Story & photos by Tet Andolong
ONE of the most common topics among families and friends nowadays is traffic in Metro Manila. I learned that many Filipinos rely on GPS, the Waze navigation app or the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Traffic Monitoring System to avoid traffic and save on travel time on the road.
Aside from these navigational and traffic avoidance aids, it is also imperative that one drives a car, which is great for day-to-day use and has a reputation for reliability.
One such vehicle is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which I recently had a chance to try out. As a looker, the Golf GTI certainly deserves a lot of points on account of its dynamic and powerful styling, which is anchored on its black front grille with honeycomb mesh and red accent, as well as an integrated rear spoiler and sport side skirts, dual tailpipes, 18-inch Austin alloy wheels and all-season performance tires.
Its illumination package is also something worth telling about: tail lamps, Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), including Halogen headlights with clear, lightweight, chip-resistant polycarbonate lenses and LED Fog lights. The automatic headlights activate automatically when it gets dark. They do the thinking for you, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
It also has heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals; window diversity antenna and rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, which have the ability to sense when and how much rain is falling on your windshield and adjust their speed to offer the best clarity for the driver in inclement weather.
The interior of the GTI sets it apart from its competitors with its sophisticatedly designed premium sport seats with “Clark” up-scale materials, which are only found in luxury compacts. There are nifty touches here and there, such as the power tilting steering wheel with paddle shifters, GTI shift knob, stainless steel pedals, scuff plates and trim. A keyless-go entry/exit with push start button; interior ambient lighting and a Climatronic two-zone air-conditioning system; a rearview camera; spacious cargo hold; ample legroom in the front and rear seat rows; a four-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs; concert-quality sound by Fender Premium Audio System with eight speakers plus subwoofer; and 400 watts of power—make the cabin one of the most convenient, comfortable and enjoyable in its class.
The first-generation Golf was launched in 1976 and its unmatched success paved the way for the higher grade GTI, which was meant to appeal to the sporty crowd. Seven generations later, the GTI has become the ultimate offering within the VW sports-car family, which combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance.
Taking the Golf GTI out for a spin is a reward in itself, as an electromechanical progressive power steering system with variable assistance, VAQ front limited-slip differential lock, upgraded front and rear brakes, sport suspension with independent front MacPherson struts, rear fully independent four-link suspension and stabilizer bars make it a true driver’s car because of its superb handling.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged stratified injection engine with maximum output of 220 Ps at 4,500-6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 350 N-m at 1,500-4,400 rpm mated to a six-speed dual shift gear transmission give the Golf GTI one of the most potent powertrains in the Volkswagen stable. Snappy acceleration and a broad powerband give the vehicle plenty of oomph whenever and wherever the driver needs it.
On top of all its technological goodies, the Golf GTI boasts of a five-star ANCAP rating, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock with XDS plus technology, engine drag torque control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, driver alert system, airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side and curtain), radar-based adaptive cruise control and multicollision braking that automatically applies the brakes after a crash to prevent the car from rolling into further danger, which makes it one of the safest cars around.
For the price of P2.29 million, the Golf GTI owner will have a versatile, stylish and safe all-around sports vehicle that can stretch its legs on the open road or provide a comfy and enjoyable ride even in heavy traffic.
Image credits: Tet Andolong