A Natural Driving Sensation

The "Golf GTI (¥3,690,000)," an icon of the automotive world as much as a high-performance Golf, was announced and released in Japan on September 25, 2013. Following slightly behind the "7th Generation Golf" 7th generation Golf," it arrives equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 220ps.


With the new Golf GTI, Volkswagen (VW) claims, "Its handling reaches the realm of high-performance sports cars."Previous ModelCompared to the previous model, output is up by 9ps to 220ps, and torque has increased by 70Nm to 350Nm. This is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox). Furthermore, it features numerous equipment enhancements for stable sports driving, including XDS+, ESC Sport, progressive steering, and DCC (all discussed later).

At the same time, the engine has been made more efficient, improving fuel economy by 2.9 km/liter compared to the previous model, another characteristic of the new GTI. The improved exhaust quality is also emphasized. While the implementation of Euro 6, which sets stricter limits on NOx (nitrogen oxides) content in exhaust gases than the current Euro 5, is scheduled for 2014, VW proudly states that the new GTI is the first car to meet these standards.


Additionally, many functions that support driving safety are available, such as the adaptive cruise control, city emergency brake, and lane-keeping assist, which are highly anticipated features of the Golf 7.


The driving sensation is natural. However, this naturalness conceals an incredibly high potential that allows for high-speed driving through sharp corners and on wet surfaces without any sense of unease. It has been refined into a car that offers glimpses of such remarkable capability.

The Traditional Tartan Check Pattern

Is the new Golf GTI a GTI that isn't quite a GTI? This impression arises from the front grille design. The red line, traditionally a trademark, now extends straight across, encompassing the headlamps rather than just surrounding the grille. This creates a visual effect that makes the car appear wider, an actual increase of 10mm in width compared to the previous model.


Exterior features include a dedicated front bumper with integrated driving lamps, red brake calipers, a GTI badge (newly added to the side as well), and uniquely designed rear combination lamps. There's no overt aggression; it's a subtle touch that only those in the know will appreciate.

The interior retains the traditional tartan check pattern for the seat fabric. However, the check pattern itself has been subtly redesigned; the pattern named "Jackie" in the previous model has been updated to "Clark" in the 7th generation. The seats are comfortable, and combined with the sculpted steering wheel, they create a pleasant interior ambiance. A delightful touch is the needle sweep of the speedometer and tachometer, which move fully clockwise upon engine start before returning to their resting positions.


MQBThe adoption of the new-generation transverse engine platform, known as MQB, has extended the wheelbase by 60mm, resulting in a more spacious interior. One benefit is a 15mm increase in rear legroom, the same as in the standard Golf. The rear hip point has been lowered, making it "more comfortable to sit in," according to a spokesperson for Volkswagen Group Japan, the importer.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, which VW calls "Brooklyn," paired with the tires. Optional combinations include 18-inch "Austin" wheels and 19-inch "Santiago" wheels.



For those who desire a more aggressive stance, the larger wheel options, combined with the 10mm lower ride height due to the sports suspension, will be a welcome addition.

XDS+ Enhances Cornering Performance

The press preview drive for the new Golf GTI was held at Fuji Speedway before its official announcement. It included a driving experience around a short course marked with cones, along with a slalom course designed to demonstrate the effects of XDS+ and ESC Sport, as well as the progressive steering, which were briefly mentioned earlier.

While VW bills the Golf GTI as a sports car, its overall impression is remarkably mature. Unlike the exhilarating acceleration and hyper-quick steering that might dazzle you in French or Italian GTs, it feels grounded yet responds instantly to the subtlest inputs on the accelerator pedal.

In the slalom course, weaving between the cones, the car exhibits strong initial acceleration thanks to its peak torque available from 1,500 rpm. Despite minimal steering input, the body changes direction with agility.


The sports suspension firmly plants the nose, effectively preparing for the next maneuver. Although the new model is 65mm longer and 10kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at nearly 1.4 tons, it feels surprisingly nimble.

One reason for this is the progressive steering system. The spacing of the rack's teeth is not uniform; the front wheel angle changes depending on how much the steering wheel is turned. This means that for sharp turns, a smaller steering input results in a larger wheel angle, making it easier to control the car's trajectory. In other words, it allows for enjoyable sporty driving.


XDS+ is an evolution of the previous XDS (electronic differential lock) and is characterized by its enhancement of cornering performance. Specifically, it controls the brakes on each wheel based on driving conditions. It suppresses understeer, where the car tends to push wide in corners, thereby preventing torque from being lost to the outside and transferring more power to the tires. This results in safer and faster cornering.

Impressive Safety Margin

The new GTI also offers sport modes for ESC and DCC. ESC (Electronic Stabilization Program) intervenes with brake application and engine output reduction during cornering, but the GTI's ESC Sport allows selection of a program that delays system intervention. This expands the driver's control range, enabling more agile maneuvering for skilled drivers.

The second generation of DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) is employed in the new Golf GTI. In addition to Comfort and Normal modes, there is a Sport mode that controls the damper valves using wheel position and acceleration sensors. The second generation independently controls all four dampers and has further improved responsiveness. The Sport mode provides agile handling.


The effectiveness of DCC and XDS+ became apparent during high-speed driving on the short circuit. When entering a corner slightly too fast, the systems intervene to help correct the car's line. Even when you think, "Oh, it's going wide," the GTI, as if nothing happened, guides the car back onto the intended path.


My honest impression is one of feeling exhilaration alongside an appreciation for the high safety margin. This is not a car that makes you feel a rush of adrenaline as you drive. Searching for a similar example among recent rival products,Mercedes-BenzI recalled a sensation similar to that of the "A45 AMG." It responds when asked, but it doesn't provoke the driver. The Golf GTI, in its new generation, has become a bit more subdued. That's the impression it leaves.

Volkswagen Golf GTI
Body Dimensions | Length 4,275 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,450 mm
Weight | 1,351 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline-4 Direct Injection Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.6 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm
Max Output | 162 kW (220ps) / 4,500-6,200 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm / 1,500-4,400 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (6DSG)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear | 225/45R17
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs (312x25mm) / Discs (300x12mm)
Top Speed | 246 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.5 seconds
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 15.9 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 146 g/km
Price | ¥3,690,000

Volkswagen Customer Centre
0120-993-199

Click here for Hirohisa Kaneko's overseas impression of the Golf GTI