The Volkswagen Golf GTI was not his dream car, but for this money, it really is a dream for Luca.
| Driver's Log | |
|---|---|
| Date acquired: | April 2014 |
| Total kilometres: | 2824 |
| Kilometres this month: | N/A |
| Costs this month: | $0 |
| L/100km this month: | N/A |
I’ve opted for the basic version on my new mk VII, since I have my own Garmin Sat Nav with all my client bookmarks already registered, I don’t really need the Xenon headlights and leather seats can get seriously hot during the summer. And the sunroof? You open it once when it’s new or when you have a date with short hair, and that’s it. To finish off, I’ve chosen an old man silver colour like my beloved Subaru Legacy Outback, which sadly died in a car accident just over nine months ago.
Before purchasing, I drove the Golf GTI just enough to forge an opinion, and I find it an awesome combination. The DSG gearbox is mind-blowing, the chassis is rigid and lets the suspension work properly, and the super direct steering is a pleasant surprise. Inside the accessories that come as standard are better than a Playstation PS4: media infotainment system; trip and consumption data; Bluetooth; mobile phone connectivity, etc. Much more than a 40-year old like myself might expect from a humble hatchback. The seats are just perfect for my size too, since I can sit as low as I like. In short, perfection. Utter perfection.
Would I suggest it to my best friend? Yes. Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat. Will I keep it for long time? Certainly. Am I happy? No
Let me explain. My driving style is very old school: I need to enter a flat out fourth gear corner, feel the understeer, come off the throttle, rest my left foot on the brake, pitch the nose down and help the car turn sharply, without coming off the accelerator. I only brake with my left foot, and with a GTI, I had expected the backend to start moving behind me.
However, Volkswagen’s stupid electronic system disconnects the gas whenever I touch the brake pedal, taking all the fun out of my style of driving. Furthermore, the electronics cannot be disconnected at all. I therefore cannot be a hooligan when I want to be one. Why is Volkswagen hiring a Porsche GT3 engineer to design the GTI’s chassis if then they have to castrate it with these horrible electronics?
Maybe I am the only GTI owner who thinks like this, but it feels like unfinished business. The Golf GTI has a sublime chassis, wonderful steering, and a decent little engine. She asks to be pushed from the minute you start driving, but then starts behaving herself whenever you do.
So, I’ve fallen in love with a nun. Frustrating.
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