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MAKE way for the hottest new hatchback in Bahrain as Volkswagen unleashes its new Golf GTI.
Built for speed, it handles beautifully and appears surprisingly refined. The sixth generation GTI is a sporty blend of performance and personality.
Thanks to Volkswagen I had the pleasure of driving one at the Bahrain International Circuit and its speed was enough to take my breath away.
Felix Miranda, the brand manager at the Volkswagen Centre in Bahrain, believes there are around 150 drivers of the MKV GTI on the island and that the marque has really left its mark in the hearts and minds of owners.
Mr Miranda said: "For GTI owners their car is part of their life and very dear to them. We are confident that this new iconic sporty car with its groundbreaking capabilities and astonishing performance will add hundreds of new members and let the GTI flag fly high in the kingdom."
The new GTI is even sharper than its predecessors. At exactly 155 kW / 210 hp, in terms of power level, the new Golf GTI's turbocharged stratified injection (TSI) engine will take some beating.
This engine has new components such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor. When used in the most powerful Golf today, the engine fulfils limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard and shows improvement in CO_ emissions. Environmentally friendly and fast ... it sounds ideal to me.
As for fuel consumption, the new GTI is content with just 7.3 litres fuel per 100 kilometres on average.
But how does it drive? This little demon on wheels did not disappoint as I put it to the test. I now realise that for any GTI driver, the journey to work will wake you up more than a cup of coffee.
It feels like a sports car with added portions of ease and comfort. Without getting too technical this mean machine now boasts a few gadgets to make the drive smoother.
A XDS electronic transverse differential lock is being used for the first time in a Volkswagen and the improvement of the drive shows. It has significantly improved the GTI's traction and handling properties.
Beyond the GTI's already good chassis layout, XDS gives the car an enormous measure of driving stability and it leads to greater driving enjoyment, since it reduces under-steering.
The braking system is also extremely durable with distinctive red painted brake callipers which, during a girlie moment, I found rather aesthetically appealing along with the rest of the Golf's interior.
The interior is as pleasing to the eye as the exterior. At first glance it may seem small but once inside it is as roomy as a luxury sedan with ample space for five. I felt like an F1 driver in the bucket seats and very 'techy-like' with all the buttons and compartments in the car.
The Golf GTI also boasts a dynamic chassis control (DCC) system, a distance control system ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), an optional Park Assist and completely redesigned bi-xenon headlights including dynamic curve lighting.
Sporty and sleek this is one vehicle that simply can't be passed up.
The new Golf GTI goes for BD12,800 and is now available at the Behbehani Brothers' Volkswagen showroom in Sitra. Contact 17459977 for more details.
