Next Car Pty Ltd 
Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Journal

Home | News | Road Tests



Volkswagen Golf GTI

9th May, 2005

www.nextcar.com.au (copyright image)

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI

Home > News > Volkswagen

The new Golf GTI has arrived. Dealers in Australia have been taking advanced orders since February. Customers can look forward to a GTI of the first order, a real sports Golf, a GTI with the 'character' of the first generation launched in the mid-seventies. Murat Günak, Volkswagen design chief, sums it up: “This Golf GTI comes full circle – it unites the origins and future of an ingenious idea.”

GTI Roots.

In June 1976, a 182 km/h Volkswagen ruffled a few feathers in the establishment because it democratised Germany’s autobahnen. This compact, wild young racer loomed up the rearview mirrors of fast sports cars and big saloons cruising in the fast lane. The first Volkswagen Golf GTI was originally planned as a limited series of 5,000 cars. However, the Golf GTI was simply destined to be a best-seller and quickly became synonymous with nifty sporty compacts.

GTI Fascination.

The Golf GTI has therefore long become an enjoyed object around the world and stands for Power, Pedigree and Performance. Just like in 1976, this applies more than ever with regard to the new Golf GTI. The new model is striking, delivers 147 kW/200 hp, provides powerful acceleration in low rev ranges (280 Nm from 1,800 rpm).

GTI Performance.

Take one look at the main performance figures and you will soon realise how vehemently the turbo engine breathes GTI fire into this Golf. Equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the front-driven Golf GTI accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. Furthermore the 235 km/h GTI just needs 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 60 to 100 km/h in 5th gear. The average fuel consumption is an economic 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The optional automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) allows the Golf GTI to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h even faster (6.9 seconds).

The fact is, the Volkswagen Golf GTI moves forward in virtually any situation. The car responds immediately to the accelerator pedal being depressed. It can, of course, be easily dosed to avoid fast starts when driving through towns and in slow-moving traffic. The clutch is light and the Direct Shift Gearbox is available as an option if you prefer an automatic. ASR traction control helps the car pull away, the respective six-speed gearbox distributes the power and the electromechanical power steering keeps the car on course.

The only hectic component on board the new Golf GTI is the rev counter needle when you accelerate because it has to indicate the crankshaft speed for a new gear every few seconds. At the same time, the speedo needle stoically follows its path towards the top speed. In second gear, the needle advances to 100 km/h. Third gear pushes the Golf GTI up to 140 km/h, fourth is active up to 180 km/h, fifth up to 220 km/h and sixth takes care of the rest.

Things move along much quicker if you chose the DSG instead of the manual gearbox. Free of any traction interruptions, it forms a drive package with the FSI turbo engine that is unmatched. In addition to this the Golf GTI is also an excellent cruiser.

In any case, the harmonious interaction of engine, gearbox and chassis make the GTI particularly exciting. In addition, there are the components that originally defined the first generation of the car, i.e. the stylish sporty exterior and interior. Both have taken a new direction on the new Golf GTI.

The New Golf GTI Body

For the first time in the almost 30-year history of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the nose is different to the other Golf models as it has its own radiator grille design. The front features a distinctive GTI look. That means a black radiator grille with a red frame.

GTI Front.

The new radiator grille is made up of a honeycomb structure. The same applies to the lower right-hand and left-hand radiator grille sections and fog light mountings that resemble extra air intakes. The bottom and top parts of the radiator grille are divided by a gloss black U-shaped section that forms a smooth connection. The Golf GTI stands firmly on the asphalt with this all-new, powerful design, the integrated front spoiler and the suspension lowered by 15 millimetres. Further GTI styling features include the darkened headlight bezels (bright chrome for Xenon) and, of course, the GTI badge integrated in the radiator grille.

GTI Rear.

The striking roof spoiler, the twin exhaust tail pipes (diameter: 2 x 70 millimetres), newly designed lower bumper section and again the GTI badge show that this Golf is a real sports car. The larger rear spoiler in comparison with the Golf Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline has (like the front spoiler) a clear aerodynamic function as it increases the downward pressure of the 235 km/h Golf GTI on the road.

GTI Profile.

GTI trim and design elements also characterise the profile of the car. The standard 17-inch alloy wheels (type “Denver”) with 225/45 tyres, the aforementioned 15-millimetre lower chassis, the red brake callipers on the ventilated front and rear disc brakes combined with ESP, the black widened sill panels and the black high-gloss B-pillar trim all convey the GTI flair when you look at the car from the side.

