Golf GTI Performance Pack now available
With the Audi TT producing 169kW from essentially the same engine, it was inevitable that the Golf GTi Performance Pack with the same output couldn’t be far away. Where are those ‘fuel quality issues’ that delayed it for more than a year?
Power has risen from 162kW to 169kW but torque is identical at 350Nm. The Golf GTi Performance Pack is marginally faster; 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds is a tenth quicker and 2km/h has been added to top speed. One would assume these gains would increase fuel consumption but at a claimed 6.4l/100km this version offers more bang from a tank.
Another questionable feature is the DSG system taking up the only choice of gearbox. Given that the manual is an option in the standard GTi and the Golf R, one has to assume it was done to avoid pricing conflict.
Dynamic Chassis Control with adjustable dampers and three-way driving modes elevates the Performance Pack above regular derivatives and Volkswagen are pinning most of the car’s handling on the XDS+ differential lock – a system which is standard on the Volkswagen Polo GTi.
Included in the R447 800 price are bigger brakes front and rear and red GTi logos. Some new wheels would have gone a long way. If you want to edge the price closer to a Golf R, optional features such as xenon headlights, navigation, DYNAudio sound system, park distance control and keyless entry are available.
Considering the Golf GTi Performance Pack is a mere R20 000 more than the standard GTi, and that already those models account for nearly half of all Golfs sold in South Africa, we expect this to be another success story.
