One track. The three members of VW’s modern GTI range. And a guest appearance by the 40-something car that started it all. Welcome to VW’s GTI Performance Day.
Even if you know the story of how the Golf GTI came about it’s worth revisiting. With Beetle production finally drawing to a close the Golf was already a huge step forward for VW. But PR boss Anton Konrad could see further potential and convened a meeting with four like-minded colleagues from product management, chassis engineering, interior design and marketing.
Together they reckoned a Golf with slightly sharper handling, a little more power and some visual flourishes could do everything the new hatch was already doing so well. Just a bit faster. In 1975 the car was ready to share with the public, pessimists in the sales division saying “you won’t sell 500 of these GTI cars” as it made its debut. By the close of Mk1 production, VW had sold nearly half a million.
There have been ups and downs in the 40-plus years since. But GTI is now a VW sub-brand in its own right, with three models in a range topped by the latest version of the Golf.
This remains the definitive GTI and modern expression of the original values. These days that includes lapping the Nurburgring faster than Porsche 911 GT3s of just a few years back. That GTI Clubsport S is a limited-edition special but the freshly updated GTI Performance at is near-as-dammit fast while retaining all the daily conveniences (rear seats included) you’d want from any Golf.
In most powerful front-wheel-drive cars you get some manner of steering corruption under power but the Golf remains absolutely steadfast and composed. It’s a beautifully balanced and predictable car that flatters everyday drivers but still rewards enthusiasts with an extra, ‘hidden’ level of agility. Whisper it but it’s actually more fun than the Golf R as a result.
Swapping to the Polo is interesting. While the Golf GTI swaggers with self-confidence you sense Volkswagen still hasn’t entirely settled on the Polo’s role. While most cars in this class have downsized their engines the Polo GTI has recently graduated from a 1.4 to a 1.8 and now shares a detuned 200hp version of the Golf’s 2.0-litre.
You can get the Golf in three- or five-door form and with a choice of gearboxes. But the Polo is five-door and DSG dual-clutch auto only. It’s not that much smaller than the Golf and nor is it a great deal slower. Like for like a five-door DSG Golf GTI is £8,000 more expensive too. So, the Polo GTI is an absolute steal, right?
Reality is it’s probably for those who want the GTI look and performance. But wouldn’t call themselves out-and-out enthusiasts. Without the Golf’s fancier technology and with a gearbox that stubbornly does its own thing rather than let you take control it’s less rewarding on track than you’d hope. On the road, it’s fast, refined and well-equipped but somehow lacks that special sparkle.
The real revelation is the Up! GTI. With this car, VW has returned to the size and spirit of the Mk1 Golf GTI with a baby hot hatch that ditches the gimmicks and concentrates on fun. The 115ps power output matches that of the Mk1, it’s pretty much the same size and its 1,070kg kerb weight is 300kg less than the modern Golf. You don’t get any driver modes, there’s no pretence it’ll lap the Nurburgring in record time and the on-paper performance stats aren’t that impressive.
None of that matters at the wheel. Because here understand why the original Golf GTI was such an instant hit. It’s a car you can safely thrash without fears it’ll bite you. It’s as fun for city streets as it is twisty country roads. It looks good, with a premium vibe but classless appeal. It costs peanuts to run but has enough toys and gadgets to make the daily commute bearable. The Golf GTI costs twice as much and has more than double the power. But the Up! GTI is not half the car.
The current Golf GTI is arguably the best version Volkswagen has yet built. But the Up! GTI might just be even better.
Volkswagen
Up!
Golf
Polo
GTI
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Leading women of business, sport, fashion and media, take part in one of the most exciting horseracing events in the world.
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account