Volkswagen's 5th GTI Breaks Cover

By Feann Torr

Volkswagen is very happy with its new go-fast Golf, the GTI, which was unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

So happy, in fact, is VW with its fresh-faced turbocharged GTI that it completed a survey to see how many people in Europe related the GTI acronym to the Volkswagen Golf.

Strange? Very. But it seemed to work, as VW boldly claims that 93.2 percent of all Europeans and a whopping 98.5 of Germans associate the GTI letters with the Golf.

But forget about bizarre marketing ploys for a moment, and consider that the GTI was born in 1976. Compared to that spritely 81kW go-getter, the Golf GTI of today is a very different pocket rocket indeed.

The fifth generation (Mk V) GTI is bigger and heavier than it's originator and has plenty catching up to do against the current crop of hot hatches, but the theme is still the same - to deliver ultimate driving pleasure.

This is achieved primarily with a stove-hot 2.0-litre turbo engine that delivers torque in similar quantities to the venerable Subaru WRX.

A chubby 280Nm of torque is what's on offer from the new GTI, and this glut of twist - available from as low as 1800rpm - will ensure that drivers won't need to rev the living tripe out of the engine for maximum larfs.

For the non-enthusiast who wants a flashy-looking German car without the high price, the profusion of torque low in the rev range will mean brilliant drivability in almost any situation, making for one very user-friendly small car both in town and out in the country.

However, those who consider themselves 'enthusiasts' will want to wring every last ounce of power from the engine and in this environment the GTI will blossom as well.

The 6-speed manual GTI will sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, it's peak torque of 280Nm @ 1800-5000rpm offering an incredibly flat torque curve, and one which fares well against the current cult favourite, Subaru's Impreza WRX.

While the Subaru can boast 20Nm more torque, the Japanese car's 300Nm figure doesn't peak until 3600rpm, giving away drivability to the VW.

And if the 6-speed manual's 0-100km/h sprint time didn't grill your bacon, simply tick the options box for the dual clutch DSG gearbox and you can pretty much knock off three tenths there and then, putting the time at 6.9 seconds.

The 2.0-litre FSI (fuel stratified injection) turbo engine that VW is gifting its fifth generation GTI makes the most of its meagre displacement thanks to direct injection, forced induction (turbo) and a high 10.5:1 compression ratio.

Peak power output is 147kW, or 197hp, and together with 280Nm of torque and a 235km/h (146mph) top speed, it will deliver plenty of thrills.

In addition to the choice of 6-speed manual or DSG transmission, Volkswagen is also touting the new 4-banger turbo's fuel consumption, with an average fuel consumption (city + highway) of a frugal 8.0-litres per 100 kilometres.

Apart from offering what is one of the most powerful engines the hallowed nameplate has ever seen, the sporty 2005 Golf GTI has quite a powerful presence on the road too.

A black radiator grille complete with contrasting red frame and a striking front fascia with three enlarged air intakes and a low bodykit (including skirts) kick off proceedings in the style stakes.

At the rear, a roof-mount spoiler adds a bit of a boy racer vibe, as twin tail pipes, distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels (with 225 profile tyres) and red calipers all four disc brakes hint at its performance potential.

The Golf GTI also comes fitted with fog lights and sits on 15mm lower than other Golf model, making use of a specially tuned sports suspension. And like all Golf models, the GTI has a comprehensive package of safety features, including the electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), active front head restraints, three rear head restraints and no less than six airbags.

Lovers of the GTI nameplate will revel in the new car's hard-edged interior, which boasts newly designed seats that according to VW offer "maximum comfort" with the best possible side support and sporty looks. The high seatbacks with integrated (but adjustable) headrests underscore the interior's feel of functionality combined with sporting intent.

Like the late 70s model Golf GTI, the new model has a 3-spoke steering wheel with aluminium trim, and the metal also features on the gearstick knob, trim inserts and the pedal cluster.

Other features specific to the 2005 Golf GTI include newly designed instruments, air conditioner (Climatic), multi-function display, illuminated front footwells, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensor, coming home and leaving home lighting function, and a tyre monitor display.

Available in either 3- or 5-door body styles in Europe towards the end of 2004, the new Mk V Golf GTI marks an exciting new chapter in the almost mythical GTI book, and seeing that it's one of the original Euro pocket rockets, you can be sure it will be doing everything it can to regain its 'cult' status from the likes of the WRX and Clio.