Test Drive: Video + Written Report on the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Is The Iconic Hot Hatch Still Relevant in 2019?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is an icon. It brought out the first ever successful formula for what a hot hatch should be. Some argued that it may not have been the first ever hot hatch, but whatever the case, the Golf GTI perfected that formula. That formula you see today is basically a mass production hatchback, most likely front wheel driven that was upgraded with a very powerful engine and suspension to suit. This is what the Golf GTI is to this day. And today's article (and video you see here) is about the latest model - the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 7.5.

The Mark 7.5 moniker isn't an official name for this generation's Golf. It is fondly called as such because of the revisions made to the Mark 7 Golf which was first launched in 2013. This new, facelifted variant of the seventh generation Golf (first launched end 2016) is actually called the New Golf by Volkswagen, but enthusiasts like calling it this revision the 7.5 as it did have some changes done to it. Since is wasn't a total model change, but featured some 'upgrades' and tweaks, enthusiasts call it the upgraded car that extra point five over the original. Nice.

Anyway, after that longish, two paragraph introduction lets get to the actual car itself. The Malaysian specified 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is more or less like the 2018 version which was the first time the revised, facelifted Golf was brought into Malaysia. We basically got this hot hatch a little later than others but back when it was launched, I managed to try one out during the media drive to Johor which you can also see a video (which is in the highlighted link) of a bunch of us media folk trying out three different variants which also included the GTI. Same number plate as the white test car, but a newly registered one actually if your keen eyes spot the plates.

The 2019 Golf GTI is like the one I tried out. It features the same refreshed bumpers front and back, LED headlights which throw up a nice start-up pattern and Milton Keynes 18 inch alloy wheels round up the exterior. Being a GTI, it features bits of red trim here and there especially around the grille up front and on the insides too.

What's nice in the new Golf GTI is the new infotainment system which is paired to that beautiful looking digital instrument cluster. These and what information they give to you makes the car so 2019 if you know what I mean. When you plant yourself into the nice, grippy Recaro-esque front seats, you have everything laid out in front of you and everything is nice to the touch. It is this ease which makes you want to drive a car like a Volkswagen Golf. 

Of course, drive it I did. The car can really handle as well as have the performance to power on through most of the nice B-roads you can throw at it. In terms of how a front wheel drive car is set up for driving, the Golf GTI is one of the best. Like what I mentioned in the video review which you see attached herein, the hot hatch has such a mobile rear end which helps that super accurate and planted front end. So it allows fast changes in direction but it also still allows super levels of high speed stability that one can feel quite comfortable doing speeds in excess of the national speed limit by about 70kmh and still have a decent conversation with your passenger. Such is the pace of this Golf GTI in a straight line. So it corners as well as it can go fast. 

So you know that the car can corner. The car also can hit 0-100kmh in around 6.4seconds and onwards to a maximum speed of 250kmh. It is actually quite surprising that it is so easy to drive ridiculously fast with this car to this day. That chassis is helped by that 230ps /350Nm 2.0liter TSI engine. 

I actually did the video to answer that nagging feeling inside of me whether with the latest competition from all angles makes the Golf GTI feel old and ancient, since if was first launched in 2016. After driving it again, I must say that such talk of this iconic hot hatch being not relevant or obsolete should not happen as the car can truly hold its own. In terms of promoting the fun factor in cars, the Golf GTI is still up there and it is still so much fun to drive fast. 

It is also still super relevant in 2019. In terms of interior, that digital animated screen used in the touchscreen equipped infotainment (Bluetooth, Navigation, audio, USB etc) unit as well as the Advanced Information Display digital instrument cluster still keeps this facelifted Golf feeling like a car from 2019. The way the car sends you down the road with its crackle and pop sounds from the exhaust is still so current and relevant. The was it drives is also splendid. 

I must also add that you need to watch the video on why I think the Golf GTI is still a darn good drive today. Many things were touched on how the car drives and it definitely feels magical driving it. Even if you compare with its higher priced, internal rival, the Golf R, this Mk 7.5 Golf GTI actually offers more accessible fun. You would need to be driving at super silly speeds if you want the tail to try and help out in a Golf R. I believe the R's all wheel drive system allows slightly more understeer to creep in whereas the Golf GTI loves to change direction. You need to go truly ballistic in the R and that means that you may be really wringing out the car at super high speeds. These higher that usual speeds may cause problems if you aren't able to catch the car when necessary.

However, that being said, this is all subjective as not many hot hatches are there to be able to allow you to cruise at almost 200kmh and still have a somewhat decent conversation with your passenger(s). The Golf GTI is still that amazing. 200kmh and you are still talking normally with your friend. 

Such is progress. The first GTI only had a 1.6liter normally aspirated engine with 106hp and only 117Nm running its front wheels via a 5 speed manual. Now, we have over double the horsepower and nearly three times the torque. 

So yes, I did enjoy the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI quite a fair bit. It has that almost complete package of 5 seats, a hatchback, a practical five door design with a decently sized boot and also space to carry a lot of stuff when you fold down the seats. The car is practical and bloody fast, even by 2019 standards. 

As for some flaws, I believe the interior has only 2 USB points you can use. One is a USB port up front and another is the 12V socket. So this is a little lacking in this model by aside from that, everything seems to be good inside. 

Aside from that, the 6 speed dual clutch transmission's (DSG) gearshift in the Normal mode is feeling its age slightly. Six gears in the Normal mode means that you are pottering around with the gear changes being slightly less snappy and quite to upshift but not downshift. In this new Golf GTI, it may actually promote good fuel efficiency but the gear ratios seem to be a tad bit lazy in Normal mode. I'd expected it to be a little more snappy in terms of gea rchanges. Of course, you could do like I did and enjoyed it in its sportier modes. 

When you switch to the sports settings, the gear is snappy, fast and as responsive as ever. I think I have been slightly spoilt by newer dual clutch transmission units. Also,one must note that Volkswagen has a newer 7 speed DSG which they have kept for the 2018 onwards Golf R. If that gearbox is fitted here, that extra gear ratio may lead to a different conclusion. But drive the car in anger and it still feels bloody spendid!

So again, watch the video folks, and do read the previous written review I did on all of the facelifted Golf variants sold here - it's still very relevant. It's also that exhaust note that makes everyone pay attention especially when it comes to the GTI and the R. And yes, the Golf GTI is still so very relevant and still a very good choice in 2019.   

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Price as Tested: RM246,490 before insurance.

2.0liter 4 cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine
6 speed dual clutch transmission
front wheel drive
0-100kmh - 6.4secs
250kmh max speed

Equipment highlights of the Golf GTI:

Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with Driving Mode Selection   
8" touchscreen "Discover Media" Navigation infotainment system with USB and iPod/iPhone interface, SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth, 8 speakers  
App-Connect smartphone connectivity (MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)  
12.3" high definition Active Info Display  
12-ways electric adjustable driver seat with memory feature including electric lumbar support 
Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights 
Dynamic Light Assist (DLA) advanced light beam control
Full LED taillights with dynamic indicators
"Milton Keynes" alloy wheels 7.5J X 18", tyres 225/40 R18