Volkswagen Golf 7.5 GTi Performance - Review and Test Drive

Welcome back to The Car Diaries, and after much delay we are back with Episode 3, to be very quickly followed by episode 4,5 and 6 in the next couple of weeks!

Again, thank you to everybody who has subscribed, liked and commented on our previous videos. At time of writing we have a solid 80 Subscribers so we can genuinely say that we appreciate each and every one of you!

So, episode 3 is all about Craigs brand new Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 GTi Performance. As you'll see in the video Craigs only owned the car for a couple of days, and there are some big plans coming (Unless I persuade him to buy that upgraded supercharger for his elise cup...) so make sure you are subscribed to keep up to date with everything that's going to be happening whilst we move back into car season.

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The new GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp). In the GTI Performance version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp). Both GTI models develop a maximum torque of 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft). The standard GTI accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h). The GTI Performance has a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) and takes 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h). Despite its performance, it is in insurance group 29E – five groups lower than its predecessor.

Both versions of the GTI are equipped with a Stop/Start system and fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 47.1 mpg‑imp (6.00 L/100 km; 39.2 mpg‑US) (CO2 emissions of 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 44.1 mpg‑imp (6.41 L/100 km; 36.7 mpg‑US) (equivalent to 148 g/km CO2 for the standard GTI and 149 g/km CO2 for the GTI Performance).

Buyers who opt for the £980 Performance pack gain not just an extra 10 PS of power, but also upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential. The front differential is a new development, dubbed VAQ. This provides more neutral and agile driving behaviour and allows higher speeds to be carried through curves. The system consists of a multi-plate coupler between the differential cage and right driveshaft, which controls locking torque electro-hydraulically. Visually, vehicles with the Performance pack are distinguished by ‘GTI’ lettering on the front brake calipers, black mirror caps, and red GTI badges on the front and rear.

As well as high performance, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard in the Golf GTI. On top of high passive safety levels – thanks in part to a passenger cell made from high- and ultra-high strength steels – active safety features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the vehicle brakes after an accident to reduce the chances of a second impact; the pre-crash system, which tensions seatbelts and closes windows and the sunroof if an accident is likely to improve the effectiveness of the airbags; Front Assist, which warns the driver in the event of coming too close to the vehicle in front, can prime the brakes, and operates at speeds of up to 99 mph; City Emergency Braking, which can automatically brake the vehicle at speeds below 18 mph; Automatic Distance Control, a radar-operated cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; and seven airbags as standard, including one for the driver’s knees.

In countries like Mexico, the GTI version is only available with the 5-door body style, with no plans to introduce the 3-door body.

On September 21, 2018, Volkswagen announced it will make "Rabbit Edition" GTI's for the 2019 model year. The Rabbit Edition will feature a LED lighting package, "Vmax" spoiler, 18-inch "Pretoria" alloy wheels painted in gloss black, and red tags embroidered with the VW Rabbit logo on the seat.