The Golf V GTi was the first decent hot hatch from Volkswagen in a long time.
Its two predecessors weren’t worthy of the GTi badge and most who have driven a few incarnations of the GTi will agree that VW finally got the mix right with the 147kW outgoing version.
Sales also proved just how popular the Golf V GTi was as it accounted for about 40% of all Golf Vs sold in South Africa.
Obviously there was immense pressure on VW to follow up with another blistering version of the GTi and it has, for the most part, succeeded in delivering a great hot hatch, but it’s not as perfect as it could have been.
First, it looks far too much like the Golf V GTi and, yes, I know there was the feeling that VW didn’t want to fix something that wasn’t broken, but it could, at least, have given the new GTi different alloys or done some design tweaks to differentiate it from its predecessor.
Second, the interior is a bit drab and, though it’s all put together very nicely, the dials and such in the centre console don’t look anywhere near as zhoosh as they should.
This is a sports car and it needs to live up to its heritage in every way. It’s possible that I’ve been spoiled by the VW Scirocco and I’m unfairly expecting every sporty VW to look as beautiful as the Scirocco, but it’s more likely that I feel the GTi needs to wear its heart on its sleeve because it is head and shoulders above most hot hatches and it needs to celebrate this unabashedly.
The local launch took place at Kyalami where we obviously had the opportunity to appreciate just how well the new car handles and, under the watchful eyes of VW Driving Academy instructors, motoring scribes were able to see whether the new GTi lives up to the hype.
And, in short, it does.
With a slight upgrade in power over the outgoing model, the GTi accelerated with gusto, stuck to the tar confidently and generally left me lusting after hot hatches all over again — just when I thought I had finally started to grow up.
The standard spec on the new GTi is quite impressive as it includes an improved sports chassis, leather seats, 18-inch alloys, seven airbags, multifunction steering and the usual array of safety aids such as ABS, EBD and more.
And if 155kW of power and 280Nm of torque isn’t enough for you, you’ll be pleased to know there is talk of a possible GTi-R version, which could have the same engine as the Audi S3, which develops 188kW.
But, and this is probably the most important point, the GTi is a proper hot hatch that can accommodate an entire family, the monthly groceries and all those mundane tasks we’re all forced to do, but the GTi ensures you won’t hate your chores or your family half as much as you normally would.
So maybe I am growing up after all because if a GTi is going to make me a happier person then perhaps it’s good for the planet too because all I’ll be emitting from now on are warm, happy, fuzzy vibes. Right?
The Golf VI GTi manual costs R317 300 whereas the DSG auto costs R331 800 and it comes with a five-year/90 000km service plan as well as a three-year/100 000km warranty.