The Punchy New Golf 7 GTI

Golf 7 GTI

Volkswagen has made considerable efforts to give the MK5 the same fun factor as the original and somewhat exceeded. It had a punchy motor with wild performance, but was too clinical in the handling department; the same could be said for the MK6.

Now VW has a new version and this promises tweaks to every aspect of the old car.

With all due respect, I am firmly of the belief that the design team behind the Golf series are extremely lazy. The G7 sees very little deviation from previous models. The GTI somewhat remedies this by (finally) getting a new set of alloys, an aggressive Audi R8 style lower bumper, sharper headlights and narrower taillights.

The trademark red stripe now stretches across the entire front end into the headlamp housings, the extended rear roof spoiler seats an extra couple of crows. Still, the design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

There are much talked about changes under the hood though. The new Golf sits atop the VW Group’s much talked about MQB chassis which reinvents the way the groups cars are designed and built. Then there’s a new variable-ratio steering system, a heavily upgraded engine, and a raft of extra abilities contained within a new ‘Performance Pack’.

The G7 once again makes use of a 2.0l turbocharged motor rated at 217bhp at 6200 redline. Reinforced crankshaft bearings, modified direct fuel-injection, reduced friction, improved efficiency and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head all add to give the G7 an extra helping of power while aiding in its frugalness.

There’s also a massive increase in torque; 52lbs more. At the same time fuel consumption is claimed to be 14% better, top speed has squeaked up from 147mph to 153, and the 0-62mph sprint now takes 6.5sec – 0.4 less than before. As expected, VW’s brilliant DSG flappy paddle gearbox is available once more. Quick, precise and always a pleasure to use, no VW should be bought without one.

The G7 GTI also comes with an optional DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) which lets you choose from five different driving modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. Hit the symbol on the touchscreen and you instantly tune dampers, steering, engine, transmission, adaptive cruise control, dynamic cornering lights and air conditioning. Standard equipment includes the so-called ‘Progressive Steering’ which works either in Normal or in Sport mode. This constant-effort, variable-rate device requires only two turns from lock to lock. While the ratio around the straight-ahead position is very similar to that of a run-of-the-mill Golf, the steering will speed up as you turn in thanks to a progressive gearing between rack and pinion. This system yields two effects: reduced effort at parking speeds and quicker action on winding roads. It takes some getting used to, but it’s not as artificial and lifeless as other electro-hydraulic systems.

The GTI communicates on all levels: steering, throttle, transmission, suspension, brakes. Thankfully, the GTI 7 is less clinical than previous incarnations; overstep it, and the GTI responds with attitude and drama.

The GTI will easily indulge in a wheel drift or a three-wheeled corner, just like the original. Like a Jack Russell puppy, it just wants to play; energetic and a handful, but enjoyable on all counts.

VW have made an effort to give the GTI7 the same kind of joyful, punchy attitude of the original model. Since the G5, they’ve been getting closer and closer, but the GTI7 is the closest they’ve gotten. It’s filled with drama and on all counts offers the same amount of in-your-face fun as the original.