Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

In the Malaysian C-segment hatchback market today, there are quite a few options that combine performance and daily practicality. However, vehicles that manage to balance driving fun with family-use needs are still highly sought after. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50, as an anniversary edition of the brand's classic performance car series, is now launched with upgraded features like a Harman Kardon sound system and a 10.25-inch full-digital instrument cluster, priced at RM 269,012. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to see whether this car, while maintaining the iconic GTI driving feeling, can match its price in terms of features and space performance.

At first glance, the Edition 50 continues the sporty style of the Golf GTI, but details enhance its distinctiveness. The front features a full-width LED daytime running light, paired with a honeycomb grille and GTI-exclusive red accents, giving it greater visual impact compared to the previous model. The car's side profile is sleek, with a length of 4,287mm and a wheelbase of 2,627mm, maintaining a compact body proportion. The 18-inch wheels paired with 225/40 R18 tires further enhance its sporty stance. At the rear, the dual-exit exhaust layout, smoked LED tail lights, and Edition 50 exclusive logo emphasize its special identity. The lighting system comes standard with LED sources across the range, and the addition of automatic headlights and rear fog lights improves everyday convenience.

Inside the car, the interior features a black-and-white color scheme with red stitching and Alcantara upholstery to fully enhance the sporty atmosphere. The dashboard layout is minimalist, with a 10-inch Discover Media touchscreen located centrally. The operation is quite smooth and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 10.25-inch full-digital instrument cluster is clear in display and can show real-time information such as speed, RPM, and fuel consumption. It can also switch to a sport-specific interface. In terms of features, the Edition 50 brings in a new Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system, offering significantly improved sound quality compared to the previous 7-speaker system. The front seats support 12-way electric adjustment, with a memory function for the driver's seat, ensuring comfort even for long drives. Practical features like keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air-conditioning vents are all included.

The space performance meets the positioning of a C-segment hatchback. The front seating space is spacious, and passengers with a height of 1.75 meters, when adjusting the seat properly, still have a fist's space above their heads. Rear seat space is adequate for family users; passengers of the same height seated in the back have about two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom, which is suitable for short daily trips. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers 374L of space, sufficient for 2–3 suitcases. The rear seats also support a 60:40 split fold, which can expand the storage area for larger items, making it convenient to carry long items. Inside the car, multiple storage compartments have been designed, including door pocket storage slots, a center armrest box, and more, providing space for items like phones and water bottles.

Dynamic driving part: The Edition 50 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 180kW (245PS) and a maximum torque of 370N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. The power response is quick when starting, with maximum torque delivered at 1600rpm, and a light press on the accelerator gives a noticeable push-back sensation. When switched to Sport mode, the gearshift logic becomes more aggressive, downshifting speeds up, and when flooring the accelerator during overtaking, the power output is direct. Although the official 0-100km/h acceleration time has not been disclosed, the actual experience feels smoother than the 2022 model.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension leans towards sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. During daily driving, the suspension can filter out most minor road bumps, and when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the car's vibrations are well-controlled, without any jarring bounce. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play. In Sport mode, the steering becomes heavier, providing the driver with clearer road feedback. Being a front-wheel-drive car, the body roll during cornering is well-controlled, the tire grip is sufficient, and the vehicle maintains stability during high-speed turns.

The fuel consumption performance is decent. During this test drive, which included both urban congested roads and highways, the average fuel consumption was about 8.2L/100km, which is close to the official figure. The braking system employs ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear. The brake pedal offers a linear feel, with short stopping distances and good body stability during emergency braking. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise are not very significant during high-speed driving, and when the Harman Kardon sound system is turned on, it effectively masks any residual noise, providing an overall quiet experience that meets the standards for this class.

Compared to models in the same segment, the core advantages of the Edition 50 lie in three aspects: Firstly, the classic GTI driving feel, with power response and handling performance that remain among the best in its class. Secondly, the apparent upgrade in features; configurations such as the Harman Kardon sound system and fully digital instrument cluster are uncommon in similarly priced performance hatchbacks. Thirdly, it offers good practicality, making it more suitable for family use compared to pure performance-oriented models. However, compared to the 2022 Golf GTI, the Edition 50 is approximately RM 23,000 more expensive, with the main differences being the sound system and instrument cluster, which might lead budget-conscious buyers to prefer the older model.

Overall, the 2024 Golf GTI Edition 50 is suitable for two types of users: young people who pursue driving pleasure, as its power and handling can meet the needs of daily commuting and weekend spirited driving; and small families that value practicality, as its spacious interior and rich features cater to both family outings and personal driving enjoyment. If you're looking for a hatchback that can handle both daily driving and occasional adventures, the Edition 50 is worth considering.

In conclusion, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 continues the sporty genes of the GTI series. The upgraded features enhance everyday usability, and its spacious interior can also meet family needs. Although the price has slightly increased, the exclusive identity of the anniversary edition and its feature advantages still make it competitive within the segment of performance hatchbacks.