GTI fans looking for the next performance quantum leap are not going to find it in the seventh-generation Golf GTI, launched in South Africa this week.
Sure, VW has completely reworked the cylinder head of its EA888 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but the output increases are modest. Power rises from 155kW to 162kW at 4500-6200rpm while there's a more useful increase in twisting force, from 280Nm to 350Nm at 1500-4400rpm.
Naturally, there isn't a huge performance gain over the sixth-generation GTI and the acceleration advantages of the new model are hardly noticeable.
Not that the Golf 6 GTI was a slouch. Even with numbers lacking somewhat on paper compared to hatch rivals, it was one of the quickest that our publication has ever tested. This one should be slightly quicker yet.
Our future road test will reveal how it performs at altitude, but VW claims a 0-100 number of 6.5 seconds for the new GTI regardless of whether you opt for the six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Expect respective top speeds of 246 and 244km/h.
LEVEL-HEADED HOT HATCH
Jesse Adams, of our sister publication Star Motoring, put the new GTI through its paces on its launch in the Western Cape this week and feels that, much like the normal Golf 7 it's based on, the new GTI plays a very level-headed role at its end of the market:
"It doesn't scream 'look at me!', it's not especially loud, and it doesn't come in any gaudy paint colours. But that's not to say it doesn't perform.
"Over some of the Western Cape's best mountain passes, the new GTI was capable of tickling adrenal glands, and I especially like the way this newly-tweaked engine revs.
"Power is ready from right down low in the rev range, and it keeps on pulling way up to around 7000rpm. Intake noise is also improved from the outgoing GTI, and it sounds a little lumpier in the throat now. At least from inside the cabin."
The car Jesse drove was fitted with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control systems, which allow the driver to change the suspension, steering and gearbox (in the DSG) settings via the touch screen.
COMFY OR FIRM
"In its softest mode the car is very comfortable (probably one of the best in class) and in its hardest it's proper race car firm. In fact I'd leave the hardest suspension setting alone for most roads.
"As it usually is with powerful front-wheel drives, it's tricky to lay the power down - especially while turning. Much like the previous GTI there's an electronic XDS pseudo limited slip diff, but still I battled with understeer and wheelspin in certain tight hairpins.
"I also think the ABS brakes are just a tad too sensitive for a performance hatch, as they'd have little freak out sessions if I braked too heavily into corners. It's a very minor complaint, but one that aggressive drivers will pick up on," Jesse explained.
Shifting back to the level-headed side of its personality, the new GTI is also more efficient.
The claimed fuel consumption figure, for the manual model, has dropped from 7.3 l/100km to 6.0 l/100km, while the DSG model sips 6.4 l/100km. This was achieved not only by tinkering with the engine and aerodynamics; the overall weight of the car has been reduced (from 1393kg to 1351kg) by engineering it around the VW Group's new MQB modular platform.
It also marches into the future on the features front, with standard driver aids including Progressive Steering, Fatigue Detection System and Automatic Multi-Collision Braking.
STILL A GTI INSIDE
Inside the cabin, the GTI aims to delight with sports seats covered in Vienna leather, unique instrument graphics, a GTI-specific flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, red ambience lighting and pedals finished in brushed stainless steel.
On the outside, the new GTI flaunts 18-inch 'Austin' alloy wheels - a welcome break from those 'telephone dials' - as well as racier-looking front and rear bumpers and a red grille strip. The 'launch colours' are red, black and white.
After reflecting on VW's latest contender in the segment it practically created, Jesse feels that GTI 7 is "one of the most complete hot hatches available."
"Quality is top notch, and it's almost as practical as the European Car of the Year winner it's built on.
"Some of its rivals though, might be better at burnouts, shooting flames or picking up dates. It's so good, it's almost boring."
PRICES
GTI manual - R368 300
GTI DSG - R382 800