Volkswagen Golf GTI (DSG) 2.0 Review: Seven's heaven

What we like:

Excellent carefree handling. Inexhaustible grip level and that rorty exhaust!

What we dislike:

Costs nearly $70

000 more than the last generation due to current COE climate.

Further aided by VW’s XDS electronic differential, it would take a determined effort to unsettle the GTI. This updated XDS system now works on both front and rear axles and saves ham fisted drivers from an unintended field trip. It works by way of braking the inner wheel (both front and back) to ‘hook’ the car around a turn. Think: Batmobile and grappling hook around a lamp post and you’ll get the idea. It’s an electronic solution to a mechanical Limited Slip Differential.

While useful on the roads, it starts to show its weakness on track days as the brakes cook quickly with the targeted brake interventions. Though one would have to miss the apex by a mile and yank the steering in a last ditch attempt to save the turn to activate the system. But serious trackies are advised to stick to the mechanical LSD option.

The greatest advantage the GTI has over its rivals is the DCC system that allows one to alter the driving characteristics when the mood strikes. That is something the Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport and Renault Megane RS265 will find hard to emulate when their firm ride gets tiresome.

On top of that, the progressive steering and XDS+ system makes it a car that you can trust the missus with. Long as she doesn’t go near ‘Sport’ mode.

But the greatest hurdle for potential ownership though would be accepting the nearly $70,000 premium over the last generation which is an unfortunate situation created by the current COE climate amidst tighter loan restrictions.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline