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
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.
