It was the sound that woke him up. My friend that is. He'd been dozing off the moment he got in the new Golf GTI Mark 6 that I was test-driving. I didn't blame him. The cabin is exceptionally quiet.
You may come across Golf GTI purists who are divided on the styling or technical specifications of the new GTI. But one improvement in the new GTI that will find no detractors is the quietness inside. According to Volkswagen, this is due to a special sound-damping film in the windshield which reduces noise, as does the newly developed seal design on the doors and side window guides.
Apparently, the new shape of the side mirrors generate significantly less wind noise. This uncanny bit of aerodynamics also ensures that ‘spray' from the road is drawn away from the windows, keeping visibility high. Special modifications isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another, and this makes for a quieter cabin. As a final touch, new engine bearings round off the noise reduction programme.
But then, as I said, when the engine started playing its sweet notes, it certainly woke him up. It was later while I was reading the literature on the GTI that I realised that Volkswagen had taken it up as a serious exercise.
The noise level apparently is regulated by the newly developed GTI exhaust system - the pair of chrome tailpipes integrated in the black diffuser. Inside, a complex exhaust routing system produces the typical GTI sound. A sound generator ensures "the engine acoustics are perfectly ‘mixed' in the car's interior". And to think we took it so much for granted! Sound and tailpipes aside, what sets the GTI apart from the ordinary Golf? A walkaround won't let on much. You have to take a closer look to notice there are a lot of small changes which all add up to making a big difference.
Let's start from the rear. It looks both sporty and elegant. The rear light clusters blend well and the horizontally positioned lights are striking. The twin exhaust tailpipe adds a degree of meanness, like the GTI means business.
This car is slung lower due to a lowered sports suspension; its front end was lowered by 22 millimetres, and its rear by 15 millimetres. The GTI also has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, and looks sleek.
The ‘face' of the GTI, the front grille, is striking enough finished in black and chrome, with sporty red stripes. OK, nobody's ever been interested in the GTI for just its looks. So, on with the drive. The GTI we get here has the by now standard dual clutch DSG (direct shift gearbox). I may be repeating myself, but for newcomers this means that there are two clutches; the first one selects the current gear while the second clutch pre-selects the next gear and automatically engages it when you hit a certain amount of revs. The gear changes are incredibly smooth and happen within a split-second.
While this worked well enough in the Passat CC, I am not so sure about the GTI. But the car is certainly a performance hatchback like no other. You can take it across most roads, transport five people comfortably and carry a fair bit of luggage in the boot.Of course, being a front wheel-drive it has its restrictions, but a new electronic differential lock keeps the understeer to a minimum, and improves traction.
The XDS, or electronic transverse differential lock, unlike a mechanical one, minimises wheel spin by lightly braking the front driven wheel that is slipping via the ABS/ESP system.
The 210bhp that drives the 2-litre unit is made the most of through communicative steering. The engine produces 280Nm torque - quite a lot to tap into. The top speed is 240kmph, and the manual says it makes the 0-100 dash in 6.9 seconds.
The six-speed DSG still works its magic while taking the twists and turns of the Masafi highway. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts are provided, but I didn't bother with them. There is a little lag when you take off from idle, but you can soon get used to it.
The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system allows three different driver-selected suspension settings from an already-extraordinary chassis and suspension set-up.
Normal, Comfort and Sport settings can be selected at will, which changes the stiffness of the electronically-controlled dampers and increases the response from the steering and acceleration.
Taking corners quickly can be a little hair-raising while on Comfort, but can be quite fun on Sport.
The GTI also has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a distance control system. When ACC is activated, the system automatically brakes within a speed window of 30 to 210 kmph when it detects a vehicle too close in front. With all of these features, it would be a shame if the performance were not up to scratch.
But I have to admit that when the GTI accelerates, it flies! When you're not acting like a boy racer, the GTI settles down into a really comfortable ride. The suspension takes care of the road bumpiness, but is still firm enough to take corners in style and make you feel you're flying while still firmly hugging the road. The steering is light but responsive, so long drives are not tiring at all.
The interior is everything that you would expect from a Volkswagen. The newly designed leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel is fitted with ergonomically designed switches, making it easy to flick between radio and computer functions. The interior has refined surfaces, especially in the driver's area. The appearance and layout of materials, the brushed chrome accents and round instruments spells class. Certainly adds to the impression of a much higher-end car.
Automatic climate control and a RNS 510 radio navigation system with touch screen are nifty additions. The power window controls are located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access. The dashboard has a neat feature line to break up that expanse of black plastic. The standard front sport seats are well bolstered and do a great job of hugging the body during cornering. Overall, there's a general feeling of space and the security that comes with a Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating.
It may not be the fastest nor the most powerful in its class, but where the GTI works its magic is as a hard-working everyday car as well as an exciting weekend drive. Starting at Dh116,000, the new GTI is certainly worth a look for some extra thrills.