GTI Colours.

The Golf GTI comes in five colours. “Tornado Red”, “Black Magic (Pearl Effect)”, “Candy White”, “Reflex Silver (Metallic)” and “Shadow Blue (Metallic)”.

GTI Dimensions.

The GTI is a Golf. Therefore it is almost the same length, height and width as all Golfs. There are, of course, differences due to the new nose design and the lowered suspension. While the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions of the Golf are 1.759 metres wide, 1.485 metres tall and 4.204 metres long the Golf GTI has the following dimensions: the width is the same, the height has been reduced 19 millimetres to 1.466 metres and the length has been increased 10 millimetres to 4.216 metres.

GTI Safety and Quality.

The Golf GTI body has exactly the same safety features as all Golfs. One important aspect of this “five-star car” (EuroNCAP crash test) is the considerable improvement in stiffness compared with the previous GTI model. The dynamic stiffness of the body has been increased 15 percent in terms of torsion and 35 per cent in terms of stiffness under flexure. The static torsional stiffness (25,000 Nm/°) has even been improved by 80 per cent and therefore represents the top value in the segment. On every metre of road, you can feel that the body is not subject to any form of intrinsic movement.

Furthermore, despite the comparatively firm suspension, there is no unpleasant noise or movement in the body. The innovative body-in white structure also sets new standards in terms of the noise level. Only the resonant sound of the GTI exhaust can be heard. Also the high body stiffness – in addition to the reconfigured sports chassis – forms the basis for the balanced and agile handling characteristics of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI.

CINNAMON COLOUREDS FARMSTAY (copyright image)
Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more

The New Golf GTI Chassis

GTI Chassis Configuration: The Golf chassis with front strut and rear independent multi-link axles has been made even more dynamic for use in the new GTI and thus guarantees a new level of extremely agile handling. The sports chassis that has been lowered 15 millimetres forms the basis. True to the character of the Golf GTI, firmer springs and dampers have been chosen for both axles and the stiffness rate of the rear stabilisers has been increased 20 per cent (from 25N/mm to 30N/mm). The electro/mechanical power steering has also been “programmed” with a sporty GTI map. Amongst other things, it allows higher return moments as well as higher steering forces giving the driver a more direct feel of the road.

The new chassis and steering configurations both add noticeably to the agility. It is simply fun to drive, as the sporty set-up does not come at the cost of long-distance driving comfort.

GTI Brakes:

The brakes have also been adapted to the high performance of the Golf GTI. It will not intervene too early and intensively or too late and vaguely. The brake pads on the red brake callipers clamp onto vented brake discs with a diameter of 312 millimetres at the front and 286 millimetres at the rear. Combined with dual-brake assist, you get stopping power that provide just as much enjoyment as accelerating.

The New Golf GTI Engine

GTI Turbo: The new Golf GTI features an innovative FSI petrol engine boosted by a turbocharger and intercooler. The engine is mounted at the front transversely and is connected to a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. The four-valve four-cylinder 1,984 cm3 power plant delivers a maximum output of 147 kW/200 hp at 5,100 rpm.

The 2.0 FSI Turbo in the Golf GTI has a high compression ratio of 10.5:1. Its broad torque band (280 Newton metres between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm) makes it an ideal sports car engine. The use of an FSI petrol engine with turbocharger is a novelty for Volkswagen and is unique in this class outside the group.

In detail, the 2.0 FSI Turbo uses the advantages of homogeneous direct injection and combines it for the first time with the powerful advantages of a turbocharger. This enhances the dynamics — it has an outstanding torque band, excellent response, provides pure driving fun and does not have a hint of turbo lag.

The new engine is based on the 110 kW/150 hp 2.0 FSI with direct injection as already used in the Golf. The main aim during the development of the turbo-charged FSI with homogeneous combustion was increasing performance considerably to reach GTI core values while keeping consumption and emissions down. Thanks to the core technologies “Direct Injection” + “Turbo Charger” + “Continuous Inlet Camshaft Adjustment” + Variable Intake Manifold” + other internal engine features, a very high degree of efficiency could be achieved. Like all Golf engines, the 2.0 FSI Turbo fulfils the EU4 'norm'.

GTI Fuel Consumption.

