Despite the track having a high grip surface, there was much amusement to be had as the rain lashed down. The 2 litre turbo charged petrol engine delivers super smooth power and while 200 bhp isn’t a huge amount of poke in a performance car these days there is enough power to safely overtake (7.2 seconds 0-100Km/h).
The standard fit ‘ESP’ is switchable and even with the stability system off the GTi proved very forgiving. I deliberately drove like an idiot in certain corners and the car refused to unsettle itself. As with all front-wheel drive cars the GTi just ran wide when pushed too hard.
A little ‘lift’ off the throttle or a quick ‘dip’ of the clutch (manual) and the VW would tighten its line again. The handling is predictable with no surprises so just what the doctor ordered as the old GTi was a very dull machine.
Two gearboxes are available, a manual six-speed, which is fine and the superior direct shift gearbox (DSG). DSG is not only easier on fuel but quicker through the gears as it engages the next gear while the current gear is providing the drive so there is no loss of drive when shifting through the box, brilliant!
You can use DSG like an automatic by leaving it in ‘D’ or do what I did and just leave it in ‘S’ (sport). Paddle shifts let you have an F1 experience if you wish. I find paddles are best used for changing down. DSG will cost a grand or two over the standard box but is worth it.
The exterior is subtle with a Mark 1-like red strip on the grill, 17 inch alloys as standard (18” optional) and no ‘Golf’ badge on the rear. It just says ‘GTi’. The original and super light Mark 1 GTi (820 kgs) was a hoot to drive despite the right hand drive’s poor brakes (due to the RHD conversion) and while the following models never filled its shoes, no GTi ever could.
Today emission regulations strangle performance cars. The new car to would have to push out 400 bhp to make a similar impact as the original 1.6 made back in 1976. The Mark 5 GTi is a good car with more fun dialed in.
It comes as three and five door forms with Red and black the most striking exterior colours. Prepare to see white ones on Irish roads too as VW says “white is the new black…” or something like that.
Deliveries to Irish customers begin in February. The new GTi price should be in the mid thirties. It’s ten grand cheaper in Germany – thanks a lot VRT! My pick has to be a red, five-door, DSG on 18” alloys - Yummy.
- Michael Sheridan
