A notch above the rest
The goal of the GTI is to offer driving enjoyment in greater proportions to its fuel efficiency. Mission accomplished. As soon as you slip behind the wheel you find yourself experiencing a juvenile feeling of glee. The engineers did everything they could to ensure our satisfaction behind the wheel: a seemingly rigid chassis, a nicely stiff suspension and an incredibly precise steering system. Not to mention impressive handling qualities. Relatively low and featuring short overhangs, the car is well planted on wheels that give you complete control.
Magical transmission
I’m the kind of person who prefers purely manual transmissions, but I have to admit that the GTI’s DSG literally floored me. Its ease of use and quick shifting action outplays the transmission of much more expensive vehicles. The location of the steering wheel paddles allows for aggressive shifting. The result is simple: driving enjoyment simply skyrockets.
What’s fascinating about the engine is the fact that its horsepower numbers are not the most impressive. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder mill generates 200 hp, but it pulls things off thanks to the use of a turbocharger and direct injection technology. Acceleration falls in the average category with the 0-to-100 dash accomplished in about 7 seconds.
I have to assume that the turbocharger played tricks on me, because I was disappointed by the fuel consumption. I managed 11 litres per 100 km of premium fuel. Considering the format, I expected better. What doesn’t disappoint is the braking system, hardy and feisty in all situations even when I let myself get carried away.
Competition
The GTI can unpretentiously claim to be one of the pioneers of the small, affordable sports car segment. The competition has nonetheless become fiercer over the years. In the conventional coupe version: Chevrolet Cobalt SS (from $25,445) and Honda Civic Si ($26,880). In the hatchback coupe version: Mini Cooper S ($29,000) and MazdaSpeed3 ($32,995). In the five-door or sedan version: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart ($33,495) and Subaru Impreza WRX ($33,395). The Volkswagen GTI starts at $27,975, which puts it mid-field.
Conclusion
The GTI is an accomplished vehicle that has reached maturity. The qualities that have marked the car’s history are featured from one generation to the next, to the delight of its fans. Already nearing the end of its career, the current GTI will soon have to step aside for its successor, who I hope will also be worthy of the thin red line.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The goal of the GTI is to offer driving enjoyment in greater proportions to its fuel efficiency. Mission accomplished. As soon as you slip behind the wheel you find yourself experiencing a juvenile feeling of glee. The engineers did everything they could to ensure our satisfaction behind the wheel: a seemingly rigid chassis, a nicely stiff suspension and an incredibly precise steering system. Not to mention impressive handling qualities. Relatively low and featuring short overhangs, the car is well planted on wheels that give you complete control.
Magical transmission
I’m the kind of person who prefers purely manual transmissions, but I have to admit that the GTI’s DSG literally floored me. Its ease of use and quick shifting action outplays the transmission of much more expensive vehicles. The location of the steering wheel paddles allows for aggressive shifting. The result is simple: driving enjoyment simply skyrockets.
What’s fascinating about the engine is the fact that its horsepower numbers are not the most impressive. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder mill generates 200 hp, but it pulls things off thanks to the use of a turbocharger and direct injection technology. Acceleration falls in the average category with the 0-to-100 dash accomplished in about 7 seconds.
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| The GTI is no more and no less than a Rabbit pumped up on adrenaline. |
I have to assume that the turbocharger played tricks on me, because I was disappointed by the fuel consumption. I managed 11 litres per 100 km of premium fuel. Considering the format, I expected better. What doesn’t disappoint is the braking system, hardy and feisty in all situations even when I let myself get carried away.
Competition
The GTI can unpretentiously claim to be one of the pioneers of the small, affordable sports car segment. The competition has nonetheless become fiercer over the years. In the conventional coupe version: Chevrolet Cobalt SS (from $25,445) and Honda Civic Si ($26,880). In the hatchback coupe version: Mini Cooper S ($29,000) and MazdaSpeed3 ($32,995). In the five-door or sedan version: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart ($33,495) and Subaru Impreza WRX ($33,395). The Volkswagen GTI starts at $27,975, which puts it mid-field.
Conclusion
The GTI is an accomplished vehicle that has reached maturity. The qualities that have marked the car’s history are featured from one generation to the next, to the delight of its fans. Already nearing the end of its career, the current GTI will soon have to step aside for its successor, who I hope will also be worthy of the thin red line.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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