The New MkV GTI – the best yet?

Thanks to Chris Cope of Parkway VW Derby I was recently given the chance to experience the new GTI first hand following the loan of their demonstrator vehicle to complete a line up all the marks at GTI Trackshow.

Having started my driving career in a MkI Golf, I have progressed through more VW’s than I can remember including three MkII GTI’s, a MkII 16v and a MkIII VR6 with many other models along the way. I have also been lucky to drive many other models through hire and loan including MKIV 1.8T, Corrado and MKI GTI. Although the closest I had managed to the MkV GTI was a GOLF SDI.

Of the SDI I remember commenting that despite the lack of power at the top end for overtaking, joining motorways, etc. (however, very responsive in urban areas) the handling of the new Golf was fantastic even for a base model. The new, multi-link rear suspension has moved the Golf’s dynamic ability forward massively.

I had been looking forward to taking possession of the new GTI from the very moment Chris had confirmed its availability. After going through the release formalities, whereby Chris begged me not to crash it to save having parts of his anatomy chewed off by his boss Steve Lester, I was free to take to the road.

After getting in, the first thing that strikes you is how well laid out and familiar the controls are. Being over six feet tall, the first job was to lower the seat and alter the column for rake and reach. This was where I got my first big surprise, as when I used the handle next to the seat base to ‘pump’ the seat lower it kept going to its lowest setting, giving me masses of room above my head and allowing a seating position akin to that achievable in a Corrado.

Turning the key the engine fired instantly and settled to a smooth and quiet idle - it’s amazing just how quiet the car is when stationary. Engaging first I edged out of the parking space and through the busy dealership car park to the exit. I was immediately struck by just how easy to drive and manoeuvre the car is at low speed thanks to its electronic power steering and the tractability of the engine.

Once at the main road, I pulled out onto the road and eased round to the first island before turning right and accelerating up to the 40 mph limit. As I gently squeezed the throttle, the car surged forward with a lovely gruff engine note and I was soon working the gearbox to catch up.

Once used to the controls I headed home and had time to check out the quality and style of the cabin, which has heralded the return of the dark headlining, and trim reminiscent of early GTI’s. The firm and supportive seats are easily adjusted and the retro tartan cloth trim is a clear styling cue from the MkI. All the controls are simple to use and well made, as is the dashboard that although described by some as cheap looking, I found perfectly acceptable. The rotary knobs for the 2-zone climate control are easy to use with the nice touch of being able to turn the air conditioning off by pushing the middle.

It wasn’t long before I hit the usual Derby traffic and it was here that the GTI started to show its competence as an everyday car. Stop-start and walking speed progress was made effortlessly and before I knew it I was clear of the traffic and nearly home.

Arriving outside the house, I selected reverse and backed onto my drive. Despite the Golf’s inevitable increase in width and length coupled with the high rear and substantial C pillars, visibility and confidence in the size of the vehicle was good and the car was quickly and easily parked on the drive.

The weekend saw me making use of the luggage carrying capacity to lug all the stand materials and cleaning kit for both the MKV and my MkII that I had already delivered to the exhibition hall. The golf swallowed everything with ease again showing its versatility as everyday transport. The boot release integrated in the VW roundel was particularly interesting (having long been a feature of SEAT cars) and provided much amusement and discussion for the owners of the other cars on the stand (they really need to get out more…).

The commute to the event both days took in a variety of roads depending on which of the two ways I chose, and in power and acceleration the new GTI did not disappoint in any circumstance providing progressive output through the huge slab of torque. The engine is both refined and powerful, making driving effortless whether you are pressing on or just cruising. Mated to the smooth and precise change of the six-speed gearbox, it provides a well-engineered package that allied to the excellent chassis, brakes and subtle yet purposeful styling gives an exciting, safe and rewarding drive.

The chassis is where the real improvements over predecessors become really evident as the car now has the cornering ability to match the power whilst still retaining a high level of comfort. Complimented by the ESP this stacks up to a very safe and competent package that holds on where standard GTI’s of old would be ‘cocking’ the inside rear wheel and under steering. I would even go as far to compare the right angle bend ability of the car with an Imprezza Turbo and its four-wheel drive. Body roll is well controlled and inspires confidence to the point that you feel you would have to do something really ridiculous to get the car out of shape.

All too soon the weekend was over and it was time to drive the car back to Parkway VW on the Monday morning. I felt genuinely sad to be handing the keys back as the driving experience was so good in all aspects, including the approving nods and attention the car got from other roads users and pedestrians alike. The New GTI has not just ‘matured’ in the vein of the MkIII and MkIV but has reinvented itself as a hedonistic, superior, big brother to the Golf family, that as Jeremy Clarkson said ‘does everything well’ - which I strongly agree is the sign of a truly good hot-hatch.

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