NOW that the Volkswagen Golf GT has arrived, how does it compare with the all-time favourite hot hatch, the Golf GTI?

One analogy is that the GT is like a bull terrier puppy - strong and fast but a little awkward - whereas the GTI is a full-grown bull terrier, also strong but much sharper.

The GTI's two-litre turbocharged engine is incredibly enthusiastic and,despite a small amount of turbo lag, imbues the car with a spiritedness few cars in its class can match.

It springs forward easily and the handling is sharp but forgiving. Even the extremely firm ride has a suppleness to spare its occupants from a bone-shaking ride.

Then there's the flat-bottomed steering wheel which the GT doesn't have. Besides the aesthetics, it is also delightfully precise.

Both cars have the clever six-speed DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox, with its steering-mounted paddle shifts, although the GT's ratios are taller, for better fuel economy. But only the GTI consistently produces that sweet exhaust backfire with each gear change, while the GT does it only under certain driving conditions and, even then, in a less pronounced manner.

But then, VW did not intend for the two variants to compete directly against each other. In terms of performance, the GT slots neatly between a standard Golf 2.0 FSI and the GTI. So if the 20 per cent price premium isn't an issue,nor the fact that the GTI can get thirsty, the choice is eminently clear.

Engine: 1,984cc turbocharged
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG transmission
Max power: 200 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
Max torque: 280 Nm @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 6.9 secs
Top speed: 235 kmh
Price: $123,000 (with COE)