[New golf GTI test drive] The best "premium" GTI in history that combines not only running but also high quality!
● GTI -only front bumper has a fog lamp with a design imitating a checker flag.
■ Aerodynamic performance is also improved VW Golf is a C -segment car that represents Europe as well as Germany. However, although it has not been used much recently, in Europe, C segments were sometimes called "GTI class", and the image of "golf is GTI" is strong. The former GTI was that it had a strong presence. It is also convinced that the first generation appeared in 1976, more than 2.3 million units worldwide and more than 64,000 units in Japan alone were sold. [Dedicated parts are also for interior! A new sporty GTI, a golf image leader with GTI -only equipment, is a bit different from normal, is finally landing in Japan. I was able to experience the running in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The new golf 8 GTI is unique to looks. The exterior is dedicated to the front and rear bumper, diffuser, side skirt, rear spoiler, and LED fog lamp, and the front also has a red stripe indicating that it is a GTI. The most eye -catching LED fog lamp is located in the checker flag type on the left and right of the front. It is a detail that combines function and design and expresses the GTI sportiness well. It is noteworthy is the evolution of aerodynamics. CD value 0 of the predecessor GTI.30 to 0.Improved 275.Furthermore, by reducing the rear axle lift and allocating it to the front axle, the lift balance of the front and rear axle is optimized.As a result, the stability was improved in the high -speed range.The interior is equipped with a traditional tartan plaid sports sheet and a dedicated steering wheel.The display of the digital cockpit is also a sporty design exclusively for GTI, exciting the mood of the driver.■ The evolution of the chassis is amazing, which is called "EA288 EVO4"..It's a 0TSI engine.It has evolved further from the predecessor EVO3 due to direct injection systems, which have been up to 350 Bar (up to 200 BAR in the past) due to injector improvements, reducing friction, and improving noise characteristics.The performance is a maximum output of 245 horsepower/5000-6500 rpm, a maximum torque of 370 nm/1600-4300 rpm, and the maximum output speed is slightly different, but the same specifications are realized as the predecessor golf GTI performance.Combine a wet 7 -speed DCT (dual clutch transmission).0 → 100km/h acceleration 6.In 2 seconds, it is the same as the predecessor GTI performance. When I actually drive, I feel that the sound has become even more sporty and high quality than the predecessor GTI. Of course, it is more powerful and the response to accelerator operation is wonderful. The shifting of the 7 -speed DCT is also agile and accurate. But chassis was more evolved than the power train. The new GTI has a new damper bearing for improving the windbone bush, spring and bump -strop, reducing the weight of aluminum subframes (-3 kg), and improving the spring bone bush. It has been updated for a wide variety of things. DCC (adaptive chassis control) cars have newly software. In addition, the control of the brake in the limit area has been improved. In addition, it is equipped with an electronically controlled hydraulic differential lock system that was used only for GTI performance and TCR in the predecessor. In a DCC -equipped car, the four -wheeled shock absorber is adjusted 200 times per second to control the vehicle posture. ■ Riding comfort and handling are good! These effects are clearly appearing in riding comfort and handling. The test ride was a 235/35R19 size Bridgestone Potenza S005 (standard specification is 225/40R18), but the input from the road surface has a corner, and it is clearly better than the predecessor GTI. It was realized. At the same time, the sharpness of handling and the stability are also outstanding. Thanks to the agile, accurate handling and good -response engine on the winding road, I felt the feeling of running freely, as if driving had suddenly improved. The dynamic performance is so much over -the -counter on general roads. However, it is a very attractive model in terms of running quality. Golf GTI is no longer just a model for running, but it can be said that it has been leveled up to a more premium "high -quality and extraordinary run special model". If you want a more spartan running, it may be better to wait for the GTI club sports and R in Japan that have already been released in your home country, but this new GTI can be bought in Japan at this time. There is no doubt that it is. The price of 4.66 million yen including tax is clearly reasonable.
Toshimi Takeka TOSHIMI TAKEHANA