Mr. M

VAGSG, a Volkswagen AG enthusiast club, set up a get-together at the VW showroom on a Sunday afternoon specially for forum members to learn about VW's newest toy, the TSI engine in the Golf GT. After which, test drive slots were provided and I instantly grabbed mine.



The presentation lasted an hour, and amongst its distinguished guests were Dr. Olaf Duebel, the big boss of Volkswagen Singapore as well as the head of the TSI team, Mr Hermann Middledorf ,flown from Germany specially for the launch of the Golf GT in Singapore.

VW hosted us very well. They had LCD TVs for the presentation..



The PR Head of VGS welcomed us...



The guy from VAGSG who organised this GTG...



Dr. Olaf Duebel himself...



Mr. Hermann Middledorf... (shh... Don't tell him, but he's boring at presentations!)



They spoke about the engine in detail, how it works and how the team had to work around its obstacles to finally come up with it. It's a very complicated engine with a valve that opens and closes which essentially selects whether to use the supercharger and turbocharger, depending on the driver's input. It's amazing to say the least, and I really marvel at its fruition.

Then they let us touch every part of the car after the presentation. Some pics...









The interior's really improved:




The boost gauge is cool.






Black trim that's really neat.

Some insights to the showroom:















Next came the test drive.

We had an awesome SE who really let us test the limits of the car. He was 'go go, just floor it!' and we did. We were like boy racers as we sped from traffic light to traffic light, going crazy. As a passenger I felt it was more comfortable than the GTI, but then you sort of feel the power deficiency. You don't really feel pushed to your seats like in the GTI. My dad also said too that there's some lag at initial acceleration. This is weird because isn't the Twincharger supposed to eliminate lag? It's probably due to the weight. Also my dad didn't feel it but the car vibrated a little from standstill to movement, I don't know why.

But the power? Just unimaginable from a 1.4. The wheels chipped always and the power delivery up to 7krpm was smooth and linear. The DSG was a little hesitant at times though, holding gears when we're nearing a traffic light. But I guess it's just trying to learn after all the test drives, with people driving in different styles. But if you drive it like that you're gonna get about 9.9L/100km, which comes dangerously close to the GTI if you ask me. And since the car's 5/6ths the price of a GTI, I think I'll still go for the GTI. It's the hard-edged, sports car kind of machine. The GT's a cruiser with some fun if you want it, but it isn't a sports car. People who like a good balance of both will love the GT.

That's all, hope you guys enjoyed the review.

BMW_Dude

Great review, karma given!

How come you're having all these test drives lately, you are lucky your dad will go them, I've tried with my dad, but he's never interested!

Also I never knew you drive on the left side of the road like us!

For me personally, I'd get the diesel golf GT, it has the same power as the car you drove, but a load more torque. Do you get diesels in Singapore?

I agree though it's amazing how much power they have managed to get from a 1.4! It will be interesting if they apply the same technology to the V6s and V8s in the Audis, I think it could make an even bigger difference in fuel economy in those larger engines!

Mr. M

Me and my dad go see cars almost every weekend so it's like a hobby to both of us. My dad always isn't nearly as interested as me but he supports what I love and he has nothing to do during the weekends too. That's why he comes with me for test drives!

Yeah, we were once a British colony that's why...

Nope, no diesels, that's why this 1.4TSI is especially important for markets like ours. But it's way overpriced here, at the GT's price you can get a Focus ST.

During the presentation, Mr. Hermann did mention that TSI will be applied across the range of engine displacements eventually... So stay tuned. It's a pity though, that after the first shipment of 170bhp GTs, we'll be getting 140bhp GTs from then on. I have no idea why, the 170bhp one is supposed to be some limited edition run.

Oh and I forgot to add in my review, the combined sound of the supercharger and turbocharger is just awesome!

BMW_Dude

I'll have to have a talk with my dad!

I'd do it myself, but somehow I don't think they'd allow a 17 year old who passed his test 4 months ago loose in a brand new car.

Weird how the power will change, here we get both the 140bhp and 170bhp versions. The 140bhp is a sport, while the 170bhp is in GT form! It's more expensive than the Focus ST here as well, but you are getting a nicer car!

Mr. M

Haha yea they wouldn't let me have a go at it too if I get my licence, unless I join an editorial team of a motoring magazine, now wouldn't that be great.

Interesting! VGS keeps telling us it's a limited edition. Only 45 of the 170bhp versions are allocated to Singapore!

Many people in Singapore are put off by the price. By my gut feel I don't think the GT will take off in Singapore; oh well, we already have more than 300 GTIs here which is a record by any means!

phaeton

Great review James Thanks

Mr. M

Thanks phaeton - BTW, do you happen to know Mr. Middledorf?

phaeton

No I don't

On the 170-140hp thing I think that maybe exclusive to Singapore, VW UK have launched a new line called GT Sport which combines 140 & 170hp TSI & TDI engines - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I think VW Singapore are just making it a Limited Edition just to test market and possibly could be due to Golf VI coming next year.

cawimmer430

Nice review and pictures, Mirage!

The little 1.4-l engine sounds amazing. Kudos to VW for pressing forth this technology. Quite innovative!

Karma given.

Mr. M

Yeah, they are using the 170hp 'limited edition' GTs to test the market, now that the first shipment was sold out, they're considering bringing in more 170hp GTs to meet demand! So it's really up to demand.

My sis (or rather me) is eyeing on a 140hp GT...

Thanks!