Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Performance 230 CV, road test (Equipment, price and opinion)

We bring to a close the road test of the Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Performance, that is, a Golf GTI but with the Performance Pack that raises its power to 230 CV and adds a series of sporty features, such as the front differential or a more sporty look.

How does it handle, is it sporty, what consumption does the Golf GTI Performance have? We answer all these questions in the first part of the test, where we analyse everything about the engine and handling. In the second part we analyse the exterior design and interior space, as well as the finish and boot.

And now in the third part we turn to the price of the VW Golf GTI Performance, the standard equipment, the optional extras, the safety equipment, and we finish with our personal opinion of the car.

Equipment

The first thing we analyse is the equipment, and first of all, the safety elements fitted as standard on the Golf GTI. The safety features include: seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, stability control with ABS and emergency brake assist, tyre pressure warning, driver fatigue detection, multi-collision brake system (automatic braking), LED fog lights, and bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Among the extras on our unit, the Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist – incl. Dynamic Light Assist and traffic sign recognition) (695 euros) stands out as a recommended extra. This system acts on the steering wheel; in theory it helps the driver steer to stay within the lane, in practice on motorway bends that aren’t too tight it takes them perfectly on its own, but that is not its function (in fact, as soon as we let go of the wheel and let the system act alone for a few seconds, it recognises this and disconnects). Even so, I think for those who travel a lot it can be a recommended piece of equipment.

Another practical element for those who travel a lot is the adaptive cruise control, that is, it brakes or accelerates depending on the car ahead and can even come to a complete stop (345 euros).

Another optional piece of equipment is the “Park Assist” (175 euros), which combines sensors with the ability for the car to manoeuvre by itself to park. Bear in mind that although the steering wheel turns on its own, the driver still has to change gears and accelerate or brake according to the system’s instructions. Our unit also had the rear-view camera so as not to miss any detail when parking (add another 260 euros).

In terms of media, the standard set-up is the “Composition Media” touchscreen radio with MP3 playback, 8 speakers, phone preparation and USB and media-in sockets, although our unit had the navigation system. There are two types of navigation: the first, “Discover Media”, includes navigation and an SD card reader, and the second, “Discover Pro”, adds voice control, a more complete Bluetooth system, navigation stored in internal memory, the possibility of online services (an extra 105 euros), among other features. The interface of the multimedia system is very well executed and easy and quick to use.

Personally I think the standard radio is more than sufficient, and if you’re looking for built-in navigation at most, go for the intermediate option at 445 euros rather than the 1,830-euro “Discover Pro”.

Another optional extra on our unit was the “DYNAUDIO Excite” Audio system, with a 10-channel digital amplifier, subwoofer, 8 speakers and a total output of 400 W. A not particularly recommended extra: the sound quality is not exceptional, especially in relation to its price (665 euros).

Prices of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

• VW Golf GTI Manual 6-speed 31,990 euros
• VW Golf GTI DSG 6-speed 33,860 euros
• VW Golf GTI Performance Manual 6-speed 33,730 euros
• VW Golf GTI Performance DSG 6-speed 35,610 euros

Price of the tested unit: Black colour (510 euros), leather interior (2,155 euros), Santiago Pack (620 euros), 4 doors (665 euros), Lane Assist (695 euros) + Discover Pro navigation (1,830 euros), Park Assist (175 euros), adaptive ACC (345 euros), reversing camera (260 euros), Dynaudio Excite sound system (665 euros) = 43,540 euros.

Personal assessment

VW Golf GTI or GTI Performance? Without a doubt, and given the small price difference (1,740 euros), the GTI Performance is worth it for its much more refined handling, not so much for the power increase, since 10 CV is barely noticeable in these cases.

Is it DSG or manual? It depends on personal taste. I personally prefer a manual gearbox, but I have to admit the DSG works very well and is very comfortable, and paddle shifters are always a plus in a sporty car. The problem is that it’s an extra that costs almost 2,000 euros more.

As for the engine and handling, there is little to add to what has already been said in the first part of the test. It’s undoubtedly a fun car, although, as I mentioned, it is not excessively sporty nor does it have complex driving dynamics, quite the opposite. I miss a slightly sportier sound, but again this is a personal impression; as for handling, I can find few faults.

The design of the Golf GTI is sporty but again without excess, with just enough to give a different image while staying within the brand’s typical lines, and nothing jars. Inside, the quality of the fit and materials is what we expect from a Golf. That said, the leather upholstery is an extra worth thinking twice about, and for 2,000 euros the seats could be microperforated or heated.

As for the equipment, every GTI already comes with a generous list of features as standard, from the bi-xenon headlights to the air conditioning, and the extras in general are not too expensive, with certain exceptions such as the more complete navigation system or the sound system, which we find dispensable.

Among the alternatives in the segment, one of the cheapest and most fully equipped is the Kia Pro_Cee’d GT from 23,296 euros (204 CV, 1.6 Turbo), or the Opel Astra OPC from 31,403 euros (280 CV) with very complete equipment, or even the Renault RS (265 CV) from 28,500 euros. Of all the rivals, and pending an in-depth test, the Kia is the best positioned in terms of power, equipment and final price (almost 10,000 euros cheaper than a GTI).

We also cannot forget the Spanish alternative, which has a lot in common with the Golf, starting with the engine. We are talking about the Seat León Cupra 265 CV, which starts at 28,270 euros, and the 280 CV version at 29,390 euros.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €