The Volkswagen Golf has been at the top of the compact hatch class for quite a while, and driving the 2009 feels like you’ve sat down in the lap of German-engineered refinement.

Two of the best performance-oriented trims are the MkVI 118TSI and the renowned GTI. While the GTI has nearly a litre advantage, both are designed to put smiles on the faces of owners.

The TSI may actually be more interesting to some drivers, beginning first with its 1.4 litre engine. It’s about the size of an engine you would find in budget hatches, but the Golf has a trick, or rather two up its sleeve. It matches the smaller engine with a supercharger providing low-end thrust and a turbocharger at the higher RPMs.

Doing so gives drivers a power rating of 118kW, but also a healthy 6.2 liters/100km. Mate that with a 7-speed DSG transmission and it lends itself to a healthy band of acceleration, except from a standing stop.

If you take several steps back from the engine bay, you can take in a design that is somewhat newer, but still in keeping with the decades of Golf styling cues. It has become slightly more aggressive looking, with angled head and taillights leading the eye down to a wider bumper and flared wheel wells.

Then you get in, and see seats that are actually luxurious, and a rear row that can truly sit three adults. The fit and finish is quality, in keeping with the Volkswagen history, and some additions from the larger CC and even Audi add an extra touch. That includes optional satnav systems and reversing camera systems, and newly updated steering wheel.

Strap in, and turn on the engine. As soon as you get up to speed, you’ll feel like the car is married to the curves. It’s not the frenetic but crisp feel of the GTI, but you won’t feel a jolt going over harsh roads.

Speaking of the GTI, although it’s the top of the line, they represent one out of every four Golfs purchased in Australia last year.

It’s with good reason, considering that the GTI is powered by a turbocharged four cylinder engine that provides 155kW of power, and twisty torque from a low 1750 RPM to the tune of 270Nm. Although it’s a front-wheel drive hatch, the GTI has a specially tuned and lowered suspension that takes understeer out of the equation. Power through a tightening turn and you’ll clip the apex rather than skid towards the outside.

All Volkswagens come with a variety of safety precautions. Seven airbags are ready to deploy, and a newly designed system modulates their use during an impact based on where the impact occurs. Drivers may not need that if they take advantage of the stability control available in both models, and if not the sixth gen Golf received a five star crash test rating.

The safety features come standard on all models, but the Golf shines brightest when given the turbocharged four in the GTI, or the twincharged engine in the TSI. If you opt for the economy of the TSI, you still have a roomy interior that can hold up to 1,350 litres of kit. You can also spend a bit more for the hot hatch GTI that still sets the tone for what a five door can provide.

Whichever route you choose among the premium Golfs, it’s hard to find fault with Volkswagen’s decision to refine a perpetually well-thought out car, inside and out. The 2010 Golf is a great choice, pricier than some of its competitors but well worth the dollars if you have them.

Specifications (118TSI):

Engine: 1,390cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)

Power: 118kW @ 5,900rpm

Torque: 240Nm @ 1,750-4,500rpm

Induction: Supercharged, turbocharged & Direct Injection

Transmission: Seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox

Driven Wheels: Front

Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD

Top Speed: 220km/h

0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds

CO2 Emissions: 144g/km

Fuel Consumption: 6.2L/100km (ADR)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 55L

Fuel Type: 95-98RON Unleaded Petrol

ANCAP Rating: Five-stars

Airbags: Seven

Safety: ESC with Traction Control; WOKS

Spare Wheel: Space saver

Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)

Cargo Capacity: 350/1305L

Tow Capacity: 1,300kgs (Braked)

Turning Circle: 10.9m

Warranty: Three-year/100,000 kilometre

Weight: 1,330kgs (Tare)

Wheels: 16 x 6.5-inch Alloy