Apart from all the technical qualities, the new four-valve four-cylinder engine needed to match the sporty agile 'character' of the GTI exactly without in any way affecting the comfort and economy that have always made the GTI very suitable for everyday driving. In conjunction with the manual six-speed gearbox, the engine consumes 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on a combined cycle (ADR 81/01). The optional Direct Shift Gearbox trims this figure to 8.0 litres. The maintenance intervals for the engine and car are identical (15,000 kms or every 12 months).

The New Golf GTI Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

The DSG Direct Shift Gearbox has started a revolution in terms of automatic gearboxes. That is simple to explain. It combines the advantages of a manual gearbox with those of an automatic and is simply loads of fun. The gear changes are so unbelievably fast that even trained drivers using a manual gearbox cannot keep up. Each shift point is so slick and also comfortable that it’s easy to get addicted. Particularly in the manual Tiptronic mode, in which the gears are changed using paddles on the steering wheel or the plus/minus gate for the gear selector lever, the automatic gearbox is sportier than any previous automatic gearbox.

GTI Perfect Shifting.

There is one essential difference on the Direct Shift Gearbox compared with previous automatic gearboxes: A hydraulic torque converter is not used as a starting element in the gearbox available for the Golf GTI. This rules out the “elastic band effect” that mainly occurs in conjunction with smaller engines.

The Direct Shift Gearbox comprises two wet clutches whose pressure is regulated electro-hydraulically. Clutch 1 (C1) operates the odd gears (plus reverse) and clutch 2 (C2) the even gears. We could basically describe it as two parallel gearboxes in one. As a result of this complex clutch management, there is no interruption in traction upon gear changes as is usual with automated manual gearboxes. An incomparably dynamic shifting feel is combined with simple operation. The very high effectiveness of the gearbox comes very close to the classic manual when combining lower fuel consumption and the quicker 0 to 100 km times.

The New Golf GTI Interior

The first Volkswagen Golf GTI from 1976 was also a classic in terms of its interior. The interior of the new Golf GTI also has an individual character thanks to the latest technology and styling.

GTI Sports Seats. The all-new GTI seats offer maximum comfort with the best possible side support and sporty looks. The high seatbacks with integrated, but adjustable and active head restraints, highlight the feel of high sporting functionality. The front seats also have lumbar support adjustment as standard.

The breathable upholstery cloth called Interlagos is also brand new. Its checked pattern pays tribute to the first GTI seat generation. Leather versions in “Anthracite” and “Pure Beige” are also optionally available. The GTI logo stitched into the front head restraints also shows the attention to detail. You can certainly feel the excellent ergonomics of the seats. The special upright seat position along with the distance from the GTI steering wheel and GTI gear knob are what you would expect of perfect sports seats.

GTI Steering Wheel. Just like the first Golf GTI, the new generation is steered with a three-spoke steering wheel. Today it is covered with leather as standard. A special breathable perforated leather has been added to the left-hand and right-hand grip areas. The bottom of the steering wheel has been straightened slightly. Compared with the Golf steering wheels, the GTI wheel is slightly smaller in diameter and its more dynamic holding position allows for optimum control of the car. The GTI logo has been added to the brushed aluminium vertical spoke of the steering wheel. As usual in the Golf, the steering column is height and reach adjustable.

GTI Gearshift Knob and Instruments. Aluminium is a major feature of the new GTI gearshift knob, the trim inserts on the dashboard, centre console and door panels (brushed aluminium) and the pedal cluster. Another typical GTI hallmark is the black headliner. The instruments have been newly designed and are exclusive to the GTI. The rev counter goes up to 8,000 rpm and the speedo has also been given a greater range. The individual gauges are framed in smart aluminium for the GTI.

GTI Comfort and Safety.

The standard equipment in the GTI includes a multi-function trip computer, the front footwell lighting, the automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror with light and rain sensors, the coming home/leaving home lighting function, dual zone automatic air conditioning and a tyre pressure monitor. GTI will also be launched with a safety package that leaves nothing to be desired. It includes the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), active front head restraints, three head restraints and seat belts in the back and six airbags.

