New Golf is a looker. Now the GTi model breaks through — and it’s even hotter.

Partly inspired by the deliciously over-the-top super high performance GTI W12 concept Volkswagen unveiled in May last year, new GTi features a front airdam echoing that car's wide stance.

The design study of the sixth generation presented in Paris blends in both style elements of the GTI icons. Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grille and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI V. The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 metre), lower (1.47 metre) than any other car in its class.

The width is reinforced by placing the foglamps at the far corners, which the exhaust pipes also do at the rear.

Inside it's all about the familiar plaid upholstery, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel and metal accents make it clear that this is the sporty flagship model of the range.

But while the GTi W12 featured a 12-cylinder, 6.0-litre motor pumping out 650hp and hurtling the concept to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, the production GTi gets a 155kW TFSI engine that pushes the car to a top speed of 239km/h. It pumps out 280Nm from 1800rpm and powers the new GTi from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Also on board is the DSG auto 'box, electronic limited-slip differential called XDS and Scirocco's adaptive chassis.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 — as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. And the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de'Silva.

See the car in action: