Launched last year in Canada, the eighth generation of the Golf is in a way an evolution on the same theme. 4.3 m long, of which 2.6 m are measured between the two axles, this Golf remains faithful to a size that is always abnormally reserved in a context where delusions of grandeur are taking over the entire industry. This 40th anniversary version embellishes the base material with gloss black parts as well as its roof to add contrasts that harmonize quite well with the 19-inch Scottsdale wheels adorned with a red line. Note also the presence of honeycomb decals covering the bottom of the doors as well as the number “40” in italics. The posture of this GTI remains restrained in a category where contenders can easily succumb to exaggeration.
The positioning of this Golf GTI certainly does not deviate from the fundamental precepts of sports compacts that were written by its ancestor, the Rabbit GTI. The presence of a tailgate adds an undeniable practical aspect to the recipe in addition to the general layout of the cabin, which makes good use of the space offered. The good height of the roof as well as the generous glazed surface greatly ventilate the whole, in addition to promoting visibility. All is not perfect, of course. Volkswagen’s tactile turn has drawn a lot of criticism since its launch, which the automaker plans to adjust soon. In the meantime, we have to negotiate with non-backlit keys to adjust the audio volume as well as the ambient temperature. The other tactile keys are correctly placed, but require a level of attention that is clearly too high.
It still falls to a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder to provide the spirit. The fourth generation of the EA888 family launched in 2008, this engine produces 241 hp and 273 lb-ft at just 1600 rpm. Fairly torquey, the engine responds with grip when you press the accelerator from a standing start. The front axle then jumps, trying to establish motor skills. The standard manual transmission does an acceptable job, but has a lever with a somewhat long stroke and a clutch that is not very communicative. However, the feeling of the gear changes is satisfactory. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox remains a safe bet in parallel. Finally, note that this GTI boasts very reasonable fuel consumption that can be under 8 L/100 km without requiring 91 octane fuel.
With just over 1400 kg to tow, this GTI can almost be considered a featherweight in the economy. Thanks to a very fast rack and variable gear ratio, it is this lightness that we denote from the outset. The movements are flowing and naturally transmit the behavior of the chassis to the driver. The seats – checkered, tradition obliges – also keep us very well in place during the exercise, which is very satisfying thanks to the remarkable stability of the car. The dynamic damping that is part of the arsenal of this 40th anniversary edition pays off on the side of a firmness that seems a little too full-bodied when negotiating a series of joints or crevices. Note also the skill of the limited-slip differential that makes this GTI shine even more.
We touched on it briefly in the interior design section: Volkswagen has chosen to wage war on physical buttons here in the name of a clean design. This came at the cost of intuitiveness, which requires complete dependence on the multimedia system. Despite everything, the latter remains in itself among the good proposals of the segment. It is fast and has a still logical structure. However, it requires multiple manipulations for adjustments that we would benefit from having at hand, including that of the traction control and stability control system. The control menu for the various mechanical components is very complete and the configuration of the digital instrumentation, which is done by means of haptic keys that do not always cooperate on the steering wheel, is an added value.
Coming in at $37,000, this 40th Anniversary Golf GTI is a rare bargain in today’s automotive world. Its equipment is complete, its engine is among the best in the segment and it is amply playful to enhance everyday life without going overboard with sloppy soundproofing or excessive firmness. It is not, however, a sensational machine like a Honda Civic Type R or a Hyundai Elantra N might be, preferring refinement to outright extroversion. Certainly, the configuration of its dashboard will not please everyone, but we have to admit that we cannot disqualify it solely because of this shortcoming. So, despite some ergonomic errors, we can say that this Golf GTI still shines 40 years after its arrival on North American soil.
If you want to take the performance level up a notch while benefiting from all-wheel drive, the Golf R is also offered alongside the GTI with its 315 hp and its rear differential borrowed from the Audi RS 3.
In addition to supply issues restricting its distribution, this 40th anniversary livery is limited to 500 copies in Canada.
It is no coincidence that the dimensions of this eighth generation Golf are identical to those of the previous generation, as it is based on the same MQB platform. It has been stiffened and has an aluminum front subframe to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity.
With a starting price of $32,495, the base version of this GTI is very attractive in terms of price/performance.
Due to new European emissions standards, this GTI may soon lose its manual transmission in its mid-cycle update.