Standard Equipment for the New Golf GTI in Detail

Exterior
- Red brake callipers
- Twin exhaust tail pipes (2 x 70 mm Ø) on left
- Chrome GTI badging at front right and rear left
- Rear roof spoiler, larger and unique
- High-gloss B-pillar trim
- Exclusive honeycomb radiator grille, black gloss paint with red frame
- “Denver” 7 1/2 J x 17 alloy wheels, tyres 225/45 R 17
- Darkened headlight housing
- Black widened sill panels
- Standard red or white paint without extra cost (three other colours also available)
- Sports chassis lowered approx. 15mm, with GTI configuration
- Exclusive front bumper and rear bumper lower section
- Body-coloured bump strips and door handles
- Blue heat insulated tinted glass

Interior
- Luggage net in boot
- Black headliner
- “Brushed Aluminium” trim inserts
- Aluminium-look pedals and footrest
- Leather handbrake grip
- Leather steering wheel (3-spoke), with GTI logo, perforated leather in grip areas
- Lumber support
- Rear bench with centre armrest and load-through provision
- Aluminium/leather gearstick knob
- Pockets on back of front seats
- Special instrument cluster
- “Interlagos” upholstery cloth with GTI logo
- Carpet mats in front and rear
- Top sports seats in front, height adjustable

Safety Equipment
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Anti-Slip Regulation – traction control system (ASR)
- Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) incl. Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Head airbag system for front and rear passengers, incl. front side airbags
- Fog lights (underneath bumper)

Functional Equipment
- Coming home and leaving home lighting function
- Automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror with light and rain sensors
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Multi-function trip computer
- Tyre pressure monitor
- Illuminated footwell
- High-quality interior lights, reading lights in rear
- Two-tone horn


GTI Prices (RRP)

$39,990 - 6 speed manual
$42,290 - 6 speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) (automatic)

Options

Leather upholstery $2,990
Bi-Xenon headlights $1,890
Electric glass sunroof $1,890
Satellite navigation $2,990
Metallic paint $690

NOTE: Recommended Retail Price (RRP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the various statutory charges.


The GTI Seedbed – The True Story Behind the Number 1

www.nextcar.com.au (copyright image)

An original Volkswagen Golf GTI from 1976

GTI phenomenon. The Golf GTI is a phenomenon, almost a marque within a marque, an automobile philosophy carved in metal and plastic and an unmistakable design statement — it was amongst the first sporty compact cars. There have been many stories about how the first GTI came into being. At the centre there is always a “secret society” of people who pushed through the GTI right up to production stage against the clock and opposition from their superiors. Many of the tales about these developments that have been passed down are true, but just as many of them have become distorted over the decades and are often wrong. The fact is that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the ingenious idea of a few men. This is their story and that of the GTI.

Everything began, as always, with the Beetle. Go back to 1973. Volkswagen launched a very sporty version of the Beetle. The “Yellow and Black Racer”, as it was called, differed from the normal Beetle in that it had a black front lid and engine cover, slightly broader tyres (5.5 instead of 5 inches), sports seats with head restraints and a proper leather steering wheel. Technically it was still the same old Beetle with 1,600 cc, 50 hp, no more. Despite this comparatively modest output, this “aggressive model from Volkswagen” even caused a stir in the German parliament.

But to the disbelief of many, it was popular among customers. This Beetle model, which only looked faster, sold out in next to no time and laid the foundations for a two-year project in Wolfsburg that, even within the company, only a handful of people would know about.

The pioneers assemble. It is still 1973, 18th March to be precise. On this (from today’s viewpoint) memorable day, the test engineer Alfons Löwenberg wrote an internal memo to a few colleagues from the Research and Development department, RD for short. He proposed that Volkswagen should put together a proper sports model. After all, a new vehicle with the project code EA 337 (the internal code for the future Golf) had reached the final stages of development – and a modern high-performance car with front-wheel drive would gain Volkswagen a completely new audience.

The recipients were reluctant at first. Only chassis specialist Herbert Horntrich and development chief Hermann Hablitzel were at least basically interested in Löwenberg’s idea. However, Löwenberg kept trying and found other like-minded colleagues. For example, marketing man Horst-Dieter Schwittlinsky and Anton Konrad, the then Volkswagen PR boss. Konrad, previously manager of the Formula V association for many years and himself a racing driver in his spare time, was particularly taken with the idea. He was also aware, however, that the delicate sport seedling needed to be cultivated in great secrecy within the company. The high development costs for the new model that would be launched as the Golf in 1974 were a heavy burden on funds as it was.

