An 18 percent improvement in fuel consumption for the latest generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI means the icon of Ireland's best selling family car is even more affordable, writes Brian Byrne.
At some €2,000 cheaper than its predecessor thanks to lower CO2 emissions, Volkswagen Ireland expects that it will outsell its diesel equivalent, the GTD, by a ratio of two to one. Though the total expected sales of around 50 units of both will be quite tiny against the 3,400 copies of the Golf which the company expects to have sold here by the end of 2013.
The latest version of the 220hp GTI builds on the already excellent elements of the seventh generation Golf, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. And despite its 6.5sec sprint capability, the driving experience in city traffic is as gentle as a contented cat's stroll through a garden.
The special place of the car is indicated in a nicely understated manner, with the traditional cues that have marked the GTI since it was first produced in 1976. A red line on the grille, red detailing on the rear, the dual exhausts, and the Brembo red brake calipers now have GTI embossed on them.
Inside there's relatively discreet red stitching on the leather elements, a bespoke GTI steering wheel, and the traditional tartan upholstery which is a love/hate situation, but actually isn't as brash as it sounds.
The latest GTI is available from €33,820 and the GTD from €35,740 plus dealer charges.
