The goods
As I noted earlier, the previous car was not broken. This then explains why the uber-competent turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 is again the motivator for the GTI. Producing a healthy 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant displays nay an oodle of lag or fatigue when pushed. The ample grunt allows the 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG gearboxes to propel the GTI to 100 km/h in 6.7 (DSG) and 6.8 (6M) seconds.

The uber-competent turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 is again the motivator for the GTI.

The real story is how communicative, responsive and compliant the chassis is. Directly derived from the underpinnings of the MKV GTI, the platform is impressive. Able to be tossed and squeezed, the GTI loves on-limit driving. On the small track at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant, the super-Golf makes relative fun of turns 1-2-3 as near flat-out speeds are possible while the tires and brakes anticipate your next requests.

All this is due in part to the new sport suspension and 10-mm lower stance; not only does the car look poised to pounce but the ride quality seems to not have suffered any negative effects. An extended road test will confirm this fact. Meanwhile, the electro-mechanical variable assist power steering does impressive work of building up weight as the corners begin to flow in at a quicker pace. Helping progress is Volkswagen's new XDS (electronic limited-slip differential) system that monitors various wheel sensors and transfers extra juice to the wheel or wheels with the most grip.

More goods...
You may ask, I know I did, why no 211-hp and 258 lb-ft 2.0T, as found in Audi’s latest products, is offered with the new GTI. It would appear that the fiendishly arousing Golf R (AWD, 265-hp 2.0T) has found itself in the “potentially for North America” column... Dangerously enticing...

Getting back to reality, the MKVI GTI's pricing is actually reasonable with the base car being listed at $28,675, reaching $32,275 for a loaded 5-door. Moreover, and quite likely the most appreciable aspect of this hot-hatch, is that it is a versatile, comfortable daily-driver that can most easily double as a weekend track car.

Amongst its fiercest competitors, we find the Mazdaspeed3 and the WRX hatchback. Given the overlapping price ranges, the GTI depends heavily on its pedigree and high-end cabin. The other two trump it performance-wise, however passenger quarters are certainly in the low-brow category by comparison. This will manifestly all change if and when the R arrives. I do fear though that it will price itself in EVO and STI territory and leave the GTI shortchanged. How about a 35th Anniversary edition with 240 hp?



Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert