Volkswagen Golf GTI still iconic

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been in this position for over 40 years. However, if there is an R on the market, which is the most powerful and fastest Golf, does the GTI still mean what it did during the first generation? 

The Golf GTI is not only a sporty variant, but also the most iconic. It was this model that showed that sporty driving does not have to be associated only with expensive cars. It was created in 1975 by a team of nine people. It is unknown what his fate will be. It was assumed that sales would not exceed 5 units. This was enough for the Golf GTI to qualify for Group 000 Touring Car Racing. What must have come as a surprise was when it was revealed that the GTI did not sell in the numbers initially expected, but ended production at 462 units. parts!

The car has evolved over the years but is still synonymous with the hot hatchback. Only when everyone in the market is looking for superhatch performance comparable to the supercar of the previous decade, is there a place in the market for a GTI?

Fewer engines, better handling

Until recently, the Golf GTI was sold in two versions - 220 hp. and 230 hp More popular in Poland was a more powerful version - the Performance version with 230 hp.

The most important difference between the GTI before and after restyling are the headlights. The red stripe on the grille and inside the lanterns remained, but in a different way. LED daytime running lights are also arranged differently. Horizontal stripes of illumination appeared on the taillights. The Golf now has dynamic turn signals.

As for the body versions, we will be ordering the Golf GTI in both 3-door and 5-door versions. Interestingly, most manufacturers are phasing out hatchbacks with one pair of doors. Volkswagen remains true to this concept.

40th Anniversary of the Clark Bar

The Golf GTI is associated with checkered upholstery. This interior has been present in this car for more than 40 years. And that's what separates the customers. Some people find it stylish. Others quickly select a different upholstery in the configurator. You can look at it in a different context - as the design of the only woman on the team that worked on the first Golf GTI. Not only did Gunhild Liljeqvist create the checkered upholstery, the shift knob was also her design.

In the tested Golf, there is no iconic radiator grille, but there is a door upholstery with a honeycomb texture, microfiber and eco-leather. Such a package costs 3500 zł and we must admit that it looks very nice.

The updated Golf GTI received an active information display as standard. Not everyone likes this solution. Many people still prefer classic analog watches. Well. The GTI standard also includes Composition Media, active cruise control, Front Assist and selectable driving modes. However, DCC suspension costs an additional PLN 3.

The assumption has always been the same - the Golf shouldn't be completely different from the regular version and the GTI, but it should be completely different.

That's where his strength lies

The different handling characteristics of the Golf GTI Performance are achieved thanks to the sports suspension, improved brakes and, above all, the electromechanical VAQ differential. As for the principle of operation, it can be simplified as follows: it's like putting Haldex between the wheels of the front axle. The computer controls the degree of differential lock, providing the best traction.

Under the hood we have a 2-liter TSI engine with 245 hp. The maximum torque of this version is 370 Nm in the range of 1600-4300 rpm. Compared to the pre-lift version, we have 15 hp. and 20 Nm more. Acceleration to 100 km / h with a DSG gearbox takes 6,2 seconds. On the occasion of the facelift, the DSG received seventh gear.

Of course, the Golf R is faster and is considered by many to be the best car in every way. However, the GTI has a method. It has the perfect power - one that lets you enjoy a fast ride, but not yet too powerful to handle. Front-wheel drive is a plus here, especially with the VAQ differential. Thanks to this, the Golf can take corners very quickly, it's agile, but there's a lot going on here too. You must skillfully control the throttle and steering wheel in order not to operate in zero-one mode. This is what sets it apart and allows it to continue to maintain its cult status despite the stronger varieties on the market.

For testing, we got a version with a DSG gearbox and without DCC suspension. The suspension is fine - not too hard and not too soft. With active dampers, we would get a little more comfort and a little more sportiness, depending on the mode chosen, but here it is already very well balanced. The DSG transmission is very pleasant to drive, but ... it isolates us a bit from what is happening with the car. If you buy a GTI as a car for everyday driving - this gearbox will be very good. However, if we buy a GTI mainly with the intent of fast and fun driving, a manual transmission gives a completely different driving experience.

Golf GTI is twice as expensive as the basic version - City. It costs PLN 127 in the 790-door version and PLN 3 in the 129-door version. For a DSG box, you will have to pay PLN 550 thousand extra. zloty.

Still iconic, still in shape

The Volkswagen Golf GTI found its way 40 years ago. As you can see, this method still works today - already in a different package, with a different power and equipment, but all with the same driving pleasure.

And even if the next R-ki will soon exceed 400 hp, you can be sure about the GTI. Because a person lives not only by force, and leadership is still important. And in this regard, the GTI is the most interesting variant of the Golf.