Secret meeting over sandwiches. Konrad invited the secret developers from the “Sportgolf” work group to meet at his home. Hablitzel, Horntrich, Konrad, Löwenberg and Schwittlinsky sorted through the possibilities like conspirators over some sandwiches. Hablitzel was now definitely on board and his silent toleration allowed Löwenberg and Horntrich to get down to work. Taking a Scirocco prototype with a rock-hard chassis, they lowered the suspension dramatically, souped up the basic 85 hp 1.5-litre Scirocco engine to 100 hp with a two-stage carburettor and crowned it all with an exhaust pipe that resembled a stove pipe and also sounded like one.

Prototype 1 is over the top. Today, Konrad remembers the car as being “a roaring monster”. The secret team soon agreed that this is not what they want. The Sportgolf should feel sporty, but should still be modest. ‘Löwenberg and Horntrich therefore decided to build a tamer version. The result was not quite as ferocious, but it was still pretty fast. The whole undercover group felt much better about this new model and Hablitzel plucked up some courage. He told the development chief Professor Ernst Fiala about the sporty car and asked him what he thought. Fiala delivered a fatal blow: “It’s far too expensive, you’re all mad,” he retorted.

However, Hablitzel and his men would not be deterred. The Sportgolf prototype based on the Scirocco was officially declared a disguised chassis prototype, unofficially though development continued. Löwenberg fine tuned the engine while Horntrich configured the chassis for the proposed 'beefy' tyres. The proposed tyre size of 205/60 HR 13 would be the format that, back then, would even put a Porsche 911 to shame — the quintessential Teutonic sports car still ran on 185/70 tyres in 1974…

Spring 1975 green light from the management. Not surprisingly, the “disguised chassis prototype” caused a big stir when Hablitzel & co. demonstrated their latest projects to the management at the Volkswagen test centre in Ehra-Lessien in spring 1975. Even Professor Fiala was now taken with the Sportgolf in a Scirocco outfit – and gave his approval. At the end of May, an official assignment was sent to the development department: A sporty version of the Golf is needed.

The Golf becomes the GTI. At the same time, the sales department now also saw good market opportunities for a sporty Golf and, in any case, Volkswagen still needed a crowd-puller for the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt. The project suddenly gained dynamism from all sides. Six prototypes with different configurations were developed ranging from a beast with maximum sports characteristics to a modest comfortable version. Chief designer Herbert Schäfer was responsible for all the small details that would distinguish the Sportgolf from its weaker rivals. For example, the red stripe on the radiator grille, the larger front spoiler, the discreet plastic wheel arch extensions, the matt black frame on the rear windscreen, the black roof liner, the golf ball gear stick knob and the chequered seat covers.

Technical fine tuning. Herbert Schuster, the new test manager, immediately gave the chassis development top priority. To cut costs, he reduced the width of the wheels from 6.0 to 5.5 inches and shrunk the tyre size to 175/70 HR 13. He did, however, also add stabilisers for the front and rear axles and developed a spring/damper configuration that provided a perfect synthesis between comfort and sportiness. In collaboration with Audi, the ultra-modern 1.6-litre fuel injected engine delivering 110 hp was produced.

World Premiere in 1975 at Frankfurt Motor Show. The former undercover team finished their work dead on schedule. When the 46th Frankfurt Motor Show opened its doors to the public on 11th September 1975, a red wonder celebrated its debut on the Volkswagen stand: the Golf GTI study. “The fastest Volkswagen ever” boasted the advertisement – and that was no exaggeration. The Golf GTI accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in nine seconds leaving considerably bigger and more expensive cars behind. The carefully announced price of “under DM13,000” was still over DM5,000 less than the closest German rival. As a result, the trade fair visitors were so impressed that the management had no other choice than to build a special series of 5,000 cars.

GTI mania starts. The GTI cost DM13,850 when it was finally launched in mid-1976. However, the dealers still managed to sell ten times the planned number in the first year of sale. No surprise: “Climbing an Alpine pass in the GTI — that is one of the most exciting tasks that can be set for a car driver” claimed the German trade magazine “auto motor und sport”. That sums it up. Nothing has changed since then between the first and fifth series of the GTI.

