hot hatch Archives

First details and pictures of the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk. 8

The ‘GTI’ suffix has been used by some manufacturers on their high-performance models, largely inspired by the success and popularity of the Volkswagen Golf GTI that came out in 1976. The German carmaker produced the original ‘hot hatch’ and was so protective of the ‘GTI’ badge that it even took Suzuki to court to try to stop its use on the Swift in the early 2000s. The General Court of the European Union favoured Suzuki, declaring that ‘any visual, phonetic or conceptual similarity” between the two cars was negated by the Swift model name’.

The court also stated that most customers ‘would not assume that all vehicles, parts and accessories come from the same manufacturer simply on the basis of the three letters ‘GTI,’ and accordingly any likelihood of confusion was excluded’.

Still, ‘GTI’ remains very strongly associated with the Golf and with the launch of the 8^th generation of the model line, a new version has been eagerly awaited. The new Golf GTI will maintain its design DNA and character – a relief when you see how Volkswagen is also accelerating electrification of its models.

As before, the new GTI has an understated look which makes it a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. However, GTI fans will recognise familiar elements like the red pinstripe. The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front.

Upon activating the daytime running lights, two continuous LED strips up to the Volkswagen logo emphasise this striking line. This creates the completely new, unmistakable headlight design of the Golf GTI. Just as striking is the large, continuous, air inlet grille at the bottom featuring the honeycomb pattern so typical of this model as well as the integrated foglights.

Output raised to 245 ps/370 Nm
Preliminary information available (the model will have its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month), we know that it will have a 245 ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine which also produces maximum torque of 370 Nm. The numbers of this latest EA888 engine represent increases of 15 ps and 20 Nm when compared to the GTI of the last generation, and on par with the Performance Pack version of that same car.

The 4-cylinder engine can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed dual clutch DSG. Volkswagen says that top speed is limited to 250 km/h with a slight improvement in the 0 – 100 km/h sprint.

GTI character, digital capabilities
Although Volkswagen is enhancing the digital and networking capabilities of the eighth-generation Golf to an unprecedented extent, many of the original GT insignia can still be found on board. However, the sports steering wheel of yesteryear has been transformed into a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls and an optionally integrated Travel Assist button to allow the powerful Golf to run at a top speed of 210 km/h while Travel Assist is engaged.

The three silver spokes on the steering wheel have been retained the central area having a red finish. The classic checked pattern of the sports seats is also retained, the new checked design now being called ‘Scalepaper’. Incidentally, this pattern was the influence of one of the company’s first female designers, Gunhild Liljequist, who joined Volkswagen’s Department of Fabrics and Colours 30 years ago.

She had gained a lot of inspiration from her travels around England and was always taken by high-quality fabrics with checked patterns. This would lead her to use the tartan design, then known as ‘Clark Plaid’, for the Golf GTI which would go on to become a familiar sight in the hot hatch.

More information will be available when the car is launched and if we’re lucky, we may get to see it in Malaysia by the end of 2020, if not earlier.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen products and services available in Malaysia.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: VW Golf GTi 2.0 TSI Reviewed In 5-Minutes! [+Video]

Oh boy, this is gonna be a tough one. You see in this line of work, which now spans for half my lifetime (no, really, I started out in my early 20’s and I just turned 50, wow.) I’ve driven a LOT of cars. Some were good, some were wanting, and some were just downright dismal. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the automotive industry, especially from this side of the fence, the biggest one of course being the advent of digital media. Don’t forget when I first started out we were still using print film. What’s ‘film’ you ask? Sheesh, ever heard of ‘proofs’? Very soon, you never will again, mark my words.

