hot hatches' power outputs usually begin with a '3', you have to commend VW for not following suit and staying true to its formula.
You see, the GTI has always been about unassuming beauty, undisputed build quality, practicality and the right mixture of power and torque. It's a quick car - the 60mph sprint is dealt with in just 6.4 seconds - and its top speed hits the usual 155mph mark, but it never sets the road alight and surprises.
That's not a bad thing, though. It's a bold move by VW to not engage in the arms race brought to the fore by rivals such as the Honda Civic Type-R or Ford Focus RS, so it's brave to bring a car to market with 100bhp less.
Dig a little deeper with the engine and although it doesn't sound special, the way in which it deploys its power is key to the GTI's success. It doesn't need massive grunt; peak torque is delivered from a lowly 1,500rpm and the power comes in at 4,500rpm, but unlike most turbocharged units it really does come alive towards the upper reaches of its rev range. Usually, most are out of puff past 6,000rpm, but the GTI rewards if you hang on longer.
The brakes are strong and give assurance through the pedal, although it's the ride which really shines. There's the specific Comfort mode available, but it's not needed as even in Sport it feels compliant. It's not a hard-riding, manic hot hatch like a Civic Type-R and feels comfortable no matter which mode you're in.
The five-door layout of this test car offers yet more practicality, while its 380-litre boot comfortably swallows a pram and the week's shopping. Inside, it's spacious, supremely comfortable and belies its sportier intentions.
Hot hatches are something I love. There's one for every taste and often one which has a particular thing it's good at, so you can understand why they're so popular on the roads and why you hear differing opinions.
The Golf GTI masters every task and does it with style, comfort and has the all-important badge appeal - traits many can't achieve. Its Swiss Army knife-like attributes make it a class leader in its own right - very few rivals can match its all-round appeal and that's why it's still one of the leading lights in the ultra-competitive sector.
