When a new Volkswagen Golf is unveiled, enthusiasts hold their breath with anticipation. Why? Because when a fresh generation of VW’s iconic hatchback is launched, a new GTI version is never far away. The wait is a familiar one; the GTI story goes back almost 36 years, and the sporty Golf is the one that enthusiasts lust after most.
So legendary is its status, Volkswagen can’t afford to get it wrong. And largely is hasn’t. Blips in the 1990s notwithstanding, the hot Golf has been worthy of the legend. With every generation comes more weight and refinement, but not at the expense of fun, and general all-round talent, and the new Mk 6 GTI – launched last week in St Tropez – shows no signs of dropping the baton.
The order books are now open, and, 32 years after the original went on sale in the UK, there are many characteristics that remain very much part of the GTI tale. Just like the Mk 1, there is a four-cylinder engine and sharp dynamics, and a discrete hot hatchback edge to the looks. The new 2.0-litre TSI engine gives 207bhp (up 10bhp on the outgoing model), delivered between 5,300 and 6,200rpm, giving a 0 to 62mph time of 6.9 seconds.
The Mk 6 GTI is cleaner, too; emissions fall 19g/km to 170g/km, while fuel consumption rises 3mpg to 38.7mpg. The optional DSG automatic gearbox takes the edge of the figures when compared to the six-speed manual, but delivers smooth and fast gear changes. The maximum speed rises to 149mph.
Every new generation of GTI brings more technology, and the Mk 6 is no exception. A new electronic limited slip differential called XDS ensures greater traction, and along with ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) brings a GTI with greater control and precision. Adding to the handling arsenal are lower springs and dampers, and new anti-roll bars.
The dampers are pneumatically controlled units forming the new Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system used to great effect on the Scirocco. Allowing the driver to choose between normal, comfort, and sport modes, ACC controls the suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.
The new GTI is clearly a GTI, and builds on the heritage of its predecessors. New aggressive bumpers front and rear feature a wider air dam with fog lamps and diffuser with twin exhausts respectively, while the front grille is trimmed in traditional GTI red, and bears the legendary GTI badge. A roof spoiler and 17-inch ‘Monza’ telephone dial-style wheels provide a link to the outgoing car.
A high standard equipment list includes red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and headrests featuring the GTI logo, a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers, 2Zone electronic climate control, and seven airbags. Prices start at £21,690 for the manual three door, rising to £24,300 for the DSG-equipped five door.
The first UK-spec cars will be available to drive away on 22 May, and going on the favourable early press reports, it would appear that Volkswagen has kept a hold on the magic that made the Scirocco one of the most hotly anticipated and best new cars of 2008. It certainly seems then, that at first glance, the hot hatch daddy is back.
