2017 Volkswagen GTI Test Drive Review

Driving Dynamics – The Volkswagen GTI has a precise steering but I would have liked the feedback to be slightly better. It is very precise though. The car stays planted at high speeds on straights but on roads with some uneven surfaces, there is a tad loss in composure. The suspension is also stiffly set which makes sure you get better body control while the ride quality gets affected slightly. However, the ride isn’t bad at all and the GTI still feels comfortable. Braking power is sharp thanks to the all 4 discs while the grip from the 215/45/16 tyres is also very good.

Verdict – The Volkswagen GTI doesn’t have any major negative except the price which is really high since the car is brought down via the CBU route. For someone who wants a practical enough hatchback for daily usage and something that can offer exciting performance, the GTI is a good buy. It also doesn’t look vastly different than a regular Polo and that’s why it won’t draw the kind of attention that probably a MINI Cooper S would. However, people considering the value for money factor should totally stay away from this car since they would possibly compare the GTI to its larger sedan siblings which come with the same engine and gearbox combo for a lesser cost even.

What’s Cool

* Proper sleeper car since it doesn’t look too different than a Polo
* Excellent build on the inside, lots of safety tech too
* Front seats are really comfortable
* Engine + gearbox combo is one of the best

What’s Not So Cool

* CBU pricing

Alternatives: MINI Cooper S, Fiat 595 Competizione