It's not the most expressive car, it is based on the Golf GTI after all, but as it's not dressed up like a hot hatch there isn't the same expectation for it to drive like one; its saloon body doesn't suggest the highly aggressive, pointy attitude that
modern performance hatches exhibit.
Not exact matches
It's rare that a
modern performance - orientated car rolls so much in corners and we were initially disillusioned with its lack of focus in a market where even entry - level hot
hatches are razor - sharp and blisteringly quick.
Take a
modern, typically well - sorted front - driven
performance hatch, say, a Ford Focus or VW Golf (or any one of the others) and tackle Stowe Corner on Silverstone's Grand Prix circuit.
In a
modern context its
performance is more hot
hatch than supercar, mind you its carb - fed 2.9 - litre engine produced 252bhp, sending the wedge - shaped icon from 0 - 62mph in 6sec and past 150mph.
The GTI
Performance's turbo 2 - litre four - cylinder engine is much more typical of a
modern hot
hatch.
While you might not be able to get your hands on the all - new 2018 Toyota Yaris «hot
hatch» and its commanding
performance specs just yet, the 2017 Toyota Yaris continues to offer capable, fuel - efficient
performance, and plenty of
modern features for the money.