Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance 2014 review

We turn the spotlight on the VW Golf GTI Performance and ask the crucial questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?

What is it?

A GTI with a bit more – 169 instead of 162kW of power (but the same 350Nm of torque). It also gets a new front diff lock and the brakes have been beefed up, with 340mm discs at the front (28mm larger) and 310mm discs at the rear (10mm larger) – both front and rear are ventilated. 

How much?

The GTI Performance model retails for $48,490. That is $4000 more than a standard GTI with an auto (but still $6000 shy of the more powerful, all-wheel drive Golf R). You can pick the Performance by the GTI logo on the front brake calipers. 

What are competitors?

Anything with sporty pretensions. The GTI has incredibly broad appeal, both inside and outside of the segment. Think WRX, Focus ST, Lancer Ralliart, 308 GTI, Renault Megane RS and maybe the Clio RS too?

What's under the bonnet?

As mentioned the 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged engine produces 169kW of power and 350Nm of torque and is offered exclusively with a 6-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission that comes with paddle shifters (no manual).

How does it go?

The result is a car that gets you from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds, a tenth quicker than a standard GTI. Hardly worth it, you might say? But those bigger brakes are worth it by themselves, because they'll keep on braking deep into corners long after the others quit (remember the rears are ventilated too).

Is it economical?

Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.6 litres/100km and it takes premium 98 unleaded. We were getting 9.4 litres/100km after 300km. Mind you we ran it in sport mode most of the time because it sounds better (most people probably will too).

Is it green?

Buy with a clear conscience. Gets 4.5 out of five stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, which is just amazing considering that it is a performance model (Prius the benchmark with five). 

Is it safe?

No problems here. With seven airbags including a driver's knee bag it gets a full five stars for safety just like a standard Golf, but the bigger brakes and trick diff probably make it even safer?

Is it comfortable?

Yes. The finish inside is first rate. The sports seats are large enough for big bums and there's plenty of headroom. The 5.8 inch satnav screen is awful – too small, too cluttered and the resolution is not high enough (others commented on this too). Gives you the current speed limit but not speed cameras. Where is the big 8 inch screen from the Octavia RS we wonder?

What's it like to drive?

Looks great. Beaut to drive. Rides and handles superbly. Love the engine note. It's sounds the biz on overrun and the DSG blips the throttle on down changes - but the DSG is still not our preferred choice. It's getting smoother with each outing, but does not cope as well as a slush box, with the constant speed up and slow down that you get in city traffic, lugging in high gear and producing jerky changes at others. Auto stop-start is truly annoying but can thankfully be turned off.

Is it value for money?

Cloth trim is standard. Adds bi-xenon lights, dark tinted LED tail lights, tinted glass and 19-inch Santiago alloys. Inside the sports seats feature the newly designed “Clark” tartan, with the addition of race-style Alcantara trim on the head rest and side bolsters. Red strip lighting on the doors is a treat at night.

Would we buy one?

The heart says yes but the head says no. The GTI is one of the most recognisable badges on the planet, with a long stellar career. We like the fact it now comes with fixed price servicing but we'd still be cautious.