|  The new Golf GTI will debut at the Paris Auto show at the end of September and will go on sale in Germany this fall. The fifth generation of the GTI is powered by a new 16v 2.0l turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection gasoline (FSI in Volkswagen terms). The new 16v has 200hp and 207 lb-ft of torque available at a low 1,800 RPM. Power is relayed through either six speed manual or an available six speed DSG transmission. Volkswagen quotes a 0-62 mph time of around 7 seconds, however they have been extremely conservative in the past and we expect this car to be quicker than the outgoing model.
Take one look at the main performance figures and you will soon realise how vehemently the turbo engine breathes GTI fire into this Golf. Equipped with the standard six-speed gear box, the front-driven Golf GTI accelerates to 100km/h in just 7.2 seconds. Furthermore the 235km/h GTI just needs 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 60 to 100km/h in 5th gear. The average consumption is an economic 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The version with automatic double-clutch gearbox allows the Golf GTI to sprint from 0 to 100km/h even faster. The decisive fact is that the Golf GTI vehemently moves forward in virtually any situation. The car responds immediately to the accelerator pedal. It can, of course, be easily dosed to avoid fast starts when driving through towns and in slow-moving traffic. The clutch is light and the double-clutch gearbox is available as an option if you prefer an automatic. TCS helps the car pull away, the respective six-speed gearbox distributes the power and the electro/mechanical steering keeps the car on course. The only hectic component on board the new Golf GTI is the rev counter needle when you accelerate because it has to indicate the camshaft speed for a new gear every few seconds. At the same time, the speedo needle stoically follows its path towards the top speed. In second gear, the needle advances to 100km/h. Third gear pushes the Golf GTI up to 140 km/h, fourth is active up to 180 km/h, fifth up to 220 km/h and sixth takes care of the rest. The interior is well trimmed and inviting - especially at night when the instruments are illuminated by soothing blue backlighting. There's a generous amount of room for the front passenger, while the rear comfortably accommodates two or three at a push. Front sports seats give good support and are adjustable; retro-chic chequered seat fabric (just like the original) is standard, although other colours are available. Very quiet on the road, even on windy motorways. The range-topping Golf GTi has the following standard equipment: ABS with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), electronic stabilisation programme, driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints, three rear head restraints; three rear three-point seat belts, driver, front passenger and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat fittings, remote central locking, 2Zone electronic climate control, 10-speaker radio/CD player, automatic headlights, electric windows, front and rear (rear, five door only), electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering wheel multi-function computer, rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, special GTI instrument cluster, leather trimmed steering wheel, gaiter and handbrake grip with GTi logo, GTI height-adjustable sports seats, ‘Interlagos’ chequered cloth upholstery, front fog lights, rear spoiler, twin exhaust tail pipes, 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloy wheels and sports suspension. Xenon headlamps, parking sensors and sat nav are factory-fit options.
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