Why is this gonna be a tough one? Well, with any car review, there are always pros and cons, good and bad, pretty and pretty ugly. It’s our job to best convey all this in the most presentable and tactful manner, for if it’s one thing I’ve learned in the last quarter century, “it’s not what you say but how you say it”. This old adage still rings true today, digital world and all. Here comes the problem though (finally); after a week with the Golf GTi, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about it. I couldn’t find one thing wrong with it. As such, my usual 5-minute in-car review became a whopping 13-minutes! Sorry ya, I lied in the headline. Here it is…

I’ve pretty much covered everything I wanted to say about the Golf GTi in that video, so do take a minute (well, 13 anyway) to watch it, because I even went as far as giving marriage advice and helping you justify to the other half why you ‘needed’ to buy a Golf GTi. And by the way, if you need to know the price and detailed specifications, you can click and download this: VW Golf GTi Price & Specs

One of the things I can never comment about though is long-term ownership of course, but at my last interaction with the folks at VPCM, I was informed that the thorny “DSG issue” had been sorted out a long time ago. And while no specifics were given, I’m quite certain it all boiled down (pun intended) to our climate, traffic conditions, and in particular our heat & humidity, which caused a ruckus in that whole system earlier.

(NB: To ALL car and bike importers here, “tropicalisation” is a must for any vehicle you introduce. I’ve said this countless times)

With that sorted, it’s heartening to know that with 230Ps and 350Nm of torque, the Golf GTi is every bit as fun as you’d expect a hot-hatch to be. There’s oodles of low-end torque on tap, because the GTi makes all of it between 1,500rpm and 4,600rpm. Think of it this way; from just over idle speed, you have 350Nm of torque at your toe-tips. So ferocious is the power delivery in Sport mode that I actually felt torque-steer for the first time since reviewing the Mazda3 MPS.

The true beauty, or rather, the most impressive aspect of the Golf GTi though is that you really don’t need to drive like the devil himself is after you all the time. Yes, there’s Sport mode for that odd occasion you find yourself on your favourite stretch of deserted road, but I would reckon 90% of the time the GTi will be in Normal or Eco mode, and that’s fine too. I kid you not, it’s like having two cars in one.

See? 4-doors, back seat. Family car what! Ahem

Come to think of it, that’s the most appealing aspect of the GTi. It allows you to be a teenager all over again, while at the same time, allows you to revert back to your current self, in the here and now. And that way, even after 25-years, and after the 90% Normal & Eco modes are put away, this car will make you feel the way you felt the very first time you got your license and your first car.

It’s exhilarating, it’s intoxicating, it’s a veritable fountain-of-youth. As I said in my video, don’t take my word for it, go drive it for yourself. The Golf GTi made me realise why I’ve been doing this for the last quarter-century, so despite its quarter-million sticker price, to me, it’s priceless. – Chris Wee.

For more details on the VW Golf GTi 2.0 TSI, click this link.

VW Golf GTi Photo Gallery…

All-New 2018 Ford Focus Revealed!

Thanks to Auto Express, here’s the first-look at the new Ford Focus! The latest edition of Ford’s immensely popular family hatchback and hot-hatch is scheduled to be revealed in full in very soon, but an image that appeared on a Hungarian website has let the cat out of the bag early.

“The new Focus was snapped on a location shoot in Portugal and you can see from the image that the car’s minders would rather it hadn’t been. The rear spoiler, large alloy wheels and red brake calipers on the car in the picture suggests that this is the up-spec Ford Focus ST-Line model that’s set to head-up the range alongside the more luxury-orientated Vignale before a full blown Focus ST hot hatchputs in an appearance.” – Auto Express.

2018 Ford Focus Photo Gallery… (All images courtesy of Auto Express)

Suzuki releases more images of upcoming Swift Sport

Suzuki has revealed more images of the upcoming Swift Sport and by the looks of things, its going to be far sportier than its predecessor. We have covered its exterior design in a previous article and as such, we aren’t going to elaborate much about it here.

But we are happy to announce that the new car looks aggressive enough to pass off as a performance vehicle, but not enough to be repulsive to non-enthusiasts.

The recessed matte black honeycomb grille is far prettier than what you would get on the standard Swift, which besides being aesthetically pleasing, should also be able provide higher airflow to the powerplant.

Around the back, the racing style rear bumper features a two piece design that contrasts well with the twin performance exhaust pipes. They protrude somewhat, through dedicated holes in the lower piece of the bumper assembly.

That said, the area that has received the most improvement compared to the previous generation car is the interior. It looks and feels far sportier and more technologically advanced.