The History of the Golf GTI

GTI Generations: Series production of the first Golf GTI started in June 1976. A limited edition of 5,000 GTIs was originally planned. However, things turned out differently. The 81 kW/110 hp Golf GTI that could reach 182 km/h conquered a new clientele and founded the GTI class. The 5,000 units became over 1.5 million. Here is an overview of the most important stations in Golf GTI history up to the premiere of the fifth generation:

1976: Debut of first generation Golf GTI delivering 81 kW
1979: Facelift
1982: Golf GTI now delivers 82 kW
1983: Introduction of “Pirelli GTI” special model
1984: Debut of second generation Golf GTI
1984: Introduction of catalytic converter (79 kW instead of 82 kW)
1985: Facelift, double headlights and double end pipe
1986: Debut of Golf GTI 16V (102 kW without catalytic converter, 95 kW with catalytic converter)
1990: Introduction of Golf GTI with G60 engine (118 kW)
1991: Debut of third generation Golf GTI delivering 85 kW
1992: Introduction of Golf GTI 16V delivering 110 kW (150 hp)
1996: Presentation of anniversary model “20 Years GTI”
1996: Introduction of Golf GTI TDI delivering 81 kW
1998: Debut of fourth generation Golf GTI with 110 kW petrol engine (1.8 T), 110 kW V5 petrol / later 125 kW, 81 kW TDI, 85 kW TDI (later 96 kW)
2000: Introduction of Golf GTI TDI delivering 110 kW
2001: Introduction of Golf GTI with 132 kW turbo (initially as “25 Years GTI” special edition)
2004: Debut of fifth generation Golf GTI delivering 147 kW in Germany
2005: Fifth generation Golf GTI Australian Debut
(Melbourne Motor Show - 3rd March, 2005)

The First and Fifth GTI Generations Compared

 
2005 Golf GTI
1976 Golf GTI
Max. output
147 kW/200 hp from
81 kW/110 hp
rpm
5,100 rpm
6,100 rpm
Max. torque
280 Nm from
140 Nm
at rpm
1,800 rpm
at 5,000 rpm
0-100 km/h
7.2s
9.0s
Top speed
235 km/h
182 km/h
Fuel Consumption (ø)
8. 1 l/100 km
8.0 l/100 km
Length
4,216 mm
3,705 mm
Width
1,759 mm
1,630 mm
Height
1,466 mm
1,395 mm
Kerb weight
1,336 kg
820 kg
Gearbox
Six-speed
Four-speed
Axle drive
Front
Front
Tyres
225/45 17
175/70 13

