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REV UP - Pocket rocket
By CPL Andrew Hetherington
Volume 50, No. 10, June 14, 2007 |
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NO NONSENSE: The fifth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Photo: CPL Andrew Hetherington |
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Hot hatches are becoming one of the fastest expanding segments in the international motor market.
The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf GTI is in its fifth generation after its first production in Germany in 1976.
Under the bonnet is a flexible two-litre turbo-charged engine capable of producing 147kW of power and 280Nm of torque.
The six-speed DSG transmission is fun and easy to use in either automatic or semi-automatic mode by using the paddle shift controls behind the steering wheel.
One constant thing you will be reminded of, is the sweet engine exhaust note that emits from the tail pipe.
Keeping the driver in touch with the road is a flat bottomed, leather trimmed steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, low profile tyres and sports suspension with anti-roll bars front and rear.
This combination provides a very direct, fluid steering, tight and efficient handling package, mated to extremely effective, large diameter front and rear disc brakes.
Exterior styling is typical classic VW Golf GTI.
The rest of the vehicle has a stylish, don’t mess with me look about it. Inside, the cabin has been well designed and built using high quality materials.
Dual zone CFC free digital climate control air-conditioning keeps you in your desired temperature zone and between the two front seats is a sizeable centre console. Cabin occupants are aurally well catered for with a head-thumping in-dash six-disc CD player with 10 speakers.
Driver and front seat passenger are held in place in two firm, comfortable cloth trimmed sport seats.
It is also very easy to find the right driving position, with a manual seat height adjust handle and height and reach adjustable steering wheel.
The back seats are equally as comfortable as the front, but for tall passengers they might find the experience a little cramped.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI three-door is a well designed and built, fast, great handling vehicle, which would suit anyone after a bargain, quality and safe hot hatch.
| FAST FACTS |
Price: $40,790 Plus on road costs.
Power: 147kW of power and 280Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre FSI turbo engine.
0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds (claimed).
Fuel consumption and type: 8.0 litres per 100km (combined), RON 98 P/ULP.
Co2 emissions: 192 grams/km.
Safety rating: Euro NCAP 5-star rating; the highest attainable.
My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. |
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