Malaysian Motor Works

Discussions regarding the 7^th generation Golf GTI (Mk7), of course it would be engaged all about the performance package. These days, Golf GTI doing well in Malaysian market since many of us just too believing with the Japanese techs before. But the fact is, Golf GTI was considered as a legendary machine since 38 years ago.

At the first look, Mk7 GTI has some similarity with the previous Mk6, apart from the front and rear light designs. After look at it carefully, Mk7 has slightly larger body size and shaved aggressively. The major difference with the previous one is the platform used, where Mk7 uses the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). Thus, the Mk7 GTI lighter, sharper, more stable combined with 2.0 powerful engine despites of aerodynamics design. Mk7 GTI remains her nature appearance which it comes with red lines on the radiator grille. This compact performance car gets more attractive visual with dual exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear spoiler attached slightly larger than the 1.4 Golf TSI.

The interior is not much different from the Mk7 Golf TSI. Compared to the previous GTI, the dashboard has been redesigned and VW very concerned with ergonomic features. The GTI is comfortable enough to accommodate five people at a time. The first time was in Mk7 cabins, I was in a pretty comfortable.

However, a little disappointment, that I can’t find the push-start button. Yeah, maybe it is not needed, even the DSG transmission is more important than the button function. In traditional way, I turned on the engine using key provided. Then, my journey is begun from Subang Skypark to the south.

Pretty lucky me when I get the GTI Tech Pack here. Tech pack GTI equipped with electronic control system - Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) which offers three different driving modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport. Driving mode can be changed by Driving Profile Selector on the screen in the middle.

Every time I pushing the gas pedal, the acceleration was encouraging. Turbo lag was very minimal and the power came simultaneously. Despite of the 350Nm torque, I did not feel the inertia force during the acceleration. The new turbo engine produces 220PS at 4500rpm to 6200rpm. Driving at Pasir Gudang circuit, the weather condition is good enough to feel the GTI's performance. Accelerating with Sports driving mode, I was pushed the pedal maximum to the floor along with Gun N ' Roses Paradise City, hard. Thru the sharp corners, GTI steering response is good enough and it could deliver what I want. However, the sweet point does not too enthusiast as GTI using the DSG. It was not a bad idea actually, it is an advance technology but for me, I prefer the manual transmission and that why I do fall in love with the Renault Sport Megane.

The MQB helps a lot in stability and handling performance. Even I stepped on the throttle in corners, it does not occur any over steer or under steer. Moreover, electronic stability control systems (ESC) and XDS assist to control the tire rotation and brakes distribution rate perfectly.

Driving in normal road, I chose Comfort driving mode. I can feel the changes of the level suspension system responses. Comfort mode suspension response softer than the Normal and Sport modes on the uneven road surfaces but it does not affect cornering performance.

Later, I drove GTI without Tech Pack system. Slightly different, the seats using tartan fabric and did not equipped with DCC. On the highway, I ran the GTI to the max and I reached 249 kilometres per hour (km/h). At that speed, rpm meter still hiking slowly and I believe it possible to reach 255 or even more.

Even the hot-hatch have an impressive performance, GTI Mk7 said get improved in terms of fuel economy. VW claimed it only consume 6.4 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres.

The verdict, GTI Mk7 was loaded with latest technology, superiority performance and it may become a benchmark in mechanical engineering. It is selling at RM209,888 for the three-doors version and RM217,888 for the five-door version. If you interested with Tech Pack variants, all you need is to add RM10,000 more for the DCC system, Vienna leather seats with 12 way adjustable. Moreover, an additional RM3,000 to change 18-inch wheels to Santiago 19-inch wheels.

MMW Rating:

Performance: 9/10

Handling: 9/10

Comfort: 9/10

Design: 8/10

Features: 8/10

Fuel Consumption: 8/10

Value: 9/10