Volkswagen Golf GTI, The Example To Follow

If there is a culprit that today we enjoy a range of sports compacts, that is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The German firm has been the reference in the GTI world for more than 40 years, and it seems that things have not changed too much.

Few presentations are needed, and with this seventh generation he has only corroborated his good reputation, although more and more weight rivals are harassing the German.

Ford Focus ST, Hyundai i30 N, Peugeot 308 GTI… There are many sports hatchbacks  available today, but few achieve the general balance of our protagonist.

Exterior design of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI line has always stood out for its discretion. Anyone who loves the world of motoring is worth seeing the acronym GTI on the front grill to get a mischievous smile, knowing what is hidden under that discreet hood.

At the front, a specific sports bumper and a red stripe that runs along the grille are all the modifications that differentiate the model and, although it seems little, it is enough to recognize it with the naked eye.

The lateral line remains unchanged, and it is that  only the beautiful rims and a slightly lowered suspension will make you recognize it. At the rear only the lower bumper, the initials GTI and the double exhaust outlet will allow you to differentiate it from the ‘normal’ Golf.

The brand’s designers have produced a vehicle with a sporty yet understated appearance, but with first-rate build quality.

Interior design and habitability

Few differences you find inside the GTI compared to the less sporty versions. The specific checkered upholstery is already an indispensable part of the legendary model, with sports seats that grip the body in the sections of curves in an extraordinary way.

The dashboard has a large 8 ″ touch screen and, for 1,400 euros, you can count on the Discover Pro system, which adds a 9.2 ″ screen with gesture control, although its operation is not entirely good. The instrument panel is digital, highly configurable and useful, especially for reading GPS indications.

The interior quality is at the level of the best, with many padded areas and extraordinary settings that very few rivals can match.

The habitability is the same in all the Golf variants, with very usable front and rear seats, and a 380-liter boot that places it in the middle of the segment.

Dynamics and engines

This is the most relevant section for the buyer of a Volkswagen Golf GTI, and it does not disappoint anyone. The balance that the car transmits is faultless, with very neutral and safe reactions in any circumstance.

The MQB platform gives the car excellent dynamics, and even more so if we equip it with adaptive suspension, which for € 1,035 improves the car’s reactions in twisty areas. With it, the GTI becomes a very comfortable car for everyday life or a sports car of character at the push of a button.

The changes of direction are its strong point, as it does them with outstanding agility, with hardly any body roll and with a very contained understeer.

The only downside, to put one, is the lack of sensations when driving it ; Everything is so well insulated that it reduces driving pleasure in twisty areas.

There are two mechanical options with two different finishes: the standard GTI and the GTI Performance. The latter is advisable if you are going to do sports driving frequently, since, among other modifications, it improves the braking system to avoid fatigue.

The normal GTI has 230 hp of power drawn from a 2.0 TSI. It is an engine that delivers power from very low, and it is that at 1,500 rpm it is already forceful and pushes with enthusiasm up to 6,000 rpm.

The performance is very good for the declared power: it goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.4 seconds and reaches 250 km / h. The DSG automatic transmission is a delight, but it increases the price of the car by almost € 2,000.

With the Performance pack the power rises to 245 hp, which allows you to drop two tenths in the 0 to 100. Both options are available with the bodywork of three doors and that of five.

Price and conclusion

Part of the 34,230 euros that the Volkswagen Golf GTI three-door costs, up to 38,925 euros for the GTI Performance five-door and automatic transmission.

They are prices slightly higher than those of their main rivals, just as higher than their quality of manufacture, so it is a more than justified price.

If you want a very balanced and efficient GTI compact, this is your car, but if you are looking for sensations at the wheel there are better options, such as a Focus ST ; With the 4,000 euros you save, you can burn several sets of tires.