Affordable fun

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

The Golf is quite a nostalgic name among car buffs in Thailand for it was one of the genuine hatchbacks that created quite a stir in the compact (C-segment) car segment during the nineties.

Back then, the Golf Mk3 - along with its Vento saloon sibling - managed to compete in the B700,000 sector, thanks to lowered import duties on completely built-up cars.

But as soon as the government saw the need to protect the local car-making business due to the Asian financial crisis in 1997, import taxes were raised again and remained ever since.

Because of this, the Mk4 had to be imported at B1.5m - double the price of its predecessor. Low sales meant that importation of the Mk5 was not worthwhile.

Despite its absence, there were still some calls for the Thai Volkswagen importer in reviving sales of the iconic hatch, which was why it was decided earlier this year to bring in the latest Mk6 to Thai shores on an official basis.

Would it work at B1.98m - double that of a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus that are both built in Asean - even though the Golf has tech-savvy features like a turbo/supercharged 1.4-litre petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission?

One would largely be inclined to suggest otherwise because other imported models like the Citroen C4, Peugeot 308 and Subaru Impreza are moving out of showrooms at a snail's pace.

But hey, the Golf is back after all for fans of it who don't mind spending more to be different from the crowd. But it's still quite irresistible to depart with that cash as it just sounds too illogical when Golf's money gets you a Focus and a 3.

So how could a Golf diehard make its day? Allow us to introduce you to the perfect Golf that should have come to Thailand ages ago: the iconic GTI that's greatly respected among enthusiasts with not so fat wallets.

What makes the GTI such an interesting proposition - and a good reason to forget about the regular Golf completely - is its showroom appeal.

Not only is the GTI a mere B500,000 dearer than the Golf 1.4, but it's also far more powerful with a 210hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (the 1.4 has got just 122hp). And the GTI also gets the same twin-clutch automatic, albeit with one lesser ratio.

Volkswagen also happens to a very fortunate player in Thailand because the GTI's engine perfectly slots into the lowest excise tax bracket of 30% for passenger cars.

The Ford Focus ST and Mazda 3 MPS both come with engines producing more than 220hp, meaning a 50% excise tax, circa B4m pricetags and no Thai sales. That's why Subaru had to ask its parent firm to prepare a special 220hp motor for the WRX which costs nearly the same as the GTI at B2.42m.

And to put things into perspective, the price difference between a WRX and a non-special Impreza is nearly a B1m - double the gap of VW's Golf.

And it is this very WRX that has been winning hearts of car lovers with its turbo performance and B2.5m pricetag. But that isn't the case today since Subaru has decided to go soft with their latest crop of cars, including the WRX, in an attempt to broaden its customer base.

So you may ask: is the GTI the new alternative to the WRX? In one word, yes. Delve into specification and you'll note that VW is giving far more than Subaru at the same price.

First, there's the 2.0-litre engine that's an improved unit of the one used in the Scirocco and Audi TT, both producing a lesser 200hp, coupled to the latest in transmission tech; the WRX has a five-speed manual gearbox.Move onto safety and note the GTI's comprehensive level of active and passive features. And if that's not enough, the Highline trim - as tested here at B2.66m - comes with automatic climate control, multi-function display, adaptive suspension and 18-inch wheels.

In short, the GTI is well specified for the money and knocks its intended competition - even the ambitiously priced Mini - flat on the canvas when it comes to equipment and pricing.

And the way the GTI's engine behaves on the move is exceptional. With such a broad torque curve starting from below 2,000rpm, performance is flexible throughout, be it in cities or highways.

You hardly feel any shortage of power. And under right circumstances, the GTI easily reaches its top speed without sweat. But, at the same time, you just crave for more oomph as you can feel that the car can cope with some extra.

That's why maximum power is achieved at a rather low 5,300rpm when 6,000rpm and up is usually the norm for cars with a performance attitude. You start to think of the Golf R with 271hp, but that will cost over B4m in Thailand due to tax reasons.

That's why the Thai VW importer is affiliated to ABT, which can "chip" the GTI's electronic control unit (ECU) to around 265hp at a cost of no more than B100,000. Now, that sounds even greater value. No wonder, it is forecast that at least 90% of GTI buyers will go for the conversion.

But even without it, the GTI is still big on performance. Plus, the 12kpl average Motoring has got in the GTI in a drive to Bang Saen proves that performance does not always have to come at a price. Imagine if the GTI got the seven-speeder...

Although the smooth-running engine may sound a little muted for a car that's supposed to score on fun factor, the way the exhaust pipes sound during upshifts is truly addictive - just like in the Mk5 GTI.

European cars are known to have driving characteristics progressively matching increased performance, which is the case for the GTI.

There's no scarcity of stopping power and proper pedal feel, while the handling and ride balance is quite exceptional for a C-sized hot hatch. In other words, good road-holding isn't compromised with an uncomfortable ride.

Despite riding on 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres from Continental, harshness wasn't too pronounced at all. Other tyre suppliers include Bridgestone and Dunlop which will be randomly fitted on GTIs headed for Thailand, according to the Thai VW unit.

Even when the suspension is put in comfort mode, the GTI still handles neatly when you take it a notch higher in real-world driving.

Press hard in corners and note that understeer is hardly prevalent, thanks to an electronic diff fitted on the front axle. The handling balance feels very neutral like in Minis and takes the GTI to the top of the class of FWD-cars currently available in the Thai market.

While talkative steering setups are becoming quite rare these days, the GTI's rack is nicely weighted and not too short on feel. It works well mechanically, and it also looks good.

The paddle-shifters, remote switches and GTI badge on the steering really make it a good place to sit in. The seat itself is the bucket type with pronounced contours and adds up to sporty flavour of the GTI's cabin.

It has to because the GTI is based on a mass-market hatchback. Had it not been for those aesthetic touches - like on the outside - and soft-to-touch plastics, it would have looked very ordinary, if solidly built though.

In fact, the package itself is not that startling. The Golf is fractionally smaller than an Impreza and Mazda3 in size, so don't go expecting a spacious cabin, especially in the rear and boot. The rear seats don't fold away impressively, too.

But will that matter to prospective clients of the GTI who are most likely to focus on driving performance rather than practicality?

Some may so no. And for that reason, you might as well just go for the sexier-looking Golf-based Scirocco that looks every bit like a proper sporting hatchback. Either way, you are about to end up with one of the most accomplished VWs ever to arrive on Thai shores for more than a decade.

The GTI, in this case, offers a rewarding driving experience with plenty of performance, handling finesse, visual appeal and value-for-money. For those disappointed with the Impreza WRX, your car has finally arrived.

Relate Search: Volkswagen Golf GTI