The latest Golf GTI was launched in Europe with two output options: a 162kW standard version and a Performance Pack offering 169kW.
Southern Africa was only given the former option when the hot hatch hit our streets back in 2013, but now the Performance Pack has been made available for those GTI fans itching for an extra seven killer-watts and an even better chassis. DSG transmission is standard.
We have yet to verify this through our own testing, but according to Volkswagen’s official figures, the Performance Pack is 0.1 seconds quicker from 0 to 100km/h, taking 6.4 seconds, and it’s 4km/h quicker overall with its 248km/h top speed. The unrealistic claimed combined fuel consumption figure remains at 6.4 l/100km.
While that performance gain is hardly going to make too much of a difference to anyone’s life, even to those that live life a quarter mile at a time, the Performance Pack also sets itself apart with some additional dynamic features.
To eliminate any steering interferences, the new GTI top dog is fitted with an electronic front diff lock that allows a variable degree of locking, up to 100%. When the car’s control module picks up that one of the front wheels is slipping, the diff lock’s plates redistribute drive torque to the other wheel to increase traction.
The other fancy chassis gizmo exclusive to the Pack is an adaptive damping system called Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows the driver to adapt the suspension stiffness through Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. That choice also adapts the gear-shift points and throttle response accordingly.
Not easily as the Performance Pack version has the same basic styling kit and 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, but the eagle eyed will notice the red GTI logo on the back and the GTI logo on the larger red internally-ventilated brake discs, which now measure 340mm upfront and 310mm at the back.
You still have a long optional features list to play with, offering nice-to-haves like Discover Pro Radio with satellite navigation, keyless access, Park Assist, Bi-Xenon headlights and much more.
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