I realize that this is supposed to be reviews for the "enthusiast" but I recently had the opportunity to drive the Mark 7 GTI and was not about to say no. This particular GTI was a 2016 model with the 6-speed manual, autobahn package and performance package. Included in the autobahn package was "leather" seats, a power sunroof, a backup camera, fender audio system and a host of other non-essentials I would never consider if I was spending my own money on a new car. The performance pack, however, was something I was very curious to experiment with. I have also driven a 2015 non-performance-pack 2-door GTI briefly but I can tell you the performance pack provides the best compromise between ride and handling of any front-wheel-drive car I have ever driven. While the 2015 model I drove was no slouch in the corners, understeer was non-existent in the performance pack. Power on mid-corner in my 2006 A3 and there's a good chance you'll end up eating the median as the tires squeal for mercy. Limited-slip differentials are not a new technology but have truly been perfected with the newest GTI.
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From a power perspective, the performance pack brings an additional 10 horsepower due to a less restrictive exhaust. The extra power is unnoticeable and I predict just a way to separate the 2 models and justify the extra two grand you'll pay for the package. The base GTI has enough power to get you into trouble in a hurry and while related to the engine in my Audi, feels like it has more than a 20 horsepower advantage. This could be due to the sub-3100 pound curb weight as compared to 3300 in my A3. Power delivery is also a big difference as VW has discovered how to make a turbo-4 with a linear power curve all the way to redline. This makes the GTI almost feel slower behind the wheel because there is no longer the surge of power associated with turbo lag. This is one of the things I always found fun with the A3 because once I discovered where the power truly was I could put the hammer down and feel like I'm driving a much faster car. Instead, the GTI is unflappable, delivering power with the efficiency and lack of emotion you'd expect from a German car.
Overall, the GTI is a brilliant car that offers 4-door practicality, sports car flash, excellent fuel economy, and speed. My only gripe with this car is that its almost too perfect. Its hard to have a connection to a car that has so few flaws. The tire-melting FWD
burnouts (not my car but you get the idea) in my A3 would be impossible in this car because it is too well-behaved, too mature for that...
Fun: 8/10
Practical: 9/10
Fast: 9/10
Total: 27/30
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