2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk7) | UK Review
Lighter, quicker and cleaner than ever, how does the latest GTI fare in Britain?
As a quick refresh, the GTI Performance pack costs £980 and brings a 10hp power gain (up to 230hp) plus larger brakes (the standard 312x25mm ventilated fronts become 340x30mm, the solid 300x12mm rears replaced by ventilated 310x22mm discs). The inclusion of a Haldex based active locking differential is the most notable extra. Both the GTIs we've driven so far were manuals.
Our two days with the Golf covered probably everything bar track work you're likely to throw at a hot hatch; 250 miles of motorway in one hit, a B-road thrash and the urban grind. And you know what? It was superb. Everywhere.
Initially, the ride seems a bit firm on the standard passive dampers. But it doesn't take long to acclimatise and, more importantly, appreciate actually how well a GTI on standard suspension works with British roads. It just covers all the bases; you can happily spend hours on the motorway in decent comfort but also enjoy a B-road hoon at the end of the journey where the control and damping really shine. Watching it tackle a road is just as revealing; it works with the surface, being supple enough to accommodate bumps but stiff enough to remain composed. As standard, it sits somewhere between the Focus ST and Megane 265 for firmness, which is a lovely compromise.
VW's 'VAQ' locking differential operates in a more subtle fashion than those on cars like said Renault. Where that LSD will claw at the tarmac, grabbing traction from the surface, the process in the Golf is far calmer. Rather than the diff pulling the car out of a bend, it feels like the focus is more on the outside wheel, preventing it from understeering and therefore aiding corner exit. It's certainly effective though, the Golf pulling itself out of second-gear bends quickly and without drama.
Don't expect any tales of trail braking oversteer and the diff hauling you out though. The rear axle simply doesn't contribute as much to cornering as it does in something like the Focus or Megane, plus the driver aids can't be fully disabled either.
But criticising a Golf GTI for its prescribed at-the-limit manners seems churlish as it just does everything up to nine-tenths so very well. Even in the company of the A45 AMG and a certain BMW, the 2.0-litre turbo felt punchy and keen, even if it lacked their outright potency. As Chris mentioned, the six-speed manual has a fairly sweet shift, and the pedals are well-spaced. The brakes are a bit too grabby though and require getting used to more than they should.
So where does that leave us on the ideal Golf GTI spec? One thing's for sure, the standard package is a fine car indeed. The GTI Performance pack certainly appears great value, even if its effects on the road are fairly subtle at anything other than maximum attack.
Now then, the dampers. We loved the standard set-up, Chris the adaptive ones. Our advice would be to try both and make the decision from there. Instinct says that the GTI Performance pack is probably money better spent given it's only £180 more than the £800 adaptive dampers, whatever abbreviation they're covered by this week. In addition to saving £1,415, the manual is also rated as more efficient than the six-speed DSG; there's one decision that should require no deliberation. However the GTI is optioned though, you'll be left with one of the best hot hatches around.
SPECIFICATION | 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI PERFORMANCE (MK7)
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 230@4,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@1,500-4,400rpm
0-62mph: 6.4sec
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,351kg
MPG: 47.1mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 139g/km
Price: £27,480 (before options) £29,730 (as tested inc. £1,725 for Discover Navigation Pro eight-inch touchscreen and £525 for Reflex Silver metallic paint)
Photos: Dan/PrimeExposures
I've got a Mk5 140 GT TDi and my other half a Mk6 with an inch larger alloys and the difference in low speed ride is really noticeable, from compliant on mine to borderline harsh on hers. Although the trade off in less roll is noticeable too.
Still, a great classless take anywhere car for 95% of the time in the UK.
Please please please bring back the M135i.
Anyway, let me make some predictions...
1. PH will get a GTI on the staff pool.
2. Someone will write about it every other day.
3. There will be an item about winter tyres.
4. Someone will compare the Golf to all the other hatchbacks.
5. The Golf will be thirstier than expected.
6. Some poor staffer will die a slow death trying to write about it without using the words and phrases such as "competent", "excellent", "all-rounder", "obvious choice" and "build quality"..
7. The Golf will create a lot of debate about its price. Many will say that PH should take a Skoda VRS instead.
There, thats PH copy sorted out for the winter period regarding the Golf. Given that it is that predictable, maybe PH can just skip to the end and not bother?
Lets have an argument about kit cars instead. It'll be a lot more interesting.
Please please please bring back the M135i.
Anyway, let me make some predictions...
1. PH will get a GTI on the staff pool.
2. Someone will write about it every other day.
3. There will be an item about winter tyres.
4. Someone will compare the Golf to all the other hatchbacks.
5. The Golf will be thirstier than expected.
6. Some poor staffer will die a slow death trying to write about it without using the words and phrases such as "competent", "excellent", "all-rounder", "obvious choice" and "build quality"..
7. The Golf will create a lot of debate about its price. Many will say that PH should take a Skoda VRS instead.
There, thats PH copy sorted out for the winter period regarding the Golf. Given that it is that predictable, maybe PH can just skip to the end and not bother?
Lets have an argument about kit cars instead. It'll be a lot more interesting.
Still, a great classless take anywhere car for 95% of the time in the UK.
I'd save but a TomTom and The PP and adaptive dampers for the same money.
Or, as you rate the car on standard suspension so highly, forget the adoptive option altogether.
There, £2500ish saved. Oh, and forget the silver paint, waste of money, stick with white or red (presuming they are no-cost options).
Vw seem to be going down the Porsche route of options, almost making it implicit that a fully-specced car won't sell second-hand....
Still, a great classless take anywhere car for 95% of the time in the UK.
Actually having said that even if the Golf did the above people would still find a way of complaining because it's the done thing.
It's only ever PH that has such a bizarre unquantified hatred for the Golf GTI. Loads will say it's crap and say buy a Renault Megane or Focus yet you will look through Readers Rides and find a handful of people who have Golfs say they are great and rarely will anyone put their money where their mouth is and buy Renault to use as a daily.
Actually having said that even if the Golf did the above people would still find a way of complaining because it's the done thing.
It's only ever PH that has such a bizarre unquantified hatred for the Golf GTI. Loads will say it's crap and say buy a Renault Megane or Focus yet you will look through Readers Rides and find a handful of people who have Golfs say they are great and rarely will anyone put their money where their mouth is and buy Renault to use as a daily.
That said, people seem happy to do lots of miles in them, so I think I must just be a funny shaped person.
Aside from the initial outlay (I too am stunned at how you can get more power, trick diffs etc for HALF the money of a fricken sat nag!!), I cannot fault the GTI as an everyday car. Mine are great.
That said - if this new one gives me 20 more HP and does the claimed 47mpg combined, I will eat my own face. I can get 35-38mpg in my Mk6 210hp if I drive like a homo...I cry foul at that new claim!
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