- 2011 Golf GTi - VW UK
When the fifth generation Volkswagen Golf GTi was launched it was something of a revelation in the way it returned to its real roots. VW had previously gone soft on the GTi, to the point where the badge had lost almost all of its importance, as the cars got heavier and engine power failed to keep up with the weight gain.
Golf GTi Reclaims Performance Crown
The fifth generation Golf GTi changed everything. The 147kW 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine had more than enough power to overcome the inevitable weight gain that comes with added safety equipment and stronger chassis design.
For this sixth generation Golf GTi, Volkswagen has redesigned the nose so that it closely follows the style of the closely related Volkswagen Scirocco, but more importantly power has increased from 147kW to 155kW.
New Turbocharged Engine for Golf GTi
The extra power is not due to further engine tuning, but rather a new 2.0 litre TSI turbocharged engine with a 280Nm plateau of torque from 1700rpm through to 5200rpm. With that much torque the Golf GTi has very impressive acceleration in almost any gear ratio.
The car now features Volkswagen’s XDS transverse differential lock, which uses the front brakes instead of mechanical LSD to share power between the front wheels. It works exactly as advertised, and the GTi has levels of traction that rival that of an all wheel drive car, with no noticeable torque steer and an impressive punch through tight corners.
The Golf GTi also has Dynamic Chassis Control, which alters the damping of the suspension from Comfort through Normal and ending with Sport mode, which stiffens the suspension to racetrack type levels and is actually quite uncomfortable on normal roads.
DSG Dual Clutch Gearbox in Golf GTi
Twin clutch manual gearboxes are these days seen in everything from supercars to commercial vans and in the sixth generation Golf GTi the six-speed DSG unit works well, changing gear instantly when the driver flicks one of the paddles on the steering wheel or gearlever. There is still a pause if the driver suddenly selects a gear the DSG gearbox box isn’t prepared for, but it is now far less noticeable.
The driver can leave the gearbox in automatic mode, but in a hot hatch like the Golf GTi that is really missing the point.
There are hatchbacks on the market with much higher power numbers, but only the similarly powered Ford Focus XR5 comes even close to the Volkswagen Golf GTi in combining just the right amount of power with the right amount of handling and delivering it all in a fun to use package.
Sam Domett - I have been a motoring journalist for over 15 years, beginning with my own website. I then moved on to the Manukau Daily News. My next job ...
