If you feel the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI is a tad tame and the R model too explosive, there is an answer. Shoppers after their piece of the famous hot hatch success story can now opt for a new Performance Pack. Before we go into the other details, we need to address the most salient aspect of all – power!
The figures see a boost to 169kW (7kW more than normal); while the torque figure remains at 350Nm. Armed with this package, the GTI dashes from standstill to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, which is 0.1 of a second quicker than the standard version equipped with the two-pedal DSG transmission. Also, the Performance Pack model is only available in DSG guise.
Part of the mix is Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with adaptive dampers and three driving modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. A new electronic front differential lock does duty, which promises to help you slice through the bends with extra precision and less understeer. According to Volkswagen, the system “lets the driver apply much greater force to the accelerator pedal at the apex of a bend” – now this is exactly the kind of talk that is bound to get the fanboys salivating.
But you might be hard-pressed to distinguish the model from its less endowed sibling just by looking at it. Keep your eyes peeled for GTI logos on the brake calipers and the GTI emblem on the rear is red, versus silver on the 162kW version.
Apart from these upgrades, things remain the same and Volkswagen will still present you with the customary list of options. This includes xenon headlights, keyless-entry, park assist and a sunroof, among others. For the Performance Pack privilege you will pay R447 800, around R20 000 more than the standard DSG version. The price includes a five-year/90 000-kilometre service plan and a three-year/120 000-kilometre warranty.
-IgnitionLIVE Reporter
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