The humble Golf will be the basis for go-faster machines, as per tradition. - VW
Words by Marcus Boothby
As is tradition, VW will produce go-faster models of its bread and butter model, the Golf. The Golf has recently been redesigned into the Mk8 which means a nicer interior, new styling and general improvements over the Mk7, which itself is still an excellent car.
However, as we are all car enthusiasts here, we look forward to the fast models as they are the ones we dream of owning. So, like the Mk7, the Mk8 Golf will get fast models and we can reveal there will initially be five separate models for all tastes. More may come but we only know about five go-faster models for now.
By the way, four of the five models aren't out yet so we won't be using renders or spy shots, as we don't want any legal trouble coming my way. Besides, you can probably imagine what they look like anyway.
Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is now the base model for the fast Golf range and should still be a blast to drive. We know that the GTI will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in a few months time, packing a familiar 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine good for about 240bhp. We're pretty sure that VW will offer a performance pack to give you a little more power and a better driving response but we only care for the tartan seats. If you want a faster GTI, you'll want what's next.
Golf GTI TCR
So, the GTI TCR will be the fastest variant of the GTI with inspiration from the Golf TCR race cars which can be seen all over Europe's racing tracks on weekends. In essence, the Golf GTI TCR is the closest thing to a racing Golf for the road and should directly rival the RenaultSport Megane thanks to less overall weight and an increase in power to a respectable 296bhp, which makes it as powerful as the current Mk7 Golf R. Like the GTI, the GTI TCR will be front-wheel drive.
Golf GTD
Next up, we have the Golf GTD which is making a return for the Mk8. We were initially doubtful that the GTD would return after VW's Dieselgate shenanigans, but hey, the demand for a diesel GTI is still there. Fans of the GTD are in for a treat as it'll have 197bhp going to the front wheels and presumably bucket loads of torque. However, we'd personally go for the next option.
Golf GTE
This is what happens when you combine good fuel economy and performance, what's not to like? - VW
If you think about it, the Golf GTE actually makes a lot of sense. Purists will get angry but, mating a powerful electric motor to a small petrol engine is the recipe for the perfect hot hatch. Sure, you don't get the same driving experience as say a GTI but, how could you say no to 240bhp and better economy and range? But there's a problem, it's direct rival is the GTI which has the same power output and similar performance numbers. Maybe it would be worth taking the GTI and GTE out for a twin-test to see which is the better car. The GTE is one to keep an eye on.
Golf R
Ok, this is the R-Line model but it gives us a strong indication of what the Golf R will look like. - VW
Last of all, we have the go like hell version of the Golf; the Golf R. The Golf R has been loved by enthusiasts all over the world thanks to its AWD system and powerful engine. The formula remains the same for the Mk8 Golf R but now the mega-hatch comes with give or take 330bhp which is good. Sure, it's not a 400bhp rocket like the Mercedes A45 AMG S, but 330bhp should be enough for most people. It'll be expensive though, so expect to pay at least £40,000 for an unoptioned Golf R.