Tartan Check Seats = GTI?

Mr. Suzuki from the OPENERS editorial department asked me about the new Volkswagen "Golf GTI".



He knew I had driven the GTI in Germany and Austria in May. He had also read the test drive report I wrote immediately after returning to Japan.



"How does the GTI compare to the Golf 1.2 and 1.4?"



I see, it's natural to want to compare them since the base Golf itself has undergone a full model change and has just been announced in Japan. The Golf's reputation is very high, so some people might think it's sufficient as is, and apparently, some are waiting to see how the Japanese-spec GTI turns out before deciding which one to buy.




"Mr. Kaneko, you also drove the TSI 1.4 and the diesel GTD along with the GTI, didn't you? What does the GTI have that the others don't? Please write about more than just the tartan check seat fabric and the golf ball-shaped shift lever."

What the GTI Has Exclusively: Part 1 - Engine

There are several things exclusive to the GTI. First is the engine.

It's a GTI-exclusive 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It's the "EA888" model, which has been around since the previous generation, but with several technical modifications.

The EGR cooler that cools exhaust gas is integrated into the cylinder head, and the fuel injection system now combines direct injection with multi-point injection, similar to Toyota's "D-4" unit. Neither of these are things the driver directly sees while driving, nor are they essential to know, but this continuous stream of updates and optimizations is the history and essence of the GTI.

Maximum output is 220ps/4,500-6,200rpm, and maximum torque is 350Nm/1,500-4,400rpm. These are 10ps and 70Nm increases in power and torque, respectively, from the previous generation GTI.

There's an even higher-performance version, the "GTI Performance," with 10 more horsepower and an electronically controlled differential lock, but it's not available in the Japanese market. The Japanese version comes only with the 220ps engine and a 6-speed DSG. There is no 6-speed manual.

What the GTI Has Exclusively: Part 2 - Chassis

On the chassis side, the "XDS+" is exclusive to the GTI.



Even when clearing uphill corners with the throttle open, the car doesn't drift outwards due to understeer. At that moment, the inner front wheel must have been braked momentarily, but of course, you can't feel it, and you can trace the intended line.

It was exhilarating to drive through corners with steep ascents and descents and various radii, with the previous GTI maintaining almost neutral steering.



In addition, several other driver assistance and convenience systems are adopted, but many of these were introduced in the new Golf.

The New GTI: Remarkable Evolution

Previous Golf GTIappeared near the end of the Golf series, but the new GTI, on the other hand, was announced shortly after the completely renewed Golf series.was announced.The new model, referred to as "Golf 7," features a completely new chassis andMQBan innovative modular transverse matrix production system, achieving significant advancements. The new GTI builds upon this foundation, resulting in remarkable evolution.

In Germany and Austria, I test-drove the GTI, the Golf with the1.4-liter engine, and the diesel "GTD".GTDAlthough the GTD is not imported to Japan, what all three models had in common was the significant impact of the renewed chassis.




Upon entering the Autobahn and merging into traffic flowing at around 150 km/h, the first things I noticed were the quietness and the high level of rigidity.

Engine noise, road noise, and wind noise were remarkably shut out, making the cabin exceptionally peaceful. Even when entering the unrestricted section and exceeding 200 km/h, I could hold a conversation with passengers without raising my voice. When I experimentally lowered the window, air was rushing in with tremendous force, and the tires were pounding the road with a roar. Even the slight vibrations from the floor at high speeds were completely eliminated.

Tenacious Powertrain

The Golf 1.4 is generally no different in this regard. The difference lies in the acceleration power due to the difference in engine output. The GTI's mid-range acceleration on the unrestricted sections of the Autobahn, where speeds are significantly higher than on Japanese highways, is far superior.



In other words, it's an engine with excellent flexibility. It's by no means an engine that's fun to rev like a sports car, but this high degree of flexibility will greatly contribute to everyday usability and fuel economy.

Testing the DSG Model

In the DSG version, in addition to the engine's flexibility, the gear changes themselves are automated by the DSG, resulting in even more perfect shift management. Although there was no mention of specific advancements in the new GTI's DSG itself, I was once again impressed by its intelligence.

In normal mode, it shifts up whenever possible for fuel economy, and the shifts are so smooth with minimal shock that you barely notice them. In sport mode, it holds the engine revs higher and shifts quickly, allowing for some shock. Upshifts and downshifts can be freely controlled using the paddles.



I also tried the three modes of the adaptive chassis control system "DCC," and all of them were set within a reasonable range, providing satisfactory results.



The damper setting when the DCC is not ordered as an option is "very close to the normal mode" (according to Manfred Ulrich, Head of Chassis Tuning in Passenger Car Development), so you can decide based on your budget and intended use.

The steering feel was also different. Of course, this is partly due to the larger diameter and wider tires, but compared to the Golf 1.4, it's slightly heavier, and consequently, it transmits road conditions more directly.



The GTI's forte is its dynamic performance that leads the flow of traffic, sharp handling, and agile responsiveness. It was clearly felt that these have been improved from the previous generation.



It remains a well-balanced, all-around sporty car with excellent performance, much like an outstanding student with no particular weaknesses.

The Essence of the Golf GTI

To summarize, I was impressed by the comfortable and soft ride, smooth handling, high level of quietness, and the elimination of micro-vibrations, which were common to both the new GTI and the Golf 1.4 TSI.

The new GTI, released not long after the full model change of the Golf, strongly conveyed a sense of dual evolution. The Golf GTI's essence as a "realistic sports car" has remained unchanged since its first generation.

Models like the MINI, Fiat "500," and Volkswagen'sThe Beetlemay share the same name as their predecessors and leverage their iconic exterior designs, but they are deliberately manufactured with the same name and similar styling despite having different concepts and content.

There are other such cars if you list them.

However, the Golf GTI is different. Even in its seventh generation, it continues the concept of taking the standard Golf, equipping it with a powerful engine, and using devices to enhance it into a sporty and fast front-wheel-drive car.

This concept is driven by the philosophy that "new technology always leads to evolution from the previous model." This is modernism.

The cumulative production of 1.9 million units for previous generations is likely proof that the concept of taking the practical Golf and making it faster and sportier has continued to be supported.



For those who understand what the GTI is, I want them to appreciate the advancements in the new model. For those who think, "If it's that different from the Golf 1.4, maybe I should wait," I recommend waiting. It's worth the wait.



Conversely, the opinion, "The GTI might be good, but I'll start with the Golf 7," is also understandable. As Mr. Merz said, the GTI is built upon the Golf 7, and its performance is not achieved at the expense of anything.



The new GTI and Golf 7 form concentric circles.


Volkswagen Golf GTI

Body Dimensions | Length 4,268 x Width 1,790 x Height 1,442 mm

Wheelbase | 2,631 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,538 / 1,516 mm

Weight | 1,370 kg

Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Max Output | 162 kW (220ps) / 4,500-6,200 rpm

Max Torque | 350Nm / 1,500-4,400 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (6DSG)

Drivetrain | FF

Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut with Anti-roll Bar

Suspension Rear | 4-link with Anti-roll Bar

Tires | 225/45R17

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc (312x25mm) / Disc (300x12mm)

0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.5 seconds

Top Speed | 244 km/h

Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 6.4 ℓ/100km

CO2 Emissions | 148 g/km

Price | From €28,350




Golf GTI Domestic Impression by Fumio Ogawa here