The GTI Returns With A Vengeance
Here comes a revised Golf GTI with an attitude to take on the segment best seller which is the Mercedes A-Class. It is not an easy task right now as in recent months there has been too many fast tax free electric cars entering our market which moved many petrolhead buyers to take ownership of sub 6 seconds (acceleration time) battery powered vehicles like the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X.
Some Mk8 history to share. Back in February 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Volkswagen unveiled an intelligent, high technology hot hatch for the digital age. This was the VW Golf GTI Mk8. This all new GTI came 45 years after the Mk1 GTI and was larger and heavier but better equipped with all the shared technology from Audi (part of the VW Group).
So, with Covid-19 creating havoc, the Malaysian launch of the Mk8 GTI was delayed for 2 years and in February 2022 it arrived in Malaysian showrooms. Arriving together with the ‘R’ version (priced at RM356k), both cars found less customers than should have in Malaysia.
Why? Well, there was a little ‘cloud’ of DSG and TSI issues still lingering in the Malaysian hot hatch air even after the Mk6 GTI cured some of the previous niggling issues and the Mk7 GTI delivered modern styling and more power that had the rivals trying hard to better it.
Plus, we had the Mercedes A35 and BMW 1 Series offering almost similar levels of performance.
Cabin Upgrades
This GTi gets a 12.9-inch media easier to use infotainment system display that provides rich graphics and an effortlessly intuitive interface that includes preloaded Malaysian navigation data with 2D/3D map view. Plus, you have a fast working voice assistant called ‘IDA’.
The driver gets a 10-inch high-resolution Digital Cockpit Pro, paired with a high-definition head-up display that provides the flexibility to display the information you want, from navigation directions to driver assistance alerts.
There is also a segment best Harmon Kardon audio system with 8+1 speakers and subwoofer working with a 480W 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver ‘kickin’ sound. You have to go into a showroom and try this system out.
Driving This Hyperactive Hot Hatch
Push the starter button (comes with keyless go) and the engine comes to life with a mild rumble. The 2.0 turbocharged engine under the hood is shared with many other vehicles from Audi to Skoda to Seat and even Porsche and it is a willing performer with good manners. This engine is docile and friendly in city driving returning good fuel economy in ECO mode. The ride maybe a little stiff due to the slim wide run flat tyres which but it does the job well when you ‘stretch its legs’ around corners.
With the revised engine tuning, tight chassis and upgraded cabin technology, this new Golf GTi provides a drive experience that will have your smiling on every curvaceous back road drive. It is not only fast of the line, well ….. 5.9 seconds from 0-100km/h in this segment is impressive; it handles neutrally and precisely tracks along leaving the driver with the impression that he could execute the corner again at a higher speed.
The grip level is optimally exploited. This lets the driver apply much greater force to the accelerator pedal at the apex of a bend, which in turn results in significantly higher speed exit speeds out of bends.
Advanced chassis technology teams up with front-wheel drive with unmistakable handling traits headlined by agility and dynamic excellence. This GTi package contains striking design features and a host of equipment details designed to promote agile handling and an active driving style and thus provides the perfect platform for full-blooded driving pleasure.
Purchase Decision
If you currently drive an older VW Golf GTi Mk5, there is reason to immediately trade-up to this new much better and more refined hot hatch. Take a no obligation test drive and realise that now is the time to be totally impressed with a car that makes similar priced cars look, feel and drive like a 2nd place vehicle.
VW Golf GTi Mk8.5 Specifications:
Engine: 2.0L Turbo TSI
Displacement: 1984cc
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG Dual Clutch
Max power: 265bhp @ 4800-6450rpm
Max torque: 370Nm @ 1600-4500rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h (electronically limited)
0-100km/h: 5.9secs
Price: RM255,990.00
