Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7

The 7th generation Golf that debuted in its home country in 2012 was in the guise of a traditional Golf, with no radical changes at first glance, but its internals had advanced quite significantly.

In the renewed platform, a newly developed modular MQB system was utilised to raise driving performance, ride quality and safety to the next level. Even the base model exhibited a level of premium ride comfort that goes beyond its class. As the long running benchmark in C-segment cars, the Golf again raised the bar for others in its class.

This was also true for the 3 door and 5 door GTI sport model. The engine is a 2 litre, inline 4, intercooled turbo TSI, with the output improved from 207 BHP of the earlier GTI to 216 BHP. This improved the 0-100 km/h acceleration from 6.9 to 6.5 seconds and raised the top speed from 239 km/h to 246 km/h.

Another point of note is the further improved handling. Advances in the 'XDS' electronic control differential lock (which acts as a limited-slip differential), the adaptive chassis control 'DCC' and with the utilisation of progressive steering, the stability and cornering speed of the Golf improved dramatically.

Also as a first in the GTI series, blue motion technology has been adopted. Adding a brake energy recovery system and a start & stop mechanism, its environmental performance greatly improved. Furthermore there are many additional safety features including a pre-crash brake system and a lane assist system.

The Golf GTI has been known as a sportscar killer since its first debut. The 7th generation model carries on this heritage.