The bottom of steering wheel takes on a flattened shape, mimicking that
of racing cars. Several buttons have been integrated in to the steering wheel and a number of others set directly below it.

Red accents throughout the cabin provide the car with a a racing feel. This is especially evident when glancing at the bright red tachometer. A touch screen infotainment system occupies the majority of the centre stack.

This will probably function as a tool to inform drivers of their performance as well as provide them with an intuitive way of managing the vehicle’s systems.

The combined use of analog and digital instrument clusters should make for a more rewarding drive. Suzuki has built the car so as to be an extension of the driver instead of overwhelming him/her with a barrage of complicated data that detracts from the Swift’s Sport’s purpose.

Last but not least, we have to mention the semi-bucket racing seats. The minimalist black upholstery and contrasting red stitching are a nice touch. But as a whole, the seats should provide the driver and front passenger with adequate support during cornering.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport is shaping up to be a much needed improvement over its predecessor. We hope that builds upon the lively handling of the previous car without compromising on practicality.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will officially reveal the new Swift Sport at the 67th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which will take place on 12 to 13 September.

Hyundai i30 N, the Korean version of a hot hatch

The performance hatchback market has heated up these past few years. So much so that even Hyundai has decided to get in on the action. It’s setup its own performance tuning arm called the N. Vehicles that bare this letter are more performance oriented than the base models that they are based on.

If this sounds very familiar to you, that’s because it is. BMW has its M division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Ford has SVT. According to Hyundai, there are two reasons why the letter N was chosen to denote performance of its model naming system.

The first, N stands for Namyang, the place in South Korea that the automaker calls home and is where the idea of the creation of a performance arm came was conceptualized. The second reason is, the letter N resembles a sequence of corners of a racing track that is referred to as a chicane.

“The Hyundai i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible high-performance package,” says Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President Performance Development and High Performance Vehicle Division.”

He went on to say, “With the high-performance N models we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine.”

https://youtu.be/UUfVBi-igUQ

Whatever the case maybe, the first Hyundai to come with the N nomenclature is the i30. The humble yet striking family hatchback has been reworked from the ground up to be a performance vehicle that is able to go toe-to-toe with cars from the likes of Ford and Renault.

The front fascia has been tweaked to offer a more sporting appeal, but has been left largely untouched. The subtle bodykit provide the car with a more aggressive stance yet being tasteful enough not to seem tacky.

Behind the grille, special air curtains help limit air flow to reduce turbulence in the wheel housing and allow for more efficient cooling of the engine.

There are also special channels in the front bumper that direct air to the brakes for cooling. The rear features more angular contours than that on the standard car, too.

There’s a large rear spoiler mounted on the roof to improve downforce and to maintain stability at high speed. In fact, the entire car’s body panels have been tweaked to increase aerodynamic efficiency for maximum traction.

That coupled with an electronic limited slip differential help increase grip especially during high speed cornering. The dual sports exhaust, rear diffuser and trim pieces add to the sporty appeal that complement the 18/19 inch alloy sports rims.

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces nearly 275bhp and 353Nm of torque. the turbo is designed to offer boost at the lower end of the rev range allowing the engine to output linear power delivery. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, which should appeal to the purist fraternity.

As for the interior, the N version of the i30 receives a more sporty look which is evident by the addition of sports seats and an N exclusive, steering wheel.

This steering wheel has unique blue stitching and an N logo at the bottom. On the left of it, there’s drive selection options (Normal, Sport and Eco) that alter the drive behaviour.

On the right side of the steering wheel, there’s an N button that readies the car to match the optimum designated setting. There’s also a rev-matching feature that allow for better engine control during shifting, which should offer better acceleration and shorter sprint times.

The i30 N comes with a slew of tech that include Electronic Controlled Suspension (adjusts suspension behaviour), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential and a Variable Exhaust Valve System.

Despite the performance credentials, the car gets safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Hyundai’s i30 N has gone through extensive testing at the Nurburgring to ensure that they got the hot hatch recipe just right. That said, its a relatively new car, and we shall have to wait and see how well it stacks up against the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST as well as other established models.