- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
180kW, 370Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2013)
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI: owner review
At the end of January 2021 I bought a new car, albeit used. A 2019 Golf GTI Mk7.5, with the performance, luxury, driver assistance and infotainment packs.
Owner: Damien Landini
- Electro-Mechanical Diff
- Add a louder exhaust note in Sports mode
At the end of January 2021 I bought a new car, albeit used. A 2019 Golf GTI Mk7.5, with the performance, luxury, driver assistance and infotainment packs. Why used? My dad once said that cars are the ‘worst investment we ever make’, yet necessary to everyday life. By this he meant we generally put more money into the car than we ever get in return, eg fuel, maintenance, insurance and repairs. So with this in mind I’ve always bought used. There is also the added advantage, as with the case of my Golf GTI, that you maximise bang for your buck!
So why this car? Let me start by saying I researched cars incessantly during lockdown of 2020, a welcome distraction to say the least. I wanted a sports car with excellent and engaging power, handling and driving dynamics. It had to be four door (I have 2 children, and 2 nieces to taxi between weekend sports), and automatic as my wife doesn’t drive manual. On that, the automatic needed to be engaging and offer authentic ability to control the car. As it would be my daily driver, comfort in traffic, a refined ride and the ability to cut loose for spirited weekend drive were also criteria.
The Golf GTI fit all these criteria. I could mention all cars I considered, but fear this would be monotonous. The GTI offered a refined ride, engaging dynamics, an amazing stereo and the best automatic I have ever experienced. I know a lot people would scoff at an automatic, but this one allows complete control over the car and changes quicker than a manual (and if you time your down shift just right you get the famed DSG fart). I have had limited opportunity to make some spirited runs; so far I have tackled the King Lake run, the Black Spur and the Reefton Spur. The electro-mechanical diff allows smooth entry into the apex of a corner with grip allowing the power to be put down effectively on exit. The brakes (the same as on the Golf R) support the driver braking late and entering a corner fast, and the steering is direct with plenty of feedback. Around town in Comfort or Eco modes fuel economy and comfort are both excellent.
What would I change? VW seems to leave plenty of room for tuning and other mods. By this I mean the EA888 engine has a solid bottom end, is fully balanced with direct and standard injection. It is clearly capable of more power (just look at the figures for the Clubsport, TCR and R variants in Australia and Europe). There is strong aftermarket support for VWs, however how this affects ones warranty remains perennially unclear. The GTI is refined, perhaps too much. A more characterful exhaust note in Sport mode would be great, perhaps like the valve system used in the JCW Mini. It is very comfortable day to day and pleasant when cruising on the highway.
Owner: Damien Landini
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