Volkswagen GTI myth stretches with the inclusion of a new version of 180 hp. This keeps the doses of fun and power of his younger brother 150 hp, while offering a more outstanding performance. The pity is that aesthetically, neither outside nor inside, it shows we’re in a special car.

Since we light contact, cajoling sound of this 1.8-liter turbocharged hypnotizes us. Sportsmanship which transmits makes us relamernos: “It seems that we will enjoy” think. During our urban journey, the propeller delights us with a notable escalation, is not the typical TDI which “pulls” very down and suffers from abrupt. We own par, that is indisputable, but we have to walk stepping on each little brake to prevent our missteps with the throttle.

Out to the open road and, almost without realizing it, we are already in fourth and … well, very quickly. 2,250 and 6,000 rpm, the propeller is maintained above 20 mkg torque respectable but between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm is shown where most power, no lowering of 25 mkg. All demands that we make the right pedal in that regime will be answered with immediacy by German mechanics. Overtaking and repechos not become a problem for this Golf and if you become, for nothing, we turn to change (always a treat in the compact Volkswagen), we got off a relationship and solved.
At the same time, has very tight developments leave us the sixth, which is soon reached, if we want to spend no more fuel than necessary and we want to lower the noise level, not excessive engine. Even circulating in this relationship, we lose prestacional capacity. Consumption, despite what you might think a priori, are not very high. On average, our Technical Center has obtained 9 liters in combined consumption. If you tread too, spending soars, but not to exorbitant figures (about 12 liters).

When the road begins to writhe, the Golf responds perfectly. Open curves, shows outstanding poise without departing one iota of course we marking him with the steering wheel; in the tightest, it demonstrates a very noble behavior. The rear of the car is exactly right for what signals the front. It is understeer, but that is normal in a front wheel drive to be transmitted 180 hp, gives greater dose of dynamism. However, it is a very frank car and whose reactions are very progressive. Warns when it is reaching the limit, and that the less skilled driver grateful. If, despite the warnings, we make a mistake, we can only trust the ESP stability control (standard version) or the ability of our hands on the wheel.
Suspensions are one of the sections have liked this Golf, so balancing your moron. No compromise occupant comfort, even in the most broken land because they filter very uneven terrain, and allow the body not swing too curves and slopes, increasing thereby the feeling of control over the vehicle.
Finally to round off a very distinguished group, we brakes with a very reliable touch, without excessive mordant in the first leg of pedal travel. Oversize front and rear discs (311 mm front and 255 behind) endure well overuse and offer stopping distances from 140 km / h very good (72.3 meters).

So if we disappoint in the Golf range and more so in such an exclusive and version as special as this GTI are the interiors. Not for its quality and finish, that although the years pass, continue to mark differences with the vast majority of its rivals, but its aesthetics. Dark colors still dominate the dashboard and the lack of “grace” of it is remarkable. More poignant is the fact that the buyer of this 180 hp GTI has the same dashboard that acquires a basic version. There is no concession to ornament or wink lovers “tuning” brand.
It’s time to talk about the base metal and the eternal question of whether a Golf is expensive or cheap. With a list price of 24,500 euros, it is more expensive than its rivals, the order of 1,500 euros. Even one of the main alternatives, the Focus ST 170 is 6,000 euros cheaper. Nor will apologize to the compact Volkswagen complete equipment, because, although it has standard features such as stability control, climate control and airbags for driver, front passenger and side, is missing something: CD Radio (230 euros) , metallic paint (290 euros) or cruise speed control (195 euros), for example. Let us not forget, however, the good start that has as second-hand vehicle, which makes its price depreciate very little.