Review
VW Golf 7 GTI Performance Pack
For the first Golf GTI we have to go back to 1976. Originally, 5,000 units of this affordable sports car were planned. More than 1.9 million GTIs have now been sold worldwide and we are already in the seventh generation of this iconic model. The first generation had 110 hp at the time. We went out with the now 230 hp GTI “Performance”.
Specs
The Golf GTI “Performance” has a 1,984cc TSi turbo petrol engine with a power of 230 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The GTI goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. The VW Golf GTI is driven with front-wheel drive and has either a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission (35,800 euros) or a six-speed manual gearbox (34,090 euros).
If you want even more power, you can also opt for a Golf GTI “Clubsport”. This GTI is available from 34,890 euros and has a power of 265 hp.
Looks
On the outside you can recognize the GTI by the characteristic red stripe that runs through the radiator grille and standard bi-xenon headlights. The GTI also has red brake pads and at the rear the double exhaust in chrome with a pipe on each side stands out. At the rear we also find darkened LED taillights in a specific design and the spoiler is also larger than its brothers with less power.
In the interior, just like with the first GTI in 1976, it is mainly the red checked upholstery that attracts attention. You sit in sports seats and you also get a GTI sports steering wheel that fits very well in your hand. Even in the dark you can see that you are in a GTI, thanks to the red mood lighting that is integrated into the door panel with strips.
Sporty handling
The Golf GTI is equipped as standard with a sports suspension that is adapted to the higher power of a GTI. Compared to a standard Golf, the GTI has been lowered by 15 mm, which also gives it better handling in corners and more direct steering. Of course, it all feels a bit tighter, but the GTI should certainly not compromise on driving comfort with its sportier settings.
Progressive power steering is also standard equipment. For example, in a standard Golf you have to turn the steering wheel 2.75 times to go completely around. In a GTI with progressive power steering, you can make a full turn after just 2.1 turns. This makes the steering wheel feel light when you are parking, for example, and more direct when you take a more sporty turn through a bend.
Driving experience
If you rev the four-cylinder, you are treated to a rich and full sporty sound. Not as loud and present as, for example, in a Golf R, but that is not necessary. This only benefits the practical usability of the GTI. You can let the DSG do the work yourself or you can also take matters into your own hands with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Personally, we prefer to let the DSG do the work, so we can focus more on steering. And that goes well in the GTI. You have a sports steering wheel that fits well in your hand and with which you can throw the GTI into the bend exactly where you want. With 230 hp you certainly have more than enough power under the hood, although we are of course not averse to the 265 hp of the GTI Clubsport.
Conclusion
The seventh generation of the Golf GTI is also one that lives up to its iconic status. Good looks on the outside and a potent and quick engine with a nice soundtrack make the GTI a fun and affordable sports car for everyday use. The only thing we are less of a fan of is the diamond pattern of the seat upholstery.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
