Fridae

The first Golf GTi was hatched in 1981 with a then anticipated run of 5000 units. By the mid 1980's Volkswagen had to churn out 5000 units every month. With 110 horsepower, the MK I Golf GTi could make the 0-100 KM/H dash in 9.8 secs. Respectable performance back then coupled with heroic handling abilities and all round usability; the MK I Golf GTi became the "IT" car in the 80's that showed the world how a "reality" mobile should be; reasonable pricing with sports car slaying performance in a hatchback.

The current MK V Golf GTi is like the comeback that Mariah Carey made with the The Emancipation of MiMi after her infamous meltdown. The previous Golf GTi (MK IV) had (over)weight issues that blunted performance and induced clumsy handling. Throwing out all excess baggage and the MK V Golf GTi stormed right back into limelight with an inspiring 2 litre turbocharged direct injection engine with a brand new platform to reclaim the throne to rule the hot hatch kingdom once again!

Styling is subtle here. A honey comb grille with red highlights (just like the MK I Golf GTi) mated with horse shoed 17" alloys are the only obvious hues from afar. Very much in line with the 21st century of playing things cool. Three years on since the GTi's arrival in Singapore, most owners had kept their Golf GTi free from plastic surgery and enhancements. Which I think is a strong testament for Volkswagen's styling success of the greatest revival of the affordable sporting hero car for the masses. The white colour scheme on the test car got the thumbs up from the tough critics at the (extremely hard to please) Fridae office.

The interior of the Golf GTi is smattered with reasons to justify the higher asking price; special sport seats, the much copied flat bottom steering wheel and the "golf ball" gear lever and aluminum pedals. The Golf GTi interior is adequately sporty without removing the practical elements of the regular Golf hatchback. However just like the regular Golf, the lower regions of the interior feels cheap; just keep your hands on the "oh so fabulous steering wheel!" The Golf GTi is all the car you would ever need to transport your pets, friends or lover(s).

Today, the MK V Golf GTi sports 200 rampaging stallions under the bonnet courtesy of direct injection and turbocharging, it manages to hit 100 km/h in a mere 6.9 secs with the amazingly smooth 6-speed DSG gearbox slotting through the gear changes faster than the manual transmission (7.1 secs). The GTi is free from lag and thrives on revving, simply a delightful package with a deep throated bassy exhaust note! Wheel spin is easily achievable should you lack skills or was simply not paying attention (This is strongly discouraged).

Without resorting to four wheel drive like its more expensive siblings (Golf R32 and Audi S3), the front wheel drive MK V Golf GTi demonstrates the grip of a threatened feline. The costly independent multi-link suspension at the rear is responsible for the high levels of tractability during cornering. The steering is full of feel and direct enough. Enough to put that grin on your glummy Monday morning face. Ride comfort has a much harder edge than the "cooking" Golf, but far from being harsh like other hot hatches that will cause me more visits to the dentist! Incidentally, the brakes on the Golf GTi are a phenomenon, it saved my life and itself by hauling my speeding GTi to a stop when an inconsiderate and incompetent driver changed lane abruptly.

The practicality of a hatchback, the grunt of a modern two litre turbocharged engine and the handling finesse which rates highly among the current crop of hot hatches the MK V Golf GTi finds a delicate balance between fun and everyday livability. I am left in awe, bearing in mind that this car is very near replacement as the MK VI Golf will be unveiled in this October's Paris Motor Show and be on sale in Europe in Jan 2009. The Golf GTi will be a buy for both the heart and the mind.

Industry news
There are sneak previews of the 2009 MK VI Golf. It may be only a little over five years since the introduction of the current MK V Golf but the next generation has been brought forward a couple of years earlier (typically a Golf's life cycle would be eight years).

PR folks have cited that the current sales of the MK V Golf has been below expectations in Western Europe despite the Golf still being the top seller. Industry buzz is that the current MK V Golf takes over 30 hours to assemble, while a rival's equivalent model would take 18 hours to complete. With waning profits, the more simple and faster to assemble MK VI Golf can't come any quicker.

Closer inspection of the MK VI Golf would reveal a return to the tauter lines of the much sexier MK IV Golf. Frontal lights draws inspiration from the Scirocco and with the rear lights coming from big brother Touraeg. The excellent MK V's platform will be carried over with revisions to improve NVH and refinement levels. Only two engine options on the MK VI Golf, either the 1.4 TSI or the 2.0 FSI in various states of tune. Singapore cars are expected to be shipped with the famed DSG transmission.

Golf GTi fans will have even more cause to rejoice as the MK VI Golf GTi could come armed with 211 horsepower with an updated version of the current 2.0 turbo engine. Also, the Golf R32 could be the last 6-cylinder engined Golf as its replacement could be an higher tuned 2.0 turbo engine with 265 horsepower (like the current Audi S3).

	Volkswagen Golf GTi (5-door)
Engine	1,984 cc 4 cylinder 16V, DOHC, Turbocharged
Transmission	6-Speed DSG (Automatic)
Max. Power	200 HP @ 5000rpm
Max. Torque	280 NM @ 1800rpm
0-100 km/h	6.9 secs
Top speed	233 km/h
Fuel Economy	8.0 L/100km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	190 g/km (Euro IV compliant)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4204mmX1995mmX1485mm / 1391 kg
Price with COE*	$123,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.

P.S. An ergonomic flaw noted: Cupholders lack depth, beware of spillage.