Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVII preview
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the archetypal hot hatch and it’s been growing in status ever since driving into the history books in 1975. If you like the competencies and qualities of the Mark 7 Golf and fancy a bit more entertainment then this car could be for you.
Like the standard Golf the styling language of the GTI is evolutionary at best. Both 3 and 5 door body styles ride 15mm lower and are very subtly marked out. Firstly from the red beading that extends from the chrome grill into the headlamp casing. You also get red on chrome GTI wing badges, red brake callipers, a roof spoiler and twin tail pipes separated by a rear valance. 18” alloys come as standard and thanks to an improved crash structure, cheaper replacement body panels plus a new camera based breaking system, and insurance premiums for the new GTI have dropped 5 groups.
Inside is a mix of functional with a bit of flair. You’ve got a tartan style fabric for the seats and golf ball gear knob similar to the original Golf GTI. A nice flat bottomed steering wheel and the cabin is bathed in red ambient lighting. But aside from that it is a standard classic Golf. There’s a very functional touchscreen entertainment system, great storage for your phone and coffee cups and isofix points for two child car seats. The boot offers more space than a Ford Focus ST – 1270 litres of space to be exact.
The chassis of the Mark 7 is an excellent base for a high performance derivative because it is so light and stiff but it’s the engine its firm but it’s never crashy suspension that really lightens the GTI up - it’s a very competent and capable B road weapon. The single turbo charged 2 litre petrol engine develops 217bhp and even though that isn’t say as powerful as the Ford Focus ST it never feels slow especially when its matched to 258lb ft of torque and it all goes through either this wonderfully precise 6 speed manual gear box or the optional DSG auto.
For the first time Volkswagen is also offering its customers a performance pack upgrade that gives you 10 extra bhp, bigger brakes and an electronic limited slip differential. The thing that you’ve got to be wary of though is that it still isn’t any kind of hyper hatch and we’d probably say that the standard GTI offers you better value for money.
Accounting for 3% of all Golf’s sales the GTI is the hot hatch that must offer the broadest of skills sets, and it does just that. It may look a bit pricey against some rivals and may not offer the same hardcore thrill as others but it is the ultimate all-rounder scoring better on quality, ride comfort, practicality, fuel economy and of course authenticity. Feel free to take a look at some of the Golf GTi cars we have for sale.
