En-Golfed: Volkswagen’s hot hatch makes Phl debut

MANILA, Philippines - With the gas pedal on the floor, the vehicle lurches forward mightily as if a spurred horse—albeit with none of the panic-induced whinny. What emanates is a mighty, petulant brraap while switching between gears. Step hard on the brakes, and the wheels stop smoothly yet urgently without the expected screech and discombobulation from lesser cars.

Coaxing this car at speed through orange cones in the darkness is also a treat. The steering is precise and easy; the body cooperates tautly like a go-kart. The sports suspension helps it along in earnest.

Ah, the pleasures of the Golf GTI.

As soon as Volkswagen livery formally arrived locally, fans had been clamoring for the Golf—the historic Wolfsburg-headquartered auto brand’s popular hot hatch noted for its classy looks and spirited performance.

Last week, Volkswagen Philippines delivered the much awaited piece of good news at its Bonifacio Global City showroom. The top-shelf GTI (Grand Tourer Injection) variant will be initially available, and is rightfully expected to make a splash in the market.

“The GTI… was introduced in 1976 on the first-generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand. Now on its seventh generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sportscar family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance, making it a sustainable sportscar,” said Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO John Philip Orbeta in a speech delivered during the nighttime launch.

The Golf comes packed with street cred as well as a recipient of a number of industry awards—including the 1992 and 2013 European Car of the Year, 2013 World Car of the Year, and 2013-2014 Car of the Year-Japan.

Under the hood, the Golf GTI finds ample motivation via a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, stratified injection engine good for maximum of 220ps at 4,500-6,200 rpm, and peak torque of 350Nm at 1,500-4,400 rpm. Its powerplant is mated to a six-speed dual-shift gear transmission.

In an exclusive interview with STAR Motoring, Orbeta maintained that the GTI is designed to appeal to “those looking for a performance car,” and is not obviously “meant to be an entry-level or first car.” All the units headed this way are all manufactured in Germany.

With a stretch of the 28th Street cordoned off as a makeshift proving ground, journalists and bloggers took their turns behind the wheel of three GTIs to test them. Despite the varying skill levels of participants, Volkswagen Philippines executives were obviously confident enough in the safety features of the Golf. Indeed, the premium-level car features a reassuring array of technology designed for the safe enjoyment of its inherent, considerable prowess.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS plus technology, engine drag torque control (MSR), electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear assist rear view camera with eight-channel park distance control, driver alert system, airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side and curtain) are welcome niceties that assure safety and convenience for anyone lucky enough to be ensconced within the GTI’s engaging interiors – whether as passenger or driver.

The Golf GTI is nothing if not a looker outside as well, and it comes most effortlessly – almost without even trying. Of course, the GTI package of 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, bumpers, grille, tail lamps, spoiler, and dual tailpipes help things along. So do bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running lights.

Orbeta revealed to STAR Motoring that Volkswagen Philippines is bringing in the 1.6-liter TSI variant of the Golf “later in the year,” in addition to the Touareg Highline SUV and the executive car Passat V8.

With the opening of two dealerships in Quezon City and Alabang in the last quarter of 2014, the VW executive said they are “set for the year” in terms of outlet growth, yet VW will review this network plan at the end of the year.

For now, there’s enough excitement to go around with the Golf GTI, a car “for people who love driving, love the feel of a responsive performance vehicle. At the end of the day, the GTI is a sports car,” concluded Orbeta.

The Golf GTI comes in Onyx White Pearl, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey, and Deep Black Pearl colors, and is priced at P2.29 million.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.ph or drop by one of the dealerships/satellite offices located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; Quezon Avenue in Quezon City; Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City; Molito Lifestyle Building in Alabang, Muntinlupa; and North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.