Ever since the first car's launch in the late 1970s, the Golf GTI has been held up as the benchmark in the hot hatch sector. But while this was the case early in the car's career, the most recent variants failed to live up to their ancestor's abilities.
With increased competition from within the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) and from external rivals, the Golf GTI was in danger of being left behind. This Mk5 variant is VW's attempt at clawing back some of the ground it lost to the likes of Honda's Civic Type-R, the Seat Leon Cupra R and even the Mini Cooper S.
Key to establishing the GTI once again as a force to be reckoned with was VW's decision to focus on driver enjoyment. As such, the car comes with a potent 197bhp turbo petrol motor. This new direct injection FSI unit is common to many VAG cars, but only a few get the turbo variant.
Along with more aggressive styling, the GTI's ride and handling has been improved to deliver a more exciting experience. The results are, on the whole, successful. Hardcore fans will still bemoan the lack of an 'edge' to the GTI's behavior, but for the rest of us the car is sufficiently quick to make you concentrate hard, and changes direction with plenty of enthusiasm. That it is also a practical hatchback car is merely a bonus.
@carwow @ReDriven
15 окт 2024
