Classifieds' Car Of The Day: Mk5 VW Golf GTi

On last night's Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson was extolling the virtues of the Golf GTi. He liked the current version so much, in fact, that he rated it above the considerably quicker BMW M135i. While we're not quite so sure about that conclusion, there's no denying the GTi is a damn good car, and is the latest in a long line of brilliant hot Golfs.

It was kick-started by the MkV. After the lacklustre Mk3 and Mk4 versions, the MkV was a glorious return to form. It's certainly no rocket ship; with 197bhp many of its contemporary rivals are quicker. 0-60mph is dispatched in 7 seconds dead in the manual car, while the top speed is 146mph.

This car isn't all about speed, though. It's about great handling and drivability, something the MkV Golf GTi - and every subsequent hot Golf after it - has in spades. Early MkV cars are now temptingly cheap, and we're struggling to think of a better all-rounder for the money.

This 2005 example could be worth a look. It's done a reasonable 84,000 miles, and is well specced-out. Tempted? It's up for £5989.