THERE'S hot...and there's even hotter.

Ever since the Volkswagen Golf GTI broke cover almost four decades ago, the nimble VW has earned a place close to the hearts of hot hatch fans.

But recently the three famous initials have been somewhat overshadowed by a single character - R.

The Golf R with its beefier engine, greater road presence and four tailpipes underlines its supremacy with mind-boggling performance, thoroughbred handling (via a four-wheel-drive system) and outstanding fuel economy.

Instead of V6 power - as the previous version had - the current R gets a heavily tweaked version of the two-litre GTI engine which knocks out a massive 296bhp.

It comes either as a dual clutch six-speed automatic or with six-speed manual gearbox. The effect of such clout coupled to new lightweight MQB platform is little short of sensational.

Try these stats for size... it blasts to 62mph in less than five seconds (in automatic form) putting it very close to Porsche 911 standards, and top speed is an electronically restricted 155mph.

Despite the relentless urge, the £30,820 R retains the docility of the GTI or even the basic cooking Golf, and is more than content to trundle down the high street at under 30mph in fifth.

I drove the six-speed manual gearbox which has a light and nimble change and a clutch no heavier than normal. The twin clutch automatic is marginally quicker and slightly more economical.

Floor the loud pedal and a surge of power grips the compact capsule sending it rocketing forward. This is accompanied by a raucous snarl from the four exhaust pipes.

The sound isn't quite as spine tingling as the old VR6, but it beats most compact four cylinder units.

You are grateful for VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system which allows the power to be directed to the road beneath without wheelspin or steering-tug. The R merely goes where it is pointed...very quickly.

Aiding the sporty handling is a particularly tight steering rack - 2.1 turns - which enhances the car's manoeuvrability and makes it more satisfying during spirited driving. It feels like a genuine sports car.

The latest Golf gets an electronic handbrake which is more awkward to use than a traditional lever but takes up less space.

An unexpected bonus to the new engine is a massive 34g/km drop in emissions which benefits tax-banding and much improves fuel consumption - company car users take note. I can't think of a single model capable of these sorts of speeds that can come anywhere near the Golf R's meagre thirst.

During 600 miles it turned between 31mpg and 34mpg.

Inevitably, the top-gun Golf gets a few exterior and interior cosmetic treats to underline its status.

Fat alloys, subtle body enhancing and appropriate badging, plus those macho exhaust pipes, make it recognisable from the outside and the fairly plain cabin boasts a sculpted leather steering wheel, sports seats in leather and Alcantara, and aluminium-finished pedals along with a snazzier design in dials. Sat nav is standard as is a 5.8-inch screen - you have to pay extra for the eight-inch version.