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI SPECIFICATIONS / MAY 2005
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Airbags
Driver and front passenger airbags
Driver and front passenger side airbags
Curtain airbags, front and rear
Anti-theft
Electronic engine immobiliser
Alarm system with interior monitoring and tilt sensor
Body
Fully galvanised 5 door body with 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty
Door side impact protection
Rigid safety cell with front and rear crumple zones
Brakes
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist
Red brake callipers
Child restraint
3 child seat anchor points mounted on back of rear seat
Fog lights
Front fog lights, mounted in lower bumper
Rear fog lamp
Head restraints
Active front head restraints, height adjustable
Rear head restraints height adjustable (3)
Locking
Remote central locking with deadlock mechanism
2 stage unlocking (programmable)
Automatic locking after takeoff (programmable)
Automatic unlocking after removing key from ignition (programmable)
One touch lock/unlock for driver
Child safety locks on rear doors
Luggage cover, removable
Seat belts
Front height adjustable with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
3 point seat belts for all passengers
Traction Control
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT/STYLING
Body Enhancements
GTI badging on radiator grille and tailgate
Front lower air intake and radiator grille with black honeycomb inserts, high gloss finish in black with red outline
Rear roof spoiler
Side skirts
unique rear bumper with dual chrome exhaust tail pipes
Colour coding
Bumper bars
Bumper and side moulding strips
Door handles
Outer rear view mirrors
Tinted Glass
Heat insulating tinted glass
Wheels
Alloy wheels (Denver) 17 x 7” with 225/45 R17 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts
Flat tyre indicator
Weight and space saving spare wheel
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Armrest
Front centre armrest with storage box, 2 rear air outlets and 2 rear cup holders
Rear seat centre armrest with load through provision
Air conditioning
Dual zone climate control, CFC free
Dust and pollen filter
Automatic dimming rear-view mirror
Carpet mats
Front and rear
Cruise control
Cup holders
Front x 2, with bottle opener
Rear x 2
One litre bottle holders in front door pockets
Entry/warning reflectors in front and rear doors
Fuel filler flap
Electrically operated via switch on drivers door
Grab handles
Soft fold away grab handles, front and rear
Headlights
Halogen twin headlights with clear polycarbonate lens and tinted housing
Headlight-on warning buzzer
Internal headlight range adjustment
Low light sensor
Coming/leaving home function
Combined headlight and fog light switch
In Car Entertainment AM/FM stereo with security coding
Audio functions mounted on steering wheel
6 disc CD changer, mounted in-dash
10 speakers, front (6) and rear (4)
Instrumentation
unique speedometer & tachometer, electronic odometer and tripmeter, service interval display, digital clock, fuel & coolant gauges, low fuel warning light, brake pad wear indicator, blue adjustable illumination
Interior highlights
Aluminium/leather gear knob
Aluminium pedals and foot rest
Aluminium door sill scuff plates
Brushed aluminium inserts in dashboard, centre console and doors
Chrome trim on instrument dials
Interior lighting
With time delay
Foot well illumination, driver and front passenger
Front reading lights (2) with chrome trim
Rear passenger reading lights (2)
Luggage compartment
Chrome plated load restraining hooks
Luggage compartment light
Luggage net under luggage cover
Shopping bag hooks
Storage box in side lining
12 volt socket
Mirrors
Electrically heated and adjustable
LED turn indicators integrated in exterior mirrors
Power steering
Electro-mechanical, vehicle speed and steering input sensitive
Seating
Front GTI sports seats with additional side bolstering and embossed GTI insignia
Height adjustment for front seats
Lumbar adjustment for front seats
Split folding rear seat backrest (60/40) with load through provision and centre armrest
Steering wheel
3 spoke leather rimmed flat bottomed steering wheel with aluminium inserts
Gear shift paddles (DSG)
Audio functions
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Aluminium/leather gear knob, leather gaiter and handbrake grip
Storage
Chillable glove box with illumination and lockable
Chillable centre console storage compartment
Coin tray and 12 volt socket in console
Front seat backrest storage pockets
Front door pockets with one litre bottle holders
Sunglass compartment in roof console
Trip Computer
Multi-function trip computer – trip time, trip length, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, distance till empty & outside temperature
Upholstery
‘Interlagos’ GTI sports cloth seats
Vanity mirrors
With covers and illuminated on driver’s and passenger’s side
Wipers
2 speed aero wipers with wash/wipe and rain sensor
Rear window with wash/wipe and intermittent wipe
Windows
Power front / rear, with roll-back function, driver with one-touch up-down
Remote operated convenience close and open feature
12V socket Centre console
Luggage compartment
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Automatic Transmission, 6 speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic self levelling and headlight cleaning system
Electric glass sunroof, slide and tilt adjustable with sunblind
Leather upholstery with heated front GTI sports seats and electric lumbar adjustment
Metallic/Pearl Effect paint
Satellite navigation with large format colour map screen and audible driving recommendations, with 6 disc CD changer mounted in centre console

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI SPECIFICATIONS / MAY 2005
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
 
2.0 litre FSI Turbo
 
Type
 
4 cylinder in-line petrol
 
Installation
 
Front transverse
 
Cubic capacity, litres/cc
 
2.0 / 1984
 
Bore/stoke, mm
 
82.5 / 92.8
 
Valves
 
4 valves per cylinder
 
Camshafts
 
Dual overhead camshafts
 
Max power, kW @ rpm
 
147 @ 5,100
 
Max torque, Nm @ rpm
 
280 @ 1,800 - 5,000
 
Compression ratio
 
10.5:1
 
Fuel system
 
FSI direct petrol injection system
 
Induction
 
Exhaust gas turbocharger
 
Ignition system
 
Electronic
 
Exhaust emission control
 
3-way catalytic converter with lambda probe
 
Fuel type (Recommended)
 
Premium unleaded 98 RON
 
Alternator, amps
 
140
 
Transmission
 
Front wheel drive
 
Gearbox
 
6 speed manual
6 speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
Type of clutch
 
Single plate dry clutch
Two electro-hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath clutches
Performance
0 - 100 km/h
 
7.2
6.9
Top speed, km/h
 
235
233
Fuel Consumption *
Combined, L/100km
 
8.1
8.0
CO2 emission g/km
 
194
192
Fuel tank capacity litres
 
55
55
* Fuel consumption figures according to Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/01
The driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences and vehicle condition can in practice lead to consumption figures which may differ from those calculated with these standards.
Running Gear
Suspension
Front Axle
Independent, McPherson struts with lower A-arms. Anti-roll bar.
Sports Suspension.
 
 
Rear Axle
Independent, four-link with coil springs. Anti-roll bar.
Sports Suspension.
 
Steering
 
Electro-mechanical power assisted rack & pinion steering
 
Brake Systems
 
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
 
Brakes
Front
Ventilated discs 312 mm diameter
 
 
Rear
Solid discs 286 mm diameter
 
Traction control
 
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
 
Turning Circle m
 
10.9
 
Weights
 
6 Speed Manual
6 Speed DSG
Tare weight kg (includes 10 litres of fuel)
 
1,340
1,340
Exterior Dimensions
Overall length mm
 
4,216
 
Width mm
 
1,759
 
Height mm
 
1,466
 
Wheelbase mm
 
2,578
 
Track mm
Front
1,539
 
 
Rear
1,528
 
Interior Dimensions
Headroom mm
Front
987
 
 
Rear
979
 
Shoulder room mm
Front
1,590
 
 
Rear
1,386
 
Elbow room mm
Front
1,446
 
 
Rear
1,437
 
Luggage area
Rear seat upright
347
 
volume L
Rear seat folded
1,305
 
Luggage area
Rear seat upright
828
 
floor length mm
Rear seat folded
1,581
 
Luggage area opening width mm
 
1,044 (width at widest point)
 
Width between wheel arches mm
 
1,006
 
Luggage load
To luggage cover
556
 
height mm
To roof lining
927
 

Colour Combinations

Please note metallic and Pearl Effect paint are optional at extra cost.

Standard

Optional

l

¡

EXTERIOR COLOUR

INTERIOR TRIM

Black Magic PE

Candy White

Reflex Silver M

Tornado Red

Shadow Blue M

 

Interlagos cloth

l

l

l

l

l

Anthracite leather

¡

¡

¡

¡

¡

Pure Beige leather

¡

-

-

¡

¡

Glossary

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

When braking, wheel speed sensors measure the road wheel speed and should one or more wheels start to lock the ABS system reduces brake pressure to that wheel. This prevents the wheels from locking during heavy or emergency braking, enabling the vehicle to remain steerable.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR improves driving and steering characteristics by preventing the front wheels from spinning under acceleration. When a difference in driving wheel speed is detected (i.e. when one wheel starts to spin due to differences in road surfaces, e.g. due to water or dirt) the system automatically reduces engine torque. ASR is a switchable traction control system.

Brake Assist
During emergency braking, Brake Assist aids the driver by increasing the brake pressure automatically to a level exceeding the locking limit. The ABS is thus quickly brought into the operating range, which enables maximum vehicle deceleration to be achieved.

Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
DSG is a manual gearbox in which the gearshifts are controlled electronically. What makes the DSG unique is that it has 2 separate gear sets operated by 2 wet multi-plate clutches. The benefit of 2 gear sets and 2 multi-plate wet clutches is that one gear set and clutch is engaged driving the vehicle with the second clutch having already pre-selected the next gear awaiting for power to be transferred. As the next gear has already been pre-selected prior to power being applied, the gear change only takes 3-4 100ths of a second. There is virtually no interruption to power, traction or acceleration. The DSG also offers Tiptronic gear selection and sports mode.

Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
Electronic, more sophisticated means of regulating the ratio of front/rear brake pressure. Settings are varied according to driving and load conditions to ensure each wheel is braked to the optimum extent.

Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
ABS and ASR traction control systems are integrated into the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP). In short, ESP helps ensure that the vehicle goes where you steer it even in extreme driving conditions. The ESP system constantly compares the actual movement of the vehicle with pre-determined values and should a situation arise where the vehicle starts to skid, ESP will apply the brakes to individual wheels and automatically adjust the engine's power output to correct the problem. ESP prevents the vehicle from losing control when trying to avoid an accident, for example. It also prevents spinning off on a curve due to either understeer or oversteer.


ROAD RAMBLINGS 
CLICK FOR DETAILS

Hear Chris Goodsell
Talk Motoring On
Radio & Internet
..... more


More Volkswagen News ..... here

Top of page

Next Car Pty Ltd 
Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Journal

About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive

©   2005   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.