Volkswagen Golf GTI Original 2018 Review

In their own words, this is Volkswagen Australia’s “1976 moment”.

Just like the original Volkswagen Golf GTI that has gone onto become the unofficial hot hatch benchmark over more than 40 years, the new Australian market re-make is a concept that started out a life as a “passion project”.

Citing persistent demand from enthusiasts wanting a more affordable, three-door version of the venerable performance hatch, Volkswagen Australia officials Todd Ford and Ben Wilks conceived an idea in a backroom of the German marque’s Sydney headquarters in 2015.

“We were casually having a chat in the office one day, talking about three-door demand, and whether we could offer a manual three-door version to the public,” Wilks recalls.

“We love the heritage of the Golf GTI and the name of this model reflects some of that. It’s a pared-back version with a lower price point.

“We then waited for the right things to come about. That’s why the gestation period was so long, we wanted to wait for manual transmission and three doors. Getting the heritage right was extremely important.”

The new Volkswagen GTI Original lands in showrooms from this month, priced from $37,490 plus on-road costs (or $38,490 drive-away) in six-speed manual form. The optional dual-clutch automatic adds a $2500 premium.

At that money, the latest iteration is the cheapest Golf GTI available in Australia since 2004. It is also $4000 cheaper than the existing five-door entry GTI model.

What do you miss out on?

In equipment terms, very little. The Original foregoes hard-wired satellite-navigation, keyless entry and start and a cornering function within the headlights.

Mechanically, the only difference is the deletion of the standard GTI’s adaptive suspension. But as we found out on the test drive, the omission is hardly a deal-breaker.

Otherwise, the GTI Original is a pretty compelling hot hatch on paper, bringing to the table items introduced to the Golf range as part of a recent Mk7.5 update.

Standard items include 18-inch alloy wheels (black with red pin stripe, leather sports multi-function steering wheel, 8.0-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (partly negating the deletion of said sat-nav), dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, LED fog lights, reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors and alarm system.

On the safety front the GTI Original offers city emergency brake (automated emergency braking) and pedestrian monitoring at speeds of up to 30km/h, a driver fatigue detection system and the latest safety acronyms along with seven airbags.

Mechanically, the GTI Original employs the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit as other GTI models, generating 169kW from 4500rpm to 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1500rpm and 4400rpm.

A Melbourne-based firm is responsible for the badge flanking the Original’s rear, the key exterior differentiator along with unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Otherwise, there is a choice of two exterior colours: red and white.

The GTI’s servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km. Over the space of three years, capped-price servicing is estimated to cost $1413.

Moreover, the Golf GTI is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – at a time when many manufacturers are moving towards a five-year scheme.

Smooth operator

There are no nasty surprises from the driver’s seat of the Original.

“Minimal embellishments” is the term used by Volkswagen to describe its positioning, but the truth is the cabin fitout and finish is nicely executed and compelling.

Tartan cloth seats and a dimpled manual gear shifter are neat cues to the GTI’s heritage, complementing the car’s crisp dials and instrumentation.

It also scores updates shared with the rest of the ‘Golf 7.5’ range, bringing new trims and an 8.0-inch touch-screen conveying revised functions including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In all, the interior loses little in practicality despite losing two rear doors. The rear bleachers are moderately easy to access via folding front seats, there are rear air-vents on offer and the outlook is generous given the revised shape. Head, leg and shoulder room are adequate for two adults in relative comfort.

Further back resides a 380-litre boot, with a space-saver spare tyre housed underneath. Conveniently, the rear seats still stow in a 60:40 arrangement to liberate up to 1270 litres worth of luggage space.

There are countless reviews of the Golf GTI, each spruiking its virtues as an everyday hatch with strong sporting pretensions.

The Original is no different. It delicately balances outright practicality and comfort with lashings of performance that bubble to the surface on a twisting piece of road.

In the case of our test drive, that ‘road’ included the majestic Macquarie Pass, south of Wollongong, NSW. A highly variable ribbon of bitumen that climbs the Illawarra escarpment, ‘the Pass’ can quickly distinguish a contender from a pretender.

The GTI’s athletic persona is conveyed across the mountain’s steep climbs, undulating corners and quick changes in directions. The steering is immensely accurate and responsive to driver inputs, grip is superb and the front-to-rear balance spot on.

This is a car that feels right at home on a twisty bit of road, especially smooth stuff.

The chassis’ composed and at times playful tendencies are complemented by an engine that is equally willing in its output and delivery. There is minimal lag and a clean wave of power and torque through to the circa 7000rpm cut-out – at which point you change gear, listen to the engine belch and go through the process again.

Power down is not infallible; there are instances where you feel the front differential bind momentarily. But in all, the GTI links corners together nicely, particularly when there is an opportunity to stretch the engine’s legs.

The pass is best enjoyed rowing our car’s six-speed manual, which enamours with a fluid shift, nicely spaced ratios and a light clutch take-up. Heel and toe? Easy as.

By comparison the six-speed dual-clutch is incredibly efficient albeit less involving. There is also an added element of hesitation and lurchiness upon initially take-off, and the top ratio feels a little short at highway speeds.

Having completed our quick jaunt, we return the Golf to its default ‘Comfort’ setting and continue our journey as normal. The engine, gearbox and steering takes on a more relaxed demeanour at this point, complemented by muted cabin acoustics and a settled ride.

With no adaptive dampers to speak of, the Original cannot quite settle occupants over bumpy stuff as well as the regular GTI – occasionally thudding over more severe undulations.

But it does a commendable job for a one-mode set-up, reflecting consistencies in the road without being overly busy.

Verdict?

Volkswagen Australia set out to pay homage to the original GTI with its latest conception, and on first impression, they’ve hit all the requisite key points.

The GTI Original is fun, practical and, importantly, affordable. It’s everything a hot hatch should be and a car that leaves an emphatic smile on its driver’s face.

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Original pricing and specifications:
Price: $37,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 169kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 150g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP