Officially official, the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI is at the Paris Motor Show, and while it’s no Scirocco, it’s certainly a looker.

The new GTI is powered by a revised 2.0-litre TFSI making a satisfying 156kW and a skin-ripping 284Nm of torque. All this mumbo is sent to the wheels through either a traditional six-speed manual or Volkswagen’s DSG flappy paddle box, via a new electronic limited-slip differential known as XDS.

Visually, the GTI carries more than a few Scirocco traits in its blood, with the long and narrow headlights and wide grille and front dam being the most obvious connection.  The fog lights are pushed well out to the side to allow for bigger brake-vents and to enhance the wide and low look of the car.