Volkswagen was initially introduced as the people’s car. But here in Malaysia, VW cars are essentially a not-so-people’s car. VW Malaysia however only targeting on niche market rather than entering the mainstream market monopolize by Japanese duo of Toyota and Honda. Due to the fact that only a small numbers of vehicles brought in, it is quite a rare sight to see VW cars on the road. Of all the models, Golf GTI is the most acquired VW and day by day, an increasing number of Golf GTI can be seen on our road.

Powertrain

The GTI is powered by a force-fed 2.0 TFSI engine which uses a low pressure turbine combined with the direct-injection technology. The infamous engine is also used in various other VW group vehicles such as Audi A4, Audi TT and Skoda Octavia. This engine dominates the world’s engine award in its category for 3 years in a row.

On the run, this engine is a real all-rounder performer which combines good economy and good performance. How about having 200PS of power and 280Nm of torque (constant from 1800-5000rpm) and yet consumes only 7.8L/100km on average day to day driving. The engine behavior is very different from that of the Mitsubishi’s as the peak torque arrives at a very low 1800rpm which makes it feels like driving a turbo-diesel with no hint of turbo lag at all. Rev the engine up to the redline however and it will not disappoint you.

On the downside however, the TFSI engine note is a bit coarse for a performer and it sounds like a Ford Ranger at idle. The real acoustic however can be heard when the car is on the run and it sounds nice on the upper rev range. To get things more exciting, upshifting with the DSG box will be followed by a fire-cracking sound which can be very entertaining.

Drivetrain

As for the transmission, GTI is equipped with the excellent dual clutch 6-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox). Gear change is super fast and accurate. Using the paddle shift on the steering wheel will make you feel like driving a Formula 1 and it is very useful when for some spirited driving. Complete with the launch control to help the car off the line, it can be addictive for enthusiasts. Leave it to D however and the transmission behaves just like a normal auto tranny. The tall 6th ratio on the GTI helps improve fuel economy as crusing at 120km/h on the highway will register only 2500rpm on the tacho.

Ride and Handling

Malaysian GTI is equipped with sports suspension package which cause the ride to be a bit thrashy on our beloved Jalan Raya. The true potential of the car however shines when it comes to winding roads. Driving through Ulu Yam will bring a smile to the driver. For optimum traction when generating some lateral G, the electronic differential lock works perfectly and the car can be push up to the limit without suffering any hint of understeer. Rating at 1.3tonnes, the car is not a lightweight performer but it feels like one on the limit.

Overall

All in all, I feel the Golf GTI mkV have the perfect blend of performance and day to day practicality. It has 4-doors, a big boot and excellent interior space (the legroom is better than that of the waja’s). At 200K, the price is reasonable considering the less powerful and less practical Mini Cooper S is 30K+ more expensive. Looking at the long list of equipments such as 8 airbags and 10-speakers sound system, it may also seem that buying a Golf GTI is in fact a bargain.