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NEWS
Volkswagen drops three-door Golf GTI
$1000 price hike for Golf 7 five-door models is balanced by added valueThe slow-selling three-door Golf GTI has been ditched from the local range of new, Golf 7 models.
And five-door models are more expensive, but the price premium is just $1000. The six-speed manual is priced at $41,490 and the Golf GTI specified with the optional six-speed DSG transmission is $2500 higher, at $43,990.
Volkswagen Australia maintains that the higher cost is offset by "thousands" taking into account the lighter MQB platform underpinning the new model, the higher performance available from the tweaked EA888 2.0-litre four, and new features including 18-inch alloy wheels in lieu of the 17-inch wheels fitted previously, plus BlueMotion technology – for the first time ever. The last comprises auto-start/stop, brake energy recuperation and coasting (when DSG is specified).
Introduction of the new GTI reduces the complexity of the product range from four models and 12 options to two models and five options. Those five options are: metallic/pearl effect paint ($500), panoramic sunroof ($1850), bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED DRLs ($2150), Vienna leather upholstery ($3150) and the Driver Assistance Package ($1300). The Driver Assistance Package bundles together Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go (DSG only), Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Proactive Occupant Protection system and Park Assist 2.
Standard features for the GTI are as follows: Seven airbags (one for the driver's knee), alarm, auto flashing brake lights for emergency situations, stability control/EBD, electro-mechanical parking brake with auto-hold function, ISOFIX child restraints, two-stage remote central locking, 18-inch 'Austin' alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, adaptive chassis control, Driver Fatigue Detection System, front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera, follow-me-home function, electro-chromatic mirror, colour multi-function display with built-in lap timer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-on/off headlights.
The CD audio system fitted is MP3-compatible and streams audio via a full Bluetooth connection through the eight speakers. In addition, the head unit has slots for two SD cards and the system can be operated through the 5.8-inch touch screen or by means of the remote control switchgear on the leather-bound multi-function sports steering wheel.
Through a series of refinements, including variable valve timing for the exhaust camshaft and adoption of a hybrid direct-injection/port injection fuel delivery system, the engine in the new GTI develops 162kW and 350Nm – 7kW and 70Nm increases, respectively. This combined with lighter weight ensures the new model will knock over 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. Fuel consumption has improved also, with the manual model now rated at 6.2L/100km in combined-cycle testing and the DSG model down to 6.6L/100km.
Changes to the engine are extensive and are largely aimed at enhancing efficiency. As examples, four crankshaft counterweights reduce mass over the eight counterweights of the previous engine and roller bearings replace slipper bearings. The cylinder head is an all-new design with an integrated manifold to bring the turbo closer to the exhaust ports. It's one element of improved thermal management for the engine, which reduces the warm-up time, among other things.
An electric wastegate reduces turbo lag and the dual injection set-up sees the direct injectors operating at 200bar, rather than 150 of the previous model. Low-pressure port injection can work in tandem with the direct injectors or individually. The high-lift mode for the variable valve timing cuts in at around 3100rpm, with a solenoid sliding the operational cam lobe back and forth to achieve the different lift.
Volkswagen has developed progressive steering for the GTI, reducing the turns lock to lock by one – and full lock in one direction or the other from straight-ahead requires 360 degrees of turn, rather than 540 degrees of the superseded GTI. The manufacturer claims that this makes parking easier, as well as improving the steering's directness at speed.
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Written byKen Gratton
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