Ample power increase for Golf 7 GTI

VW`s latest Golf MK7 GTI in the three most favourable colours, photo source : Kingston VW

Contribution by Thapelo Tshule

The much anticipated GTI has reached South African markets, with local pricing announced at a starting price of R368 300 for the GTI 2,0 TSI MT and R382 800 for the 2.0 TSI DSG unit.

With the Golf 6 phasing out and the Golf 7 in our markets, Golf enthusiasts are now posed with the predecessor vs. successor question: is the MK7 any better than the previous generation MK6 GTI?

The golf 7 has been fitted with a turbocharged, direct injection four-cylinder 2.0l TSI turbo petrol engine, that pushes 162kW from the 4 500 to 6 200 rpm rev range and 350 Nm of torque is available from 1 500 to 4 400 rpm. Recent reports of the performance edition not hitting South African shores have now been updated with the confirmation that the performer will be available at a later stage. The performance model will feature a plus 7 kW increase and will add to the GTI line up at an unconfirmed stint.   

The base model comes standard with a 6 speed manual transmission that will transmit it to a top speed of 246km/h while pacing the 0-100km\h distance in 6.5 seconds. VolksWagen claims a 0.1 second faster 0-100kh\h and a 264km top speed for the DSG model. Compared to its predecessor the MK7 is slightly quicker than the Golf 6, the MK7 is 42kg lighter, making it 0.4 seconds quicker in the 0-100km\h sprint and a torque improvement from 280Nm to 350Nm. Other improvements in the 15 mm lower GTI include an 18% lower fuel economy, improved suspension with the XDS+ electronic differential lock

Building a fully speced GTI will see customers pay anything in between R850 00 – R18 350 for the variety of available features, which may be worth it for those who are will to dig deep into their pocket for the full GTI treatment. Optional features include Metallic/Pearlescent Paint, Panoramic Sunroof (Tilt & Slide), Manually Foldable Tow bar, Bi-Xenon headlights package, Keyless entry, High beam assist “Light Assist”, Park Distance Control (Front & Rear), Parallel parking assistant “Park Assist” with PDC, “Rear Assist”, Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, Mobile device interface, Media-In with iPod/iPhone adapter cable, “Discover Pro” Radio with Satellite Navigation, USB & Bluetooth, a DynAudio 300W Excite system and a rear view camera for those who would like to see their predecessors follow.

On the looks, the car is far from ugly, but It may be time for VW to re-think the design of the GTI and offer customers a new look. The current design which is almost refreshed from model to model is a bit tired. Motoring journos have dubbed the GTI 7 as the “fresh-faced” GTI, which tells us that changes have been made but more could have been done.

Customers will appreciate the integration of the single red lip running into the head lights as well as the five-spoke 18-inch Austin alloys which are unique from the two model old, ninja star-aping Detroit wheels. Sporty exterior changes can also be spotted starting from the front bumper and headlights right up to the more detailed rear which features an integrated roof spoiler, air diffusers, smoked LED taillights and two 80 mm chrome exhaust tips which will be enjoyed by those walking the streets as the DSG model shifts along the streets.

Maybe with the Golf 8 we might see what VW have up their sleeves, but from what has been brought to us seems to be well on its way of selling its expected 65000 models to loyal South Africans.

VolksWaggen means “the peoples car” in German and with the correct price tag it will surely stick to its meaning in our market. That is what the Golf 7 will be, as without a doubt the Golf GTI is a favourite in the South African market.

So with the arrival of the latest GTI, be sure to see links of Junkmail, Gumtree and those who will be selling it on the OLX market pop-up when you search for the Golf 6 GTI!

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