Golf GTI: RefInInG The hoT-haTch foRmula
THE Golf is Volkswagen’s top selling model with worldwide sales exceeding 30 million units.
VW has launched seven generations of the Golf since it was introduced in 1974. Of all the Golf models, the GTI, which is the performance-oriented version of the Golf, is one of the most iconic.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, the official distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, launched the Mk7.5 Golf GTI in March last year.
We recently took the Golf
GTI for a drive over the weekend. Powering the Golf GTI
is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, paired with a six-speed wet clutch DSG. It produces 228hp and 350Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,600rpm.
Volkswagen claims that it can complete the century sprint in 6.4 seconds and the top speed at 248kph.
Measuring at a length of 4,268mm, width of 1,790mm and height of 1,442mm and weighing 1,389kg, it has a boot space of 380 litres and a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres.
The Golf GTI is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery with red themed trims, advanced adaptive LED headlights, full LED taillights with dynamic indicators, adaptive chassis control, air-care dual-zone climatronic system, 12-3-inch digital instrument cluster, front and rear fog lamps. It also has keyless access and push- to-start button, driver profile selection, cruise control, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, GTI sports multifunction steering with paddle shifters, stainless steel pedals, illuminated scuff plates, dual round exhaust tips, 8-inch infotainment system and eight-speaker sound system.
Its safety equipment includes seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake pad wear indicator, electronic stability control, engine drag torque control, hill hold control, tyre pressure loss indicator, manoeuvre braking that automatically stops the car when it senses an object up to 10kph during parking, automatic post col- l i - sion brake system, rest assist, occupant protection system, advanced electronic differential lock,
progressive steering and ISOFIX childseat mounting points.
The Golf GTI is priced at RM246,490 excluding road tax, registration and insurance. It is covered with three-years free maintenance, five years manufacturer’s warranty and five years roadside assistance.
The Drive
The Golf GTI is a hot hatch that is comfortable, stylish and fast. It is suitable for young executives or even a small family.
It has five driving modes - comfort, individual, eco, normal and sport.
In comfort mode, the damper is on a slightly softer setting to soak up bumps and damaged road conditions. Sports mode gives a more aggressive experience, the damper becomes more stiff, and the gears shift later. Individual mode allows the driver to customise own experience.
In normal mode, the damper setting is almost similar to the comfort mode, However, throttle response is more agressive eco mode maximises fuel economy, the gear goes into free gear mode and allows the car to coast further without any gear drag, whenever the driver releases the throttle.
In a nutshell, the Golf GTI’s engine is powerful, responsive, and provides solid acceleration. It is practical for daily usage.
It is nimble and provides accurate feedback of road conditions around corner. Most importantly, it stays flat and steady during high speed corners. It responds to steering input quickly and accurately.
The cabin is spacious enough to comfortably ferry four large adults, giving them enough headroom, and shoulder room for the front and rear. If the front occupants are tall, measuring over 185cm, then the back seat occupants might not have enough legroom.
Engine noise, tyre noise and wind noise were well-isolated from the cabin. The infotainment system is straightforward to operate.
The 380 litres of boot space can swallow a large tandem stroller, with extra room left to fit in a small laptop bag by the side.
We drove the Golf GTI for more than 600km. The instrument cluster showed that it consumed 9.5 to 10.6 litres per 100km (l/100km), after a mixture of city and highway driving. On the highway below the legal speed limit, it resulted to 6.8 to 7.2 l/100km. After some aggressive full throttle driving, it recorded 11.7 to 13.4 l/100km.
Overall, the Golf GTI is a wonderful car but there are some features missing. It would be great if it comes with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blindspot warning system to give the driver a peace of mind. It would be a good idea if the the car comes with more ambient lighting colour options.