When that limit does arrive, the GTI is very secure and forgiving. The steering is crisp and direct, giving a clear sense of connection to the front axle, which helps you to easily find the limit of grip. It’s also very competent on back roads without being truly thrilling in the manner of the Renaultsport Megane or the, admittedly more expensive, Ford Focus RS. This Mk7.5 Golf GTI drives exactly the same as the previous version, which means it’s perhaps the most refined and civilised hot hatch on sale. The usual automated emergency braking and hazard warning systems are also present. On the driver assistance side Traffic Jam Assist, only available on cars with DSG, is a semi-autonomous function that accelerates, brakes and steers the car in slow moving traffic. This allows the driver to communicate over video with anybody who rings the doorbell, and even allows him or her to unlock the front door remotely. It takes time to learn to navigate its various displays and functions, but it soon becomes a useful and intuitive display.īeyond that, a range of connectivity functions have also been introduced above and beyond the now familiar Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, such as DoorBird, which connects the car to the owner’s home video door intercom system.
Another new option is the Active Info Display, a 12.3-inch screen that replaces the traditional dials and gauges in the instrument binnacle.
