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The Volkswagen GTI has been a European-style road burner. When it came to the U.S. in 1983 I couldn’t rest until I had one. It was inexpensive and outrageously fun.

Jump forward 26 years and the all-new 2010 GTI is mature and refined, yet I could feel the spirit of the original every time I slid behind the wheel of the new one.

The GTI is available as a two-door or four-door hatchback. While American buyers generally aren’t crazy about hatchbacks, the GTI’s versatility is appealing because it provides space almost as large as that of a small station wagon.

Prices start at $23,290 for the manual and $24,390 for the DSG automatic.

The turbocharged four-cylinder has direct fuel injection and 200 ready-to-romp horsepower. It delivers excellent torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,100 rpm. The GTI accelerates nicely from low speeds, yet if you hold the throttle down it fairly flies. Sixty miles per hour comes up in 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway with the manual transmission like that of the test car.

The GTI has excellent handling. The ride is firm, yet the suspension is compliant enough to soak up bumps and pavement irregularities comfortably. Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated in front, provide enough whoa to match the go.

The DSG semi-automatic transmission, which would be my transmission of choice, is a tick quicker to 60 mph and gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. The DSG is basically a manual transmission with two automatic clutches. It can shift automatically or be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel. When shifted manually, split-second gear changes make the driver feel like a racer.

The GTI’s interior is reasonably spacious and very nicely designed. Small details, such as the satin silver trim on the door panels and window buttons, make the cabin feel way more expensive than the price would suggest. The heated front bucket seats have pronounced side bolsters that not only keep passengers in place during vigorous driving, but they also make long trips comfortable. The automatic up and down feature on every window is unusual for a car in this price segment.

The test car’s plaid cloth seat inserts are a nod to earlier GTIs.

The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel is flat on the bottom and has fingertip controls for audio and trip computer.

The back seat is large enough for adults, and it folds down to create a generous cargo space.

Options such as leather seats, power sunroof and a navigation system are a far cry from the options offered on the original. The navigation system, with touch-screen display, also has a 20-gigabyte audio hard drive, video DVD playback and a memory slot for an SD card.

Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control. VW also includes an electronic limited slip differential to help equalize traction between the front wheels.

Rear-seat airbags are optional on the four-door.

The GTI may be a four-door car, but it’s also a three-letter word for fun.

Price

The test car’s base price was $23,290. With delivery, the sticker price was $24,640.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. All scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles.

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Engine: 2.0-liter, 200-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Six-speed

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Curb weight: 3,034 lbs.

Base price: $23,290

As driven: $24,640

MPG rating: 21 city, 31 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.