2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review [Video]

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The 2014 Volkswagen GTI is something of a legendary vehicle. Highly revered by many, it was the car that started the hot-hatch revolution and inspired countless imitators. If you bring up the GTI to seasoned driving enthusiasts, it’s almost a given they’ll become all misty-eyed as they fill up with nostalgia, thinking back wistfully to 1976 when the white-hot Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1 first hit the road.

 

But, despite what we’d perhaps like to believe, we have to cast any notions of romance aside as we consider that the GTI has certainly not always led the way. It’s not always been at the top of the hot-hatch game, with its imitators soon rising to be challengers – before becoming the leaders and game changers themselves. Indeed, VW’s GTI output in the nineties was sterile, uninspired and instantly forgettable, with critics claiming VW were dragging their heels. It wasn’t until 2005, with the release of the Volkswagen Golf GTI MK5, that respect could be said to be due once more to the GTI. The following model, the awesome Volkswagen Golf GTI MK6 raised the bar even more, and as such a lot of burden lies on the shoulders of the MK7. But how does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI match up? Let’s take a look.

Power and Pace

Volkswagen knew a decade ago that they simply couldn’t afford to mess around any longer. Their rivals were producing hot hatchback’s that were superior in every respect, offering greater firepower and better performance. The gap between the Golf and Ford’s Focus was getting ever wider. With the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7, Volkswagen have retained the old ethos of the original GTI and remained true to its heritage -fun and great handling on the road – but trained themselves very much on keeping up to date with the latest improvements and evolutions that car manufacturing is allowing for. They have even given themselves room for some invention and innovation.

With 220 PS power output, a new 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI just doubled what it was in 1976. Doesn’t sound like a huge improvement does it? Worse still, the Focus ST has 250 PS power output, whilst the Renault Sport Megane has 265. But we have to take into consideration the lightness of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7; the Golf is considerably lighter than both those aforementioned vehicles, which helps it to match them for speed, agility and performance. Indeed, it can reach 62mph in 6.5 seconds, which is .3 seconds quicker than the MK6. Moreover, with the inclusion of an electronically controlled locking deferential, you get to direct more power to the wheel that needs it as you approach and tackle a corner. Instead of modifying your speed through the bend, you get to maintain and adjust your speed at will, which seasoned drivers will no doubt appreciate. The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 also comes with turbo installation which serves to create no lag.

Thrills, Spills And Relaxation

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 comes with a coloured touch screen on the dash that allows to select a driving mode. You get to choose from normal, sport, individual and eco, and it also comes with a comfort mode that, whilst appearing to be at odds with the hot-headed nature of a hot-hatch, offers an intuitive mode of driving. Because, let’s face it, most of us will only own one car, and it’s not going to be such that we’ll be in the mood all the time for the wild, roaming nature of a hot-hatch. For the occasions when we want a calmer driving experience, and don’t want to run the risk of upsetting the countless array of speed bumps as we make our way home from a tough day at the office, the comfort mode offers a welcome respite.

Moreover, the sport option speaks for itself in any case, and it gives you the chance to experience the optimum thrills and spills that the GTI has become well known for. If you want to let loose on a country road and have some fun, the sport option gives you the chance to indulge in a bit of off-road tussling. The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7, with a simple touch to the screen, can change from a calm, peaceful companion to a riotous, uproarious buddy.

Features and Options

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 is certainly an improvement on the MK6, even if the changes are fairly subtle. What we love about it is how it stays true to its heritage in the sense that the golf ball gear stick is still there, as are the beloved tartan seats. But the changes can be found in the dynamics and features. It comes with a roof spoiler that is longer than usual, a boot that is 30 litres larger than. This 380 litre cargo bay is 20 % bigger than the Focus ST. With a wider base and a variable height, there is no complaint on this front.

Neither is there any complaint with the improved leg, shoulder and height room at the back. As you’d expect from any hot-hatch, cramming three adults in there would be a squeeze, but you can’t knock the efforts to create a bit more space. In terms of features, it comes with a DAB digital radio, which is accessed via touch screen, is fully Bluetooth integrated, and also comes with LED head lamps, front fog lights, a leather trimmed steering wheel and cruise control.

If all this is not enough, you have the chance to include extra features and options at the expense of more cash. Because the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is already at the top-end of hot-hatches in terms of pricing, some consumers may baulk at having to pay extra for more niceties, but the devil is often in the detail. For £600 extra, you can include a sound pack, whilst for an extra thousand you can upgrade to the performance pack. For this you get bigger brakes and an extra 10 PS. The thing is, once you get addicted to extras, you might ask yourself, ‘why not just buy something like a Honda Civic Type R in the first place?’

Conclusion

With prices for the 3 door starting at £26,000, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 is certainly at the top-end when it comes to hot hatches. But it’s a vehicle that manages to control emissions well, whilst saving on energy and fuel – it capable of running 41 miles to the gallon, which is pretty much what you get from much smaller cars, such as the Ford Fiesta. There can be no doubting its class, speed and performance, and it’s another improvement in the GTI range, with VW’s particular line of hot-hatches seemingly unstoppable. The irrepressible first ever hot-hatch is back – and it’s back with a punch.

Helping you with 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI finance and Volkswagen Golf GTI lease options are something we at OSV are committed to. If you’re thinking of investing in a 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI, but find shopping for the right deal to be something of a time-consuming nightmare, you can leave all the hard work to us, safe in the knowledge that we provide a professional and diligent service that looks at each case individually. Contact us today on 01903 538835 for more information on 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI lease deals and how we can help you.