FEW can claim to match Volkswagen's (VW) Golf GTI when it comes to hot hatches.
Car lovers know of it and the uninitiated would have heard of it. Either through personal experience or by word of mouth, the GTI has come to define what makes the Golf a standout.
Continuing that legacy is the MK8 model. Despite being the middle sibling, nestled between the more affordable R-Line and below the flagship R, the GTI variant suffices when it comes to that need for speed.
Its new, modern disposition with a heavy emphasis on interactive technology cannot hide its true nature. So a fair warning to those looking to consider the German carmaker's hatchback - the Golf GTI MK8 at its heart is all about the drive.
NEW STANDARD
Locally assembled at Pekan, Pahang - a first for a GTI to be assembled outside of Germany and China - the hot hatch is powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine coupled with a seven-speed wet clutch DSG that produces 245PS and 370Nm of torque.
It goes from 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds, has a top speed of 250kph, and a fuel consumption of approximately 7.0L/100km
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To emphasise the drive sensation, the car comes with a vehicle dynamics manager system for further personalisation, including various pre-determined modes, as well as dynamic steering and adaptive suspension.
Its appearance is marked by a sporty signature honeycomb front grille, red GTI trims, 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels with red brake callipers and full LED headlamps and taillights.
The cabin features red trim sport seats, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit with multiple colour themes and views (including a GTI-specific skin), and a multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control and heating.
The driver's seat comes with power adjustable memory feature and lumbar support, too. All the seats are Vienna leather finished.
An advanced 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard offers 3D inbuilt navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and seven high-quality speakers.
The vehicle is supported by an intelligent voice control system, easily activated by saying "Hello Volkswagen" or by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. Another of the vehicle's smart features is a quick entry access, in which the doors are unlocked automatically when the vehicle key is within the detection zone.
There are up to 30 ambient lighting colours to choose from, in addition to five pre-set colour modes (Infinity, Eternity, Desire, Euphoria and Vitality).
Its three-zone climatronic aircon is equipped with Air Care to filter out pollen, spores and particulates to keep the in-cabin air clean.
The GTI also comes with a tyre pressure loss indicator and a 374-litre boot space.
A key safety feature is its frame constructed using a combination of high-quality steel that is extensively engineered to provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an accident.
Other safety features include electronic stability control, post collision braking system that prevents a second collision, electronic differential lock that improves traction and reduces understeer, and six airbags for post-collision protection.
The all-new Golf GTI MK8 comes with a recommended retail price of RM211,689.54 (with sales tax exemption).
It is available in five colour options of Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing, Deep Black, Oryx White with pearl effect, matte Moonstone Grey and metallic Kings Red.
ROAD EASY
In Cars, Bikes and Trucks' previous short go with the car, we talked about how capable it was on the Sepang International Circuit track.
The combination of its engine, sports-tuned handling and suspension, new low frame that kept the body roll to a minimum and the right tyres (the ones that don't cause a slip but neither do they plant themselves too firmly) meant it was more than capable of delivering the necessary performance for the occasion.
Ecstasy was when it gave me the confidence needed to enter and power out of corners as well as the effortlessness of track manoeuvrability.
Now that we have been given more time with the car outside the circuit run, we can confirm its track performance translates to sheer joy on urban roads.
It achieves two major things few cars can: Making you a better driver and making you want to drive.
Let me explain. The sports tuning and dynamics of the car allows you to achieve certain feats with greater ease in a decent-sized car. This includes quick and seamless acceleration combined with dynamic steering wheel handling and a very sharp turning radius.
Add the tyres, suspension, brakes and a solid body frame on a not-so-weighty hatchback, this means you truly get to feel your drive surrounding without compromising on safety.
This not only gives you confidence but also the enabling tools needed to push and elevate your driving skills up a notch.
Its agility and dexterity also means you never feel bored driving the Golf GTI MK8. The sense of rush you get is one you feel you have control over at all times .
However, Cars, Bikes and Trucks strongly advises against speeding and driving beyond your means. The car only makes you a better driver relative to your driving skills.
What's divisive is the cabin's multimedia interactivity. It's no secret that VW is hoping to tap a more youthful tech-savvy lifestyle crowd with the car - the knobs and buttons are gone, with all functions accessible via touchscreen display or surface panel.
It has a very modern look to it that can go either way: Not distracting you from your drive for how clean it is, or distracting you as you figure out how to access certain features, including entertainment, air conditioning and even selecting the car's performance mode.
The mini-steering paddle shifters are your only means for gear control outside of the standard drive, reverse, neutral and parking.
HOT HATCH KING
With everything considered, the heart of the Golf GTI has always been about a superior driving experience as a package.
If you never felt it with the previous models or never understood its appeal, you may still want to consider giving the MK8 a shot.
As always, there's nothing too radical or outlandish about the Golf's design for all the right reasons. Updated, it is just ever so slightly sporty enough to hint towards a good ol' time of a drive, and then it suddenly springs on you with its sheer drive experience.
One area it needs working on is its function interactivity as VW is clearly gearing towards a full digital in-cabin experience here. The media user interface is a hit or miss, bordering between functional, plain, and spotty - a bit laggy at times or don't always load properly.
Thankfully, this doesn't affect everything else about the car, especially its drive performance. That and the drive mode can be accessed through an external touch surface panel.
The drive is the most important characteristic of the car and this more than makes up for any of its other shortcomings.
Simply thrilling and easy, it's safe to say the Golf GTI MK8 is one of the most exciting and fun cars to drive to date.
Few cars can make us feel so very reluctant when it was time to return the keys as we just wanted to go one more round with it. And then another.
We'd reckon the pricier Golf R MK8 will be a step up in everything the GTI can offer and then some more. That said, there's no complaining when you consider what you're getting for the price.
It never stops trying to pull you in and it gives you just enough of everything needed to love a hot hatch - and that's what makes it a king contender.