Wednesday 6th March 2013

Geneva Motor Show 2013: VW

New Golf GTI unveiled as Geneva aims for seventh GTI heaven

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We've talked a lot about the new Mk7 Golf GTI already, both on the spec and its future in an increasingly squeezed hot hatch market.

Having seen it in the flesh what is there to add to the debate? Er... Well, it looks exactly as you might expect though, in fairness, it does improve matters to see it in the metal rather than the over-produced press images VW originally supplied. Even in white and with that neat red pinstripe extending into the headlights it is VERY conservative but, again, what would you have expected.

VW plays it predictably safe - too safe though?

We're more interested in how it drives of course, not least to try out that fancy new active torque split 'differential' system on the GTI Performance version.

It's interesting also to compare the two extremes twixt which the hot Golf finds itself increasingly squashed. Kia's Pro_Cee'd GT is slower and of more modest ambitions but there's no hiding the fact it's got the Golf in its sights. And at the other end those who've outgrown the VW, be it in performance or status, might be looking upmarket at the Mercedes A45 AMG also debuting.

So the Golf is going to have to be damned good. We look forward to finding out if it's good enough.

[redroadster]

Far too bland for my taste but it will sell to vw fans i prefer the look of the new skoda octavia and seat leon over this.........

[RedTrident]

Would like to see the 3 door version. Unless they've ditched that as well.

[acespizee]

Boring, next.

[scotty_917]

Having used my girlfriends Mk6 for a daily driver recently, I must say I was bowled over by it's every day useability...and 'all things to all men tag'! It'll still sell well regardless of some labelling it as boring. I'd say get a life...and chill out!

[smiffie]

yawn boring

[Richair]

As ever with the Golf GTI; form follows function. I really like it, but then I do consider myself a VW fan and own a mk2 GTI 8v so I'm probably biased...

I'd bet half my wage packet that it drives very well and does everything brilliantly at 80% in true GTI fashion.

[anonymous-user]

I personally like the looks. Power is not everything but the Golf R is going to have to be something special with the new breed of hot hatches coming namely the A45 AMG.

[Neil_M]

scotty_917 said:

Having used my girlfriends Mk6 for a daily driver recently, I must say I was bowled over by it's every day useability...and 'all things to all men tag'! It'll still sell well regardless of some labelling it as boring. I'd say get a life...and chill out!

Well put there sir.

I'm intrigued to see the reports on this car when its launched. A great all rounder as you put it.

People that label it boring don't get the purpose of the car.

[Msportman]

Very subtle....which in today's Britain with jealous doom brained idiot's can be a bonus when parking it.

Maybe not as flash as an Astra or sharp as the Megane but for long term ownership and superb build quality they often trump the others.

The platform is also good for modding for track as experienced as many trackdays the MK5 Edition 30's are a hidden gem. Adding a diff / big brakes and KW's will make a very nice subtle package.

I prefer 2wd with a diff than 4WD Haldex especially for track although the new Haldex controllers can give great results for track on the Golf R and S3.

[Antj]

This R brand has really messed the Golf up. The R brand has priced itself out of the market but sits where most other hot hatches. This has forced the GTi brand to become more of a sub brand so the Golf Gti has lost its place.

Shows VW care more about the advertising and sales spiel than they do about the car itself.

Golf Gti mk7 may be nothing like the crappy mk4's that killed the image, but because it has no place in the hot hatch market now against Renault sport, VXR or even the forthcoming Type R its dead.

Silly VW managed to kill a legend, even worse its the second time they have done it.

[MrHooky]

Can't get over just how much the front looks like a Polo now. Or is it that the Polo now looks like a Golf...?

Feels like it needed a little more power to justify the price. I'm sure it will be a great all rounder but I'm also sure that the M135i is a great all rounder and for a just another couple of £'000 you get the best part of another 100bhp...

[danp]

no news on the XL1 then?

[Mr Gear]

danp said:

no news on the XL1 then?

Exactly my thoughts. The most interesting thing on the VW stand and PH